Children's nurse Elaine Chase broke down in tears as she escaped being struck off after being found guilty of misconduct.
Ms Chase, of St Marks Road, Hadleigh, was found guilty of three charges by the Nursing and Midwifery Council's professional conduct committee.
She failed to safeguard the welfare of a young patient, failed to act collaboratively with a colleague, and was found in possession of drugs for the use of a patient.
All the charges related to her time as a community children's nurse in Southend between 1995 and 2000.
After more than four hours of deliberation by the committee, former community paediatric nurse Chase escaped being struck off, but was given a caution at just after 9pm last night.
The 52-year-old, who now works at Little Haven Children's Hospice in Thundersley, was in tears as she was told she would not be struck off.
Conduct committee chairman Valerie Morrison said: "We were impressed with the mitigation advanced, and particularly so in hearing as to the progress and development you have achieved in working at Little Haven.
"The allegations proved were a very serious matter and the committee does not condone them in any way."
However, Chase was also warned to "bear in mind the seriousness of your previous conduct". Ms Chase was ushered away to a nearby hotel by friends and was unwilling to make a comment.
Published Thursday July 1, 2004
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