Nurse attended work ‘while unfit to practice,’ college says

A medical stethoscope is seen in this undated image. (Shutterstock)

A B.C. nurse has admitted to attending work “while unfit to practice,” and has been disciplined for the conduct, according to the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives.

The college posted a summary of its consent agreement with the nurse online this week.

The brief document indicates the registered nurse went to work on Sept. 20, 2024, while unfit to practice, but it does not elaborate on the specific reason the nurse was unfit.

The summary also does not name the nurse or specify their gender.

“Pursuant to BCCNM Responsibility and Accountability Professional Standards, nurses are required to maintain their own physical, psychological, and emotional fitness to practice,” the summary document reads.

“When a nurse becomes unfit to practice, they are expected to remove themselves from practice.”

This nurse did not do so, according to the document.

Under the consent agreement, the nurse agreed to provide the college with “a medical note indicating fitness to practice prior to returning to practice,” according to the summary.

The nurse also agreed to not work alone and not work night shifts for a period of three months after returning to practice.

“The Inquiry Committee is satisfied that the terms will address the professional and practice concerns that arose and will protect the public.”