Nurse Faces Suspension Over Serious Misconduct
The B.C. nurse suspension has sparked attention after a registered psychiatric nurse was penalized for falsifying records and ignoring a physician’s order. The incident occurred at Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in Coquitlam, highlighting major concerns around accountability in healthcare.
What Happened at the Hospital
On October 19, 2022, nurse Christopher Parungao was directed to check on a psychiatric patient. Instead, he failed to carry out the order and later recorded false documentation stating that he had completed the task.
Such actions undermined trust in clinical records, which are essential for safe and continuous care. Documentation, as the provincial regulator emphasizes, must only reflect care personally provided by the nurse.
Breach of Agreement Adds to Trouble
The misconduct did not stop there. Parungao also breached a signed undertaking that required him to disclose all his employers to the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). At the time, his primary listed employer was Forensic Psychiatric Hospital.
By withholding that information, the nurse broke professional standards and raised further questions about his commitment to regulatory rules.
Disciplinary Measures Taken
To address the violations, Parungao entered a consent agreement with BCCNM. Under this agreement, he accepted:
A four-week suspension for ignoring the physician’s order and falsifying documentation.
An additional three-day suspension for breaching the disclosure undertaking.
A six-month limit on supervising students.
Mandatory remedial education in professional ethics.
These measures aim to correct practice issues and reinforce professional responsibility.
Regulator’s Stand on Accountability
The BCCNM inquiry committee confirmed satisfaction with the agreement, stressing that the terms are designed to protect the public and address professional concerns. The decision serves as a reminder that accurate documentation is a fundamental duty, not an optional task.
Healthcare regulators emphasize that nurses hold responsibility for ensuring every patient record reflects genuine and complete care. Any deviation threatens both patient safety and trust in the healthcare system.
Broader Implications for Patient Safety
This case underlines how regulatory bodies act swiftly to uphold standards in healthcare. While suspensions serve as disciplinary action, they also stand as warnings to other professionals about the importance of ethics, accuracy, and transparency in medical practice.
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