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A Nigerian-born nurse, Chimzuruoke Okembunachi, has had her nursing registration in Australia revoked following findings that she repeatedly slept during night shifts at an aged care facility, putting residents at risk. The decision was handed down by the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) on January 20, 2026.
Okembunachi, 25, had been employed at Hardi Aged Care in Guildford, western Sydney, from February 2024. Within a month of starting, she was suspended and subsequently resigned after concerns were raised about her conduct.
Tribunal proceedings revealed that between March 13 and 27, 2024, Okembunachi was the only registered nurse on night shifts overseeing three to four assistants-in-nursing (AINs) and roughly 100 residents. On six separate occasions, she failed to fulfill her duties because she fell asleep. Evidence also showed that on three nights, patients missed prescribed doses of morphine.
During the March 21–22 shift, an AIN reportedly turned on the nurses’ station light to rouse her, but she switched it off a minute later and returned to sleep. Additionally, on March 15, she instructed an assistant to administer Panadol to a patient, despite the AIN not being authorised to give medication, telling them, “It’s okay, sister, just give it to him.”
Her behaviour was formally reported by two colleagues on March 27, 2024. She received an email about her suspension the next day, alongside an invitation to a meeting, but resigned 20 minutes later without attending.
Born in Nigeria, Okembunachi moved to Australia in 2018. She earned a Bachelor of Nursing Science in 2021 and was also pursuing medical studies at Western Sydney University while working at Hardi Aged Care.
Addressing the tribunal, she expressed regret over her actions and acknowledged the risks posed to patients. “These events caused me significant stress… In hindsight, I should not have applied for, or accepted the position at Hardi. Working night shifts during the week was putting patients’ safety at risk,” she said. She added, “When I slept on night shift, I failed in supervising those staff members and the residents.”
The tribunal noted her “remorseful and contrite” attitude but concluded that deregistration was necessary due to the potential danger her actions posed to patients. NCAT determined that the severity of the misconduct warranted the permanent revocation of her licence, with no possibility of review for at least nine months.
While Okembunachi has not returned to nursing, she continues to focus on her medical studies, supported financially by her father and a Centrelink Student Allowance.
The case has highlighted the critical responsibilities of registered nurses, particularly during night shifts in aged care facilities, and the consequences when those responsibilities are neglected. The tribunal emphasised that despite her youth and prior academic achievements, the welfare of patients must remain paramount.
Okembunachi’s experience serves as a cautionary example for healthcare professionals balancing demanding roles and rigorous schedules, illustrating the high standards expected in patient care environments.
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