Complaints against a Registered Psychiatric Nurse? Consider Going to the Employer First.
Before reporting a complaint against an RPN to CRPNA, often the most productive and quickest way to resolve issues is by first discussing your concerns about your care with the registered psychiatric nurse or the employer, such as the manager of the department where the nurse works or the head of the facility.
The employer has a responsibility to manage concerns about their staff, including registered psychiatric nurses and most concerns can be managed at this level and this will be less time consuming. Many facilities are under the umbrella of Alberta Health Services (AHS).
If you do not know the name of the RPN or the RPN’s manager or you don’t get a response from the facility
You can file a complaint that involves care at an Alberta Health Services facility with the Office of Patient Concerns by calling 1.855.550.2555 or faxing information to 1.877.871.4340. You can also send your complaint by mail to:
Patient Concerns Officer and Executive Director, Patient Relations
Mail Slot #57, 11111 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 0L4
If you file a Patient Concerns Complaint and are Not Satisfied with the Outcome
You can escalate your concern to the Alberta Ombudsman and request an external review.
780.427.2756 or 403.297.6185
ombudsman.ab.ca
You can file a complaint with CRPNA by naming the registered psychiatric nurse (must have first and last name), outlining the behaviors you believe are unprofessional and must include your signature.
If a Complaint has been made in writing can it still be resolved informally?
The CRPNA endeavors, whenever appropriate to resolve complaints informally to achieve results that would be consistent with what might be expected following the completion of a formal process. Resolving complaints informally can usually be achieved more quickly and in a collaborative manner to that of a formal hearing. A complaint can be resolved informally with the consent of the complainant and the RPN.
Professional Practice Concerns - Steps Towards Resolution