B.C. nurse suspended for stealing and using narcotics from work

A nurse holds a tablet in this stock image. (Shutterstock)

A registered nurse in B.C. has been handed a one-week suspension for diverting narcotics from the workplace for personal use and working while impaired, according to the regulatory body for the profession.

The B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives entered a consent agreement with the nurse last week to “address concerns” that occurred between April of 2022 and 2024.

“The registrant was diagnosed with and admitted to a disability with a causal relationship to the practice issues via an independent medical report and they have agreed to comply with the treatment recommendations,” reads an online summary of that agreement.

The college says the nurse received a one-week suspension and a public reprimand for the narcotic diversion, self-use and practising while impaired.

In addition, the worker will be medically monitored for five years, must complete an ethics course, and upon returning to work will have limited access to narcotics, will not be allowed to work night shifts, overtime, as the nurse-in charge or supervise students.

“The inquiry committee recognizes that nurses and midwives, like any member of the public, may grapple with health issues that may impact their ability to practice safely, competently, and ethically. BCCNM expects that registrants will work only when they are fit to do so and will remove themselves from practise when they are unwell,” the notice reads.

“The inquiry committee is satisfied that the terms will protect the public.”

The nurse is not named in the decision for medical privacy reasons.