B.C. nurse suspended for two months for breaching regulator’s conditions

A B.C. nurse, who was previously facing criminal charges, has been suspended for two months for breaching restrictions placed on him by the regulator.

According to a March 22 B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives decision, registered nurse Robert Harris administered IV medication and a blood product on two occasions when he was not allowed to do so without supervision.

The nursing regulator says Harris, who practices in Prince George, was involved in a series of incidents between July and November 2022 that involved, "inadequate documentation, unsafe medication and blood product administration, communication of patient detail, and professional accountability."

The regulator says Harris didn't adhere to standards related to documentation and safe medication administration.

This is not the first time Harris has been in trouble with the regulator.

In 2021 while working in Delta, Harris failed to disclose that he'd been criminally charged. The nursing regulator doesn't say what Harris was charged with and it doesn't appear that he was ever convicted.

At the time he was given a public reprimand and ordered to complete coursework on ethics.

His latest infraction puts limits on his scope of practice.

READ MORE: B.C. nurse who used 'mood-altering substances' put on conditions

The decision says along with a two-month suspension, he's barred from working in high-acuity or critical care environments.

He's also barred from being the sole registered nurse on duty for a year and has a six-month prohibition from assuming in-charge duties.

Harris will have to undertake remedial education in medication administration, documentation, ethics, intrapersonal and professional communication, and critical thinking.

He will also do a "robust orientation" of clinical competencies and be under direct supervision for 144 hours.

Harris signed a consent agreement admitting to his conduct.

READ MORE: B.C. nurse reprimanded for using 'undue force' with patient

The nursing regulator says it's satisfied that the terms will protect the public.

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