B.C. nurse suspended for having relationship with former patient

A B.C. psychiatric nurse has been suspended for one year after she got into a relationship with a former patient a couple of months after the person was no longer a patient.

According to a Sept. 17 B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives decision, registered psychiatric nurse Ashley Gritter entered into an intimate relationship with a "vulnerable former client" roughly two months after their professional relationship had ended.

The decision said the Chilliwack-based nurse and the former client entered into a relationship between April 2021 and February 2022.

"Ms. Grittner encountered the client in the context of her role as a case manager for the Chilliwack area Intensive Case Management program," the decision said.

Grittner signed a consent agreement with the College admitting to the conduct.

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Along with a 12-month suspension, Grittner is also barred from being the sole nurse on duty for one year and will have direct supervision of her work for three months on returning to nursing.

She will also have to take a course on boundaries and professional ethics. She will also have to develop a learning plan with her employer and with nursing college.

Grittner also agreed to take a consulting program to address the foundational issues of her conduct.

The College said it is satisfied the terms will protect the public.

No other information was provided in the decision.

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