A nurse who hurled racist abuse at two bouncers outside an Aberdeen bar has been allowed to keep her job.
Claire Main was on a night out when she became embroiled in an argument outside Prohibition on May 29 last year.
She ended up screaming a tirade of abuse at the door, and was later convicted at Aberdeen Sheriff Court of acting in a racially aggressive manner.
Yesterday, she went before the Nursing and Midwifery Council where the watchdog ruled her fitness to practice was impaired as a result of her behaviour.
But they said due to her “unblemished” career she should keep her job, and issued her with a 12-month caution.
During the hearing, Ms Main told the watchdog she deeply regretted her actions, which were “deeply out of character”.
Dabbing at her eyes with tissues, she said: “I treat everyone the same, in a non-judgemental way.
“I believe I will never put myself in this position again.”
When asked how the incident may affect future patients, she said: “I’m embarrassed, ashamed and feel total remorse.
“I just wish I’d never said it.”
Alistair Kennedy, case presenter at the NMC, urged the panel to “keep the public interest in mind”, and said: “Ms Main showed poor insight when she swore at a doorman and poor judgement when she continued to make comments in the back of a police car.
“She has said it won’t happen again in future. How can you be sure? Not enough time has passed to allow for any remediation.”
After deliberating in private, the NMC panel concluded that Ms Main’s fitness to practice was impaired and gave her a one-year caution.
Irene Kitson, the panel chair, said: “You have expressed candor in your evidence and shown remorse.
“You have had an otherwise unblemished career and no patient was harmed as a result of your actions.
“It is in the public interest to ensure a capable nurse continues to work.”
