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The NMC’s representative submitted that Nurse A had only demonstrated limited insight into their serious misconduct and acted in a way not befitting of a registered nurse.
NMC’s representative invited the panel to impose a suspension order for 12 months.
Decision and reasons on sanction
The panel went on to consider what sanction, if any, it should impose in this case.
As regards aggravating factors, the panel considered the following as relevant:
- Patients in Nurse A’s care were exposed to a risk of unwarranted harm;
- The misconduct identified was serious, in particular, Nurse A’s dishonesty;
- Nurse A only demonstrated limited insight into the misconduct identified.
As regards mitigating factors, the panel considered the following as relevant:
- Nurse A made some admissions to the charges;
- Nurse A provided a positive reference from a senior charge nurse, and also provided evidence of retraining in relation to some of the areas of concern.
The panel concluded that taking no action would be inappropriate.
The panel decided that a caution order would be inappropriate.
The panel decided that a suspension order for six months would be an appropriate and proportionate sanction in this case.
The panel also concluded that a striking-off order would be disproportionate.
Submissions on interim order
NMC’s representative invited the panel to impose an interim suspension order for a period of 18 months.
Decision and reasons on interim order
The panel was satisfied that an interim order was necessary for the protection of the public and is in the public interest.
The panel imposed an interim suspension order for 18 months.
