A Christchurch nurse has been struck off for borrowing money from rest home patients and in one instance, a patient's daughter.
The Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, in a decision released today, found Jo-Anne Scull guilty of professional misconduct in relation to inappropriate financial gain and a breach of professional boundaries.
In April 2008 Ms Scull borrowed $4000 from the daughter of a patient in the rest home where she was working and failed to repay it until the daughter suggested referring the matter to the Small Claims Court.
In late 2008 she borrowed $600 from a patient and failed to repay it until required to do so by management.
Also in late 2008, Ms Scull borrowed either $160 or $180 from a patient and failed to pay it back until required to do so by the rest home management.
She was ordered to pay $10,000 in costs and, if she ever seeks to be re-registered, she will have to undergo trainings in ethics and the nursing codes of conduct.
"A registered health practitioner must behave in a way which does not abuse the imbalance of power between the practitioner and the patient. The borrowing of money, even when the offer is made by the patient is forbidden," the tribunal panel said.
