B.C. nurse gets 7-day suspension for failing to follow opioid policies

A medical stethoscope is seen in this undated image. (Shutterstock)

A North Vancouver nurse has agreed to a seven-day suspension for failing to follow policies related to opioids.

Robert Fairfield, a licensed practical nurse, entered a consent agreement with the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives on Dec. 31.

The agreement addresses "practice issues that occurred between September 2021 and January 2022," according to a summary of the agreement published on the BCCNM website earlier this week.

The summary describes those "practice issues" as "failure to adhere to medication administration and documentation standards and institutional policies regarding the administration, wasting, and documentation of opioids."

Under the consent agreement, Fairfield's nursing registration will be suspended for seven days "after returning to practising registration."

The college's online database currently lists Fairfield as a "non-practising LPN" who is not authorized to practise for the registration period that ends March 31, 2025.

The database also lists "not draw up or administer narcotics" as a condition of Fairfield's registration.

"The inquiry committee is satisfied that the terms will protect the public," the summary concludes.