The Tribunal found RLD guilty of professional misconduct on six allegations and ordered a reprimand, two-month suspension of nursing registration, and a mentoring condition for at least six months. Misappropriation of patient medication for self-administration, even in the context of acute mental health crisis, constitutes professional misconduct under both paragraphs (a) and (c) of the section 5 definition in the National Law, as it strikes at the trust reposed in nurses to handle medications responsibly. Evidence of substantial treatment, rehabilitation, sustained abstinence and a successful return to unrestricted practice significantly moderated the suspension period; without such evidence the Tribunal indicated a lengthier suspension or cancellation would have been considered. General deterrence remains an important factor in determinations involving medication misappropriation, even where specific deterrence needs are tempered by the practitioner's progress.
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