Registered nurse Jennifer Cassidy has had her registration suspended by the State Administrative Tribunal of Western Australia after she admitted to violating professional boundaries with two patients and supplying patients with medication without authorisation.
Ms Cassidy admitted to breaching professional boundaries with two patients – aged 18 and 20 – while she was employed as a nurse at a private psychiatric hospital. She communicated with the patients outside of their treatment including via text message and social media
Ms Cassidy also admitted to taking the patients on a camping trip with her partner, and to purchasing cannabis from a relative of one of the patients.
Further, Ms Cassidy admitted that she had provided the two patients with Schedule 4 medications, including lorazepam and diazepam, despite not being authorised to do so. She was also found to have misappropriated Schedule 4 medication tablets from the hospital.
The tribunal found that the practitioner was guilty of professional misconduct, and suspended her registration 18 months. Conditions were also placed on her registration once the period of suspension had concluded, which includes a prohibition of any non-clinical communications with patients, and further education and mentorship. Further, Ms Cassidy was ordered to pay $4,000 towards the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s costs to bring the matter.
The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association recommends that members abide by their respective codes of conduct at all times. If members are in need of assistance, including with matters of professional conduct, you can contact the Association here.