NZ Nurse admits misconduct

A Timaru nurse has been found guilty of professional misconduct after administering non-prescribed drugs to patients.

Raewyn Jackson admitted giving drugs which had not been prescribed by a doctor to seven patients at Talbot Park hospital in Timaru during November and December 2004, and agreed that her actions constituted misconduct at a hearing in April.

The health practitioners tribunal also concluded she was guilty of professional misconduct after evidence from hospital staff and expert witnesses.

The offences occurred when Jackson was working as a part-time relief nurse on the Watlington Wing – a dementia ward at Talbot Park.

During that time, she administered drugs which were not prescribed for patients, breaching the Medical Act and contravening the hospital's standing orders which listed the drugs registered nurses were allowed to give.

In its report of its decision, the tribunal panel said it was in "no doubt Jackson's actions were serious and such a significant departure from accepted standards that a disciplinary sanction must be imposed for the purposes of maintaining professional standards and protecting the community".

The panel took into account that Jackson was under severe personal stress at the time the offences occurred, and believed she was acting in the best interests of the patients.

It also noted that in some cases, drugs administered by Jackson were prescribed by a doctor after the patients were reviewed.

The tribunal ordered that Jackson undergo an assessment with the Nursing Council of New Zealand, including a report from a psychiatrist or psychologist, that she practise under supervision of a registered nurse for two years from when she returns to work and that she agree to a professional development plan with her employer.

It also ordered that she should pay $5000 towards the cost of the Professional Conduct Committee which investigated and brought the original charges and $5000 towards the cost of the tribunal hearing.

By ARWEN HANN

Article from www.stuff.co.nz