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The Licensed Practical Nurses Act (2005) section16(1) gives the CLPNNL Registrar the authority to attempt to resolve an allegation where it appears it may be resolved satisfactorily. The CLPNNL Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) Policy outlines the process undertaken by the Registrar in the development and execution of an ADR to resolve the allegation. Where the allegation is not satisfactorily resolved by the Registrar, the allegation will be referred to the Complaints Authorization Committee (CAC). Additionally, section 17(1)(a) indicates that an allegation that has been referred to the CAC may be referred back to the Registrar for ADR and/or investigation.
The following notifications are provided in accordance with the CLPNNL Board policy Notification in the Professional Conduct Review (PCR) Process approved December 2019.
Member’s name: Trina Noble, CLPNNL # 5355
Nature of Complaint: It is alleged that the Member is guilty of conduct deserving of sanction in the nature of professional misconduct and breaches of Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics for Licensed Practical Nurses, by taking of a photograph of a resident in a vulnerable state, and forwarding it to a colleague together with text messages, all without any apparent or valid purpose relating to the resident’s care or welfare, thereby showing a lack of respect for the dignity of the resident.
Hearing date(s): January 8 and 9, 2025
Location: College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador, 209 Blackmarsh Road, St. John’s, NL.
IN THE MATTER OF A Complaint against Shawna Regular, Licensed Practical Nurse, Referred to the Disciplinary Panel for a disciplinary hearing before an Adjudication Tribunal (the “Adjudication Tribunal”) appointed pursuant to subsection 17(3) of Licensed Practical Nurses Act, 2005 (the “Act”).
On July 17, 2024, the Adjudication Tribunal of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (CLPNNL) found Shawna Regular, Licensed Practical Nurse, (the “Respondent”) not guilty of conduct deserving of sanction in the matter of the Complaint.
The Complaint was that the Respondent was in breach of the Standards of Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses and Principles of the CLPNNL Code of Ethics, by taking a photograph of a resident in a vulnerable state, and showing it to a colleague on or about April 19-20, 2022 at Baie Verte Health Care Centre, all without any apparent or valid purpose relating to the resident’s care or welfare, thereby showing a lack of respect for the dignity of the resident, constituting reasonable grounds to believe that the Respondent engaged in professional misconduct and/or conduct deserving of sanction as a practical nurse.
By an Agreed Statement of Facts submitted to the Adjudication Tribunal, the Respondent denied that she took any such photograph of the resident and denied that she showed any such photograph to any other person, and denied that any such photo ever existed. The Respondent and the College agreed, however, that if the Adjudication Tribunal found that such a photo was taken by the Respondent it:
(a) Would represent a breach by the Respondent of each and every Standard of Practice identified by the College in its March 22, 2024 Amended Notice of Referral;
(b) Was not made for any care-related purpose that would justify taking such a photograph; and
(c) Would be professional misconduct and/or conduct deserving of sanction as a licenced practical nurse.
The Adjudication Tribunal noted that the only evidence which supported the Complaint came from the colleague of the Respondent who alleged that she had been shown the photograph by the Respondent on or about April 19-20, 2022, and that no photograph was entered into evidence. While the Adjudication Tribunal accepted that a finding could be made on the basis of the colleague’s testimony alone, it was not satisfied that the colleague’s testimony was sufficiently cogent in the circumstances. The Adjudication Tribunal found that the colleague’s recollections of the details surrounding the location, and timing, of the alleged showing of the photograph were fluid and lacked clarity. The Adjudication Tribunal found that CLPNNL failed to establish, on the balance of probabilities, that the photograph had been shown by the Respondent to the colleague. The Adjudication Tribunal, in accordance with section 21(2) of the Act, dismissed the Complaint in its entirety.
With reference to section 7(b) of the CLPNNL Policy on Notification in the Professional Conduct Review (PCR) Process, the Respondent has consented to her name being included in this Decision Summary.
April 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025
On July 24, 2024, the CLPNNL Complaints Authorization Committee (CAC) dismissed an allegation filed against an LPN. The Complainant was a member of the public. The allegation was that the LPN did not properly assess and intervene to provide the care required for a family member of the Complainant. An investigation was ordered by the CAC and an investigator was appointed. Following a thorough review of the investigation findings, the CAC was satisfied that there were not reasonable grounds to believe that the LPN violated any Standards of Practice or provisions of the Code of Ethics or was in any way guilty of conduct deserving of sanction. The CAC dismissed the Allegation.
On April 29, 2024, the CLPNNL Registrar resolved an allegation filed against an LPN. The Complainant was the LPN’s employer. The allegation related to the LPN displaying unprofessional behaviour and communication in their interaction with a client, as well as lack of documentation of the alleged interaction. The Complainants Authorization Committee (CAC) reviewed the matter and concluded that the matter could be resolved by the Registrar with an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) agreement. The LPN, as part of the resolution agreement, completed remedial education including the LPN Code of Ethics Learning Module, Regulating LPN Practice, Jurisprudence, Righting a Wrong – Ethics and Professionalism in Nursing, and De-Escalation Series Modules. Additionally, the LPN met individually with CLPNNL’s Practice Consultant and discussed the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, as well as Accountability and Fitness to Practice. Finally, the LPN submitted an essay reflecting on their behavior and how it did not meet the Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics or expectations of the profession, and the impact of the required remedial learnings on their professional practice in the future.
On April 1, 2024, the CLPNNL Registrar resolved an allegation filed against an LPN. The Complainant was the LPN’s employer. The allegation related to unprofessional behavior, inappropriate care, inappropriate communication with co-workers, and incivility in the workplace. There was no allegation of harm to any client. An investigation requested by the Complaints Authorization Committee (CAC) was completed. The CAC reviewed the investigation report and concluded that the matter could be resolved by the Registrar with an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) agreement. An agreement with the CLPNNL, the Complainant and the LPN resulted in the LPN relinquishing their license to practice as resolution to the allegation. While the LPN’s stated intention is to not seek licensure as an LPN in the future, they were advised that should they change their stated intention and want to return to practice as an LPN, they will be required to fulfill the terms and conditions outlined in the ADR that they were provided with on April 1, 2024.
On April 1, 2024, the CLPNNL Registrar resolved an allegation filed against an LPN. The Complainant was the LPN’s employer. The allegation related to unprofessional behavior, inappropriate communication with clients, and incivility in the workplace. There was no allegation of harm to any client. An investigation requested by the Complaints Authorization Committee (CAC) was completed. The CAC reviewed the investigation report and concluded that the matter could be resolved by the Registrar with an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) agreement. An agreement with the CLPNNL, the Complainant and the LPN resulted in the LPN relinquishing their license to practice as resolution to the allegation. While the LPN’s stated intention is to not seek licensure as an LPN in the future, they were advised that should they change their intention and want to return to practice as an LPN, they will be required to fulfill the terms and conditions outlined in the ADR that they were provided with on April 1, 2024.
April 1, 2023 - March 31, 2024
During the 2023-2024 licensure year, the Registrar resolved Allegations with 5 LPNs who practiced without a license. Registration with the CLPNNL indicates that the LPNs credentials were assessed, and they have the necessary knowledge, skill and judgment to provide safe, competent and ethical nursing services. Additionally, LPNs who practice without a license fail to maintain liability protection as required in accordance with the Licensed Practical Nurses Act (2005). The number of days practiced varied up to 12 days maximum. LPNs who practice without a licence pay a fine of $100 per day to a maximum of $1000. Applicable fines, as outlined in the CLPNNL policy, were applied to each LPN accordingly.
On March 21, 2024, the CLPNNL Complaints Authorization Committee (CAC) dismissed an allegation filed against an LPN. The Complainant was the LPN’s employer. The allegation related to the LPN displaying unprofessional behaviour and communication in their interaction with clients. An investigation was ordered by the CAC and an investigator was appointed. Following a thorough review of the investigation findings, the CAC was of the opinion that there were not reasonable grounds to believe that the LPN engaged in Conduct Deserving of Sanction as set out in the Licensed Practical Nurses Act (2005) and the allegation was dismissed.
On February 29, 2024, the CLPNNL Registrar resolved an allegation filed against an LPN. The Complainant was the LPN’s employer. The allegation related to unprofessional behavior, inappropriate care, inappropriate communication with co-workers, and incivility in the workplace. There was no allegation of harm to any client. The Complaints Authorization Committee (CAC) reviewed the matter and concluded that the matter could be resolved by the Registrar with an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) agreement. The LPN, as part of the resolution agreement, completed remedial education including the LPN Code of Ethics Learning Module, Regulating LPN Practice, Jurisprudence, Communication in Nursing, Righting a Wrong – Ethics and Professionalism in Nursing, and Respectful Workplaces – Building Healthy Relationships. Additionally, the LPN met with the CLPNNL Practice Consultant and discussed the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, as well as Professionalism in the Workplace. Finally, the LPN submitted an essay reflecting on their behavior and how it did not meet the Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics or expectations of the profession, and the impact of the required remedial learnings on their professional practice in the future.
On February 27, 2024, the CLPNNL Registrar resolved an allegation filed against an LPN. The Complainant was the LPN’s employer. The allegation related to unprofessional behavior toward clients and incivility in the workplace. There was no allegation of harm to any client. The Complainants Authorization Committee (CAC) reviewed the matter and concluded that the matter could be resolved by the Registrar with an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) agreement. The LPN, as part of the resolution agreement, completed remedial education on the Standards of Practice and the Code of Ethics, Regulating LPN Practice, Jurisprudence, Communication in Nursing, Righting a Wrong – Ethics and Professional in Nursing, and Respectful Workplaces. Additionally, the LPN met with the CLPNNL Practice Consultant and discussed the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, as well as Professionalism in the Workplace. Finally, the LPN submitted an essay reflecting on their behavior and how it did not meet the Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics or expectations of the profession, and the impact of the required remedial learnings on their professional practice in the future.
On November 15, 2023, the CLPNNL Registrar resolved an allegation filed against an LPN. The Complainant was a family member of a client. The allegation related to a medication error as well as the lack of an appropriate physical assessment based on the clinical presentation of the client. The LPN, as part of the resolution agreement, completed remedial education targeting Professional Accountability, Medication Administration, Jurisprudence, Standards of Practice and the Code of Ethics as well as Health Assessment. Additionally, the LPN met with CLPNNL’s Practice Consultant and discussed the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, as well as CLPNNL’s accountability guidelines. Finally, the LPN submitted an essay reflecting on the importance of professional accountability in nursing practice and the impact of the required remedial learnings on their professional practice in the future.
On November 7, 2023, the CLPNNL Registrar resolved an allegation filed against an LPN. The Complainant was the LPN’s employer. The allegation related to issues of client care not being completed, along with lack of documentation around client behaviors and surveillance. There was no allegation of harm to any client. As part of the resolution of these allegations, the LPN completed remedial education in documentation, jurisprudence and Standards of Practice and the CLPNNL Code of Ethics. Additionally, the LPN met with the CLPNNL Practice Consultant to discuss Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics, documentation and professional accountability. Finally, the LPN submitted an essay reflecting on the importance of timely accurate documentation to care as well as the impact of lack of documentation to support that nursing care is completed.
On October 4, 2023, the CLPNNL Registrar resolved an allegation filed against an LPN. The Complainant was the LPN’s employer. The allegation related to the LPN using a personal computer for reasons not related to nursing care, as well as not documenting an assessment. There was no allegation of harm to any clients. The LPN is required, as part of the resolution agreement, to complete remedial education targeting professional accountability, jurisprudence, Standards of Practice and the Code of Ethics. Additionally, the LPN is required to meet with CLPNNL’s Practice Consultant to discuss Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics and CLPNNL’s accountability guidelines. Finally, the LPN is required to submit an essay reflecting on the importance of professional accountability in nursing practice and the impact of the required remedial learnings on their professional practice in the future.
On September 25, 2023, the CLPNNL Registrar resolved an allegation filed against an LPN. The Complainant was the LPN’s employer. The allegation related to the LPN destroying clinical care records without authorization. There was no allegation of harm to any client. The LPN is required, as part of a resolution agreement, to complete remedial education targeting documentation, Standards of Practice and regulation of LPN practice. Additionally, the LPN is required to meet with CLPNNL’s Practice Consultant to discuss Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics as well as CLPNNL’s documentation guidelines. Finally, the LPN is required to submit an essay reflecting on the importance of the care and maintenance of accurate documentation, as well as how the learnings gained from the remedial education will impact their professional practice in future.
On July 25, 2023, the CLPNNL Registrar resolved an allegation filed against an LPN. The Complainant was the LPN’s employer. The allegation related to the LPN not following employer assigned break policy and not following the proper procedure for shift handover report. There was no allegation of harm to any client. The LPN is required to complete remedial education targeting professional responsibility, jurisprudence, interpersonal communication and leadership. Additionally, as part of the resolution, the LPN is required to meet with CLPNNL’s Practice Consultant to discuss CLPNNL’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Finally, the LPN is required to submit an essay reflecting on insights gained from the required education and the importance of following workplace protocols related to handover report in nursing practice.
On June 5, 2023 the CLPNNL Complaints Authorization Committee (CAC) resolved an allegation against an LPN. The Complainant was the LPN’s employer. It was alleged that the LPN did not complete critical components of a client assessment and follow-up care, and used unprofessional communication during shift handover. The CAC ordered an investigation. After reviewing the investigation findings, the CAC concluded that there were reasonable grounds to believe that the LPN engaged in conduct deserving of sanction. The matter was referred to the Registrar for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) agreement. The CAC required that a caution and counsel be issued to the LPN within the ADR agreement. As part of the resolution process, the LPN completed remedial education on the Standards of Practice and the Code of Ethics, Regulating LPN Practice, Health Assessment, Jurisprudence, Communication in Nursing, and Documentation. The LPN met with the CLPNNL Practice Consultant to discuss the CLPNNL Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, as well as Accountability and Transfer of Responsibility in client care. The LPN completed an essay that identified the Standards of Practice and Ethical Responsibilities that their actions did not meet and outlined what they learned from the situation to assist them in future client assessments and documentation. Additionally, the LPN was required to attend the CLPNNL Leadership Workshop. Following the completion of the above, the CAC issued a Caution and Counsel to the LPN, cautioning against omitting critical components of assessment and follow-up care, and counselling the LPN to ensure that best practices are followed in the assessment and follow-up of clients in the future, and to review documentation at the start of the shift to determine care required and complete that care.
On May 10, 2023, the CLPNNL Registrar resolved an allegation filed against an LPN. The Complainant was the LPN’s employer. The allegation related to the LPN not following appropriate documentation and administration of medications. There was no allegation of harm to any client. The LPN provided CLPNNL with information confirming that they are under the care of a health professional and have been successfully treated for a medical condition that was impacting their ability to concentrate. As part of a resolution agreement, the LPN is required to meet with the CLPNNL Regulatory Officer on a monthly basis to discuss their ongoing fitness to practice nursing and to review their action plan and fitness checklist to ensure that they are able to provide safe, competent nursing care.
On April 3, 2023, the CLPNNL Registrar resolved an allegation filed against an LPN. The Complainant was the LPN’s employer. The allegation related to the Respondent asking colleagues to remove medical supplies from the place of employment for the purpose of personal use. There was no allegation of harm to any client. The LPN is required to complete remedial education targeting professional responsibility, jurisprudence and professional boundaries. Additionally, as part of the resolution, the LPN is required to meet with CLPNNL’s Practice Consultant to discuss CLPNNL’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Finally, the LPN is required to submit an essay reflecting on insights gained from the required education and the importance of maintaining employer-employee boundaries in nursing practice.
On April 3, 2023, the CLPNNL Registrar resolved an allegation filed against an LPN. The Complainant was the LPN’s employer. The allegation related to the Respondent removing medical supplies from the place of employment for the purpose of providing it to a colleague for personal use. There was no allegation of harm to any client. The LPN is required to complete remedial education targeting professional responsibility, jurisprudence and professional boundaries. Additionally, as part of the resolution, the LPN is required to meet with CLPNNL’s Practice Consultant to discuss CLPNNL’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Finally, the LPN is required to submit an essay reflecting on insights gained from the required education and the importance of maintaining employer-employee boundaries in nursing practice.
April 1, 2022 - March 31, 2023
April 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022
April 1, 2020 - March 31, 2021