How does the CNO define "professional misconduct"?

The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) defines "professional misconduct" primarily as engaging in behavior that is inconsistent with established nursing standards and the expectations of the profession. This definition encompasses a wide range of actions that violate the ethical and professional obligations nurses have towards their patients, colleagues, and the public.

This answer highlights the core principle that nursing practice is guided by a set of standards that ensure safe, competent, and ethical care. When a nurse acts contrary to these standards, it can harm patients and undermine public trust in the profession. Such behavior may include any actions that disregard the responsibility to provide care, maintain patient confidentiality, or conduct oneself professionally in all interactions.

In contrast, minor infractions, while they could be problematic, do not necessarily rise to the level of misconduct if they do not impede the ability to provide care or breach professional expectations. Similarly, failing to communicate with patients, while serious, is typically dealt with through other mechanisms before considering it professional misconduct unless it reflects a pattern of disregard for professional standards. Lastly, exceeding the nursing scope of practice can indeed lead to professional misconduct, but it is specifically a subset of behavior that falls under the broader definition of actions inconsistent with established nursing standards. Thus, the most comprehensive and encompassing choice