The Digest:
A Nigerian-born nurse, Chimzuruoke Okembunachi, has had her nursing licence cancelled by an Australian tribunal after being found guilty of professional misconduct for repeatedly sleeping during night shifts at an aged care facility. The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal ruled that her actions in March 2024, which included sleeping on six nights and causing patients to miss morphine doses, endangered elderly residents. Okembunachi, who was the sole registered nurse on duty, resigned after being suspended. The tribunal noted her remorse but deemed deregistration necessary.
Key Points:
- The nurse’s actions posed a direct and severe risk to the health and safety of vulnerable elderly patients in her care.
- The cancellation of her licence serves as a strict professional consequence and a deterrent against negligence in healthcare.
- The incident highlights critical challenges in staff workload, supervision, and support systems within aged care facilities.
- The case underscores the high standards of accountability and conduct expected of medical professionals in Australia.
- The ruling may impact the career prospects of other internationally trained healthcare workers, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of duty-of-care.
The tribunal's decision reinforces the paramount importance of vigilance and responsibility in nursing, especially in settings caring for the elderly.
Sources: Daily Mail, Punch, Tribune
