A Nigerian-born nurse practising in Australia has lost her nursing licence after repeatedly sleeping while on duty at an aged care facility.
The New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal cancelled Chimzuruoke Okembunachi’s registration on January 20, ruling her actions amounted to professional misconduct. The incidents took place in March 2024 while she was employed at Hardi Aged Care in Guildford, western Sydney.
Ms Okembunachi, 25, was often the only registered nurse on overnight shifts, responsible for around 100 residents alongside three or four assistants. Evidence presented to the tribunal showed that she slept through parts of at least six shifts, neglecting critical responsibilities. On three occasions, residents missed prescribed doses of morphine, and in another instance, she instructed an assistant to give medication they were not authorised to administer.
During one shift, an assistant tried to wake her by turning on the nurses’ station light, but Ms Okembunachi switched it off and returned to sleep. Colleagues formally reported her conduct, leading to her suspension and eventual resignation before attending a disciplinary meeting.
She admitted her mistakes during tribunal proceedings, saying that night shifts had put patient safety at risk and caused her significant stress. While the tribunal acknowledged her remorse, it ruled deregistration was necessary. She will be barred from seeking a review for at least nine months.
Ms Okembunachi, who moved to Australia in 2018, no longer practises nursing but continues her medical studies at Western Sydney University.
