Kelowna Nurse Loses License Over Financial and Ethical Misconduct

Imelda Wright, a registered nurse (RN) and owner of a Nurse Next Door franchise in Kelowna, BC, has had her nursing license revoked for a minimum of 18 months following financial and ethical misconduct admissions. The BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) confirmed the consent agreement with Wright, whose franchise served the Central and North Okanagan regions.

WorkSafeBC contracted Wright to provide round-the-clock care to a local client. However, the BCCNM found that she employed unlicensed healthcare aides and failed to cover all shifts, leaving the client and their family to manage alone. Wright also hired the client's unlicensed son to provide care.

Related: Should Radonda Vaught Have Her Nursing License Reinstated?

The BCCNM revealed that Wright billed WorkSafeBC approximately $33,000 for nursing services that were not delivered. This amount was later recouped through a claw-back. Furthermore, Wright did not ensure client care documentation met the required standards.

Wright Agrees to Cancellation of Nursing Registration

These violations contravened the terms of the WorkSafeBC contract and the BCCNM's practice and professional standards. The BCCNM stated that financial malfeasance and failure to deliver safe, competent, and ethical care to vulnerable clients are considered serious misconduct.

Wright has agreed to the cancellation of her nursing registration and will not reapply for at least 18 months. If she decides to reapply, she must satisfy the registration committee's character, fitness, and competence requirements.

This news was originally reported by Castanet.