A former Vancouver Island nurse has been fined more than $17,000 after an investigation found she crossed professional boundaries in a “very unusual” and financially abusive relationship with an elderly couple. 

Laurie Tinkham persuaded the seniors to pay for her dental work, new glasses and medication valued at $1,600 a month, on top of a monthly stipend, according to a disciplinary notice by the College of Registered Nurses of B.C. (CRNBC)

In 2013, the college launched an investigation into Tinkham’s relationship with the couple, who have since died.

Tinkham bought a mobile