On January 23, 2014, CRNBC received a letter of complaint raising concern about Susan Hickman of Burnaby, BC. Specifically, the Registrant’s excessive absenteeism during July 2013 to January 2014 raised concerns regarding her ability to maintain currency and competency in her role as a Community Health Nurse. A subsequent practice assessment conducted by the workplace identified competency concerns related to:
- Medical reconciliation;
- Aseptic technique;
- Falls assessments and prevention strategies for her clients;
- Failure to consistently and accurately document her nursing care;
- Wound care;
- Clinical decision making;
- Comprehensive client assessments; and
- Knowledge of specific clinical protocols.
The Registrant cooperated during the course of investigation and, on her own initiative, completed numerous educational courses to address competence concerns. She indicated that challenges related to her workplace undermined her ability to perform well as a nurse. She voluntarily entered a Consent Agreement on November 12, 2015 agreeing to terms equivalent to a condition on practice, including: maintaining non-practising registration pending the completion of a CRNBC Regulatory Practise Consultation series and creation of a Learning Plan (or equivalent) to be submitted to prospective employers to ensure continuing competence and management of absenteeism. She voluntarily agreed to ongoing support and supervision in the workplace for a period of 12 months.
The Inquiry Committee is satisfied that the terms will protect the public.