A young nurse faces severe consequences in Australia. Chimzuruoke Okembunachi lost her nursing registration after sleeping on duty. This case highlights risks in healthcare settings.
Background of the Nurs
Chimzuruoke Okembunachi hails from Nigeria. She moved to Australia in 2018. She earned a Bachelor of Nursing Science from the University of the Sunshine Coast in 2021.
Later she enrolled in a medicine degree at Western Sydney University. In February 2024, she started work at Hardi Aged Care in Guildford, Sydney. However issues arose quickly.
Details of the Incidents
Okembunachi worked night shifts as the sole registered nurse. She supervised three to four assistants and cared for about 100 residents. Between March 13 and March 27, 2024, she slept on duty six times.
One nap lasted four hours and 24 minutes. She lay across chairs with lights off. Moreover residents missed morphine doses on three occasions. In addition, she told an unauthorized assistant to give Panadol to a patient.
Reporting and Resignation
Two colleagues reported her on March 27, 2024. Management suspended her via email the next day. She resigned just 20 minutes later. Moreover she skipped a scheduled meeting. The Health Care Complaints Commission filed a complaint.
Tribunal’s Findings
The New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal heard the case. They found Okembunachi guilty of professional misconduct. Her actions endangered elderly patients’ lives. Therefore the tribunal canceled her registration. She cannot reapply for nine months. The panel stated lesser penalties fell short.
Nurse’s Defense and Remorse
Okembunachi admitted her faults. She blamed migraines, study stress, and family issues. Her sister’s scoliosis surgery added financial strain. She told the tribunal she learned a big lesson. Furthermore, she vowed to avoid such behavior. She hopes to nurse again but skip night shifts while studying.
Broader Implications
This incident stresses duty in nursing. Patients rely on alert staff. In turn, facilities must watch workloads. Australia upholds strict standards for care.
In conclusion, Okembunachi’s case serves as a warning. Healthcare demands vigilance. With better support, such lapses might decrease. The sector needs balance for workers and safety for all.
