Amanze Chinonye
A Nigerian-born nurse, Chimzuruoke Okembunachi, 25, has had her nursing registration cancelled in Australia after a tribunal found she repeatedly fell asleep while on duty during night shifts at a Sydney aged care facility.
The New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) ruled that Okembunachi’s conduct amounted to professional misconduct, posing a serious risk to patient safety. She worked at Hardi Aged Care in Guildford from February 2024 but was suspended within a month and subsequently resigned.
Between March 13 and 27, 2024, Okembunachi was rostered on multiple night shifts as the sole registered nurse responsible for up to four assistants-in-nursing and about 100 elderly residents. On six occasions, she reportedly fell asleep while on duty, and on three of those nights, patients missed prescribed morphine doses. The tribunal also found that she instructed an assistant-in-nursing to administer medication even though they were not authorised to do so.
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Colleagues raised concerns on March 27, 2024, prompting her suspension the following day. During the hearing, Okembunachi admitted her actions and expressed remorse, citing stress from health issues, academic commitments, and family financial pressures as factors that compromised her ability to safely perform night shifts.
While the tribunal acknowledged her honesty and contrition, it concluded that deregistration was the only appropriate response, emphasizing that her conduct had the potential to endanger lives. Okembunachi is barred from applying for a review of the decision for at least nine months.
Since her suspension, she has not returned to nursing practice and continues to pursue medical studies in Australia, supported by family and a student allowance.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
