A Queensland nurse who stabbed at a man through his screen door while shouting violent threats may be allowed to return to aged care work within six months, following a tribunal decision to extend her suspension rather than make it permanent.
Kristy Lee Edwards, 45, from the Gold Coast, was temporarily banned from nursing after a shocking incident in March 2021 in which she confronted a man she believed had raped someone known to her. Armed with a kitchen knife, Edwards went to the man’s Varsity Lakes home late at night, shouting that she was going to kill him while stabbing through the screen door.
During the attack, she yelled, “I’m going to kill you, you rapist little f***wit,” and kicked a glass panel, injuring the man’s 66-year-old father who had come to help his son.
Police later arrested Edwards, who told officers they were “lucky this wasn’t murder.”
In 2023, the Brisbane District Court sentenced Edwards to 12 months in jail, wholly suspended for 18 months, after she pleaded guilty to burglary, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and threatening violence at night.
The court heard that Edwards had been drinking heavily before the attack and acted out of frustration after learning that police had not charged the man over the alleged rape. Her barrister described the offending as “out of character” for someone with a long career in nursing and aged care.
Judge John Allen acknowledged that Edwards’ behaviour was serious but noted that it stemmed from “an emotional reaction to distressing information,” rather than an ongoing pattern of violence.
“That explains your offending, but it doesn’t excuse it,” he said during sentencing.
Edwards was initially charged with attempted murder before prosecutors downgraded the charges. Following her conviction, she lost her job and nursing registration.
The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) has now extended her suspension until April 22, 2026, according to the state’s healthcare watchdog. This means Edwards could be eligible to apply for reinstatement as early as April next year, pending a review of her conduct and fitness to practise.
The decision has raised eyebrows in the aged care sector, given the severity of her actions and the vulnerable nature of the people nurses care for. However, QCAT’s ruling suggests the suspension is designed to be temporary, allowing Edwards the opportunity to demonstrate rehabilitation and professional reform.
Edwards’ legal team argued that she had paid a “high price” for her actions, losing her job, home, and reputation. She was forced to live in New South Wales while on bail and remains unable to work in any healthcare setting.
Her barrister told the court that Edwards had an otherwise “impressive work history” as a registered nurse and aged care professional. Judge Allen told her not to give up hope of re-entering the profession.
“Authorities take into account all circumstances of the matter,” he said. “It doesn’t seem to me there would be any great purpose served in denying you that registration if you were otherwise eligible.”
While Edwards’ supporters say she deserves a chance to rebuild her career, the prospect of her returning to work with vulnerable older Australians has sparked debate.
Critics argue that violent or threatening behaviour should permanently disqualify a person from working in care roles that require compassion, patience, and trust. Others believe that a genuine demonstration of remorse, counselling, and time away from the profession could justify a second chance.
For now, Edwards remains under suspension, but the door to aged care may reopen as early as next year, a decision that will no doubt be closely watched by both the nursing community and the public.
