Nigerian Nurse Stripped of Nursing Licence in Australia After Sleeping on Duty
A young Nigerian nurse working in Australia has faced severe professional consequences after being found guilty of misconduct during night shifts. Chimzuruoke Okembunachi, aged 25, has reportedly lost her nursing registration and employment following a tribunal ruling in New South Wales.
Details of the Professional Misconduct Case
According to reports from The Daily Mail UK and The Daily Star UK, the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal heard the case against Okembunachi and determined she had committed professional misconduct. The tribunal subsequently ordered the cancellation of her nursing registration, effectively ending her career as a nurse in Australia.
The incident that triggered the investigation occurred during a night shift where Okembunachi was the sole registered nurse responsible for supervising three or four assistants and approximately 100 elderly residents. Despite this significant responsibility, she reportedly fell asleep while on duty.
Multiple Violations and Hospital Response
Further investigation revealed additional concerning behaviors:
- Okembunachi reportedly slept for approximately four hours and 24 minutes during one shift
- The sleeping incidents occurred across six different night shifts
- She instructed an unqualified assistant nurse to administer Panadol to a patient
- She turned lights back on after an assistant had turned them off at the nursing station
The assistant nurses who witnessed these incidents reported them to hospital management. Okembunachi was subsequently issued a notice of termination of employment. When asked to attend a meeting with her superiors to discuss the matter, she reportedly refused and instead submitted her resignation letter.
Potential Patient Safety Concerns
The tribunal emphasized that sleeping while on duty as the only registered nurse responsible for elderly patients created significant safety risks. The extended period of sleep—over four hours—during which she was supposed to be monitoring vulnerable residents was particularly concerning to the regulatory body.
This case highlights the strict professional standards maintained in Australia's healthcare system and the serious consequences that can follow violations of those standards, especially when patient safety may be compromised.
Broader Context for Nigerian Healthcare Professionals Abroad
This incident comes at a time when many Nigerian healthcare professionals are seeking opportunities abroad. While many succeed in international healthcare systems, this case serves as a reminder of the high professional standards expected in countries like Australia and the serious consequences of failing to meet those standards.
The loss of professional registration represents a significant setback for any healthcare worker, as it prevents them from practicing in their chosen field within that jurisdiction. For Nigerian professionals working abroad, maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct is essential to preserving their careers and reputations.
