A 25-year-old nurse has lost her professional registration in Australia after repeatedly falling asleep during overnight shifts while responsible for nearly 100 elderly residents.
Chimzuruoke Okembunachi was working at an aged care facility in Guildford, western Sydney, when the incidents occurred between March 13 and 27, 2024. During those shifts, she was the only registered nurse on duty — a role that carried full responsibility for the care and safety of vulnerable residents.
According to findings from the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal, she fell asleep on multiple occasions. As a result, residents missed scheduled medications, including important doses of morphine. In some cases, unqualified staff were directed to administer drugs.
The tribunal ruled that her actions amounted to professional misconduct, stating the behavior created a serious risk to patients. Her nursing license was officially canceled.
Okembunachi later acknowledged her actions and accepted responsibility for what occurred.
The case has reignited concerns about staffing pressures, night-shift fatigue, and accountability in aged care facilities — especially when one professional is left overseeing dozens of high-needs residents.
When you are the only registered nurse on duty, the responsibility is not routine.
It is critical.