Nurse faces consequences of not observing a suicidal client adequately.

MARAEA HENDERSON, RN

The Nursing Council has found registered nurse (RN) Maraea Henderson guilty of professional misconduct on the grounds her conduct amounted to negligent practice and fell below the relevant standard of care.

In its decision last November, the Council found a charge of failing to adequately observe and assess a suicidal client for evidence of, or potential for, self harm after blood had been reported in the client's sink, constituted professional misconduct. The Council was of the opinion that if there was any question of blood in the sink of a client who was suicidal and had attempted suicide and self harming behaviours on previous occasions, this would cause concern and require immediate investigation and assessment by the nurse. The Council did not accept that a superficial assessment, by viewing the client's head and shoulder above the shower curtain, was an adequate assessment, given the client's history and the report that there was blood in the sink.

While the Council noted Henderson was concerned for the client's privacy and dignity, she did admit that the safety of the client is one of the most basic concepts of nursing practice and would always override privacy concerns. The Council also noted that at this time in her nursing career, Henderson could be considered a competent RN and whatever the dynamics between staff, she would be expected to know that the patient's safety was paramount.

The Council ordered that:

* Henderson practise with conditions for a period of 12 months from the date she commences employment. The conditions include an employer approved by the Nursing Council; an employer-nominated clinical supervisor approved by Nursing Council, and progress reports by the clincial supervisor to be submitted to Nursing Council every three months. Should the reports indicate that Henderson has not achieved the competency required, the Council will review the penalty it has imposed.

* Henderson pay $13,000, being 35 percent of actual costs and expenses of, and incidental to, the inquiry by the Preliminary Proceedings Committee and the Nursing Council.

* A notice stating the effect of the Orders be published in the Nursing Council's Newsletter, New Zealand Gazette and Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand, and released to accredited members of the media on request.

No identifying details of other health professionals, the institutions or clients are to be published.