A St Cyrus care worker who used a racial slur against her colleague has been given a warning from the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
Victoria Costello, who had worked at Havencourt Nursing Home in Stonehaven, was sanctioned at a hearing.
A number of conditions, including further training, as well as the warning, will stay on her record for two years.
The SSSC has allowed Ms Costello to continue to work in adult care, although she was fired from her role at Havencourt as a result of her behaviour.
Ms Costello got into a dispute with the home’s maintenance technician in May 2019. The argument was sparked by a difference of opinion about the correct equipment needed in a resident’s room.
During a staff meeting two days later, the maintenance technician highlighted the issue.
He later followed Costello into a lounge area to discuss the problem. A court report said she stood up, swore at the Nigerian national and uttered the racist term.
Ms Costello, then 26, was convicted on May 26 last year, at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, and was later handed a £150 fine.
While Ms Costello admitted her behaviour in court, the SSSC said she had not shown any “insight or reflected on the potential impact of your comment.”
Her behaviour was described as “serious” as she had abused the trust placed in her as a care worker.
Investigators said: “Your behaviour demonstrates a fundamental failure to follow the codes of practise.
“You used a racially aggravated offensive remark toward your colleague. Your behaviour was done with the intention of causing him alarm or distress.
“Such behaviour is serious and violates the fundamental tenets of the profession.”
The report said that Ms Costello did not take part in the investigation.
It continued: “Whilst it is accepted that this was an isolated incident, your behaviour is indicative of underlying values or attitudinal issues.
‘Your actions were deliberate’
“Your actions were deliberate. As such, there is a lack of reasonable assurances for the SSSC to consider that such behaviour is capable of being easily remedied and there remains a risk of repetition.
“Your behaviour placed your colleague at risk of harm.”
Alongside a warning that will remain on her registration for two years, there were a number of conditions that have been attached to her continued, or any future, registration.
As well as telling any new employer of the sanction, Ms Costello must undertake training in equality, diversity and anti-discrimination practice.
She will also have to submit a reflective account of her behaviour.
