The New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) has ordered the cancellation of the professional registration of a Nigerian-born nurse, Chimzuruoke Okembunachi, following findings of gross professional misconduct. The tribunal concluded that the practitioner repeatedly slept during night shifts at an aged care facility, leaving nearly 100 vulnerable residents without essential medical supervision.
The ruling, delivered on the 20th of January 2026, detailed a series of alarming lapses at the Hardi Aged Care facility in Guildford, Western Sydney. Ms Okembunachi, 25, was found to have neglected her duties on at least six occasions between the 13th and 27th of March 2024.
As the sole registered nurse on duty during the overnight period, she was responsible for the clinical oversight of up to 100 elderly residents. The tribunal heard that her preference for sleep over supervision resulted in significant risks, most notably:
- Omission of Controlled Substances: On three separate occasions, residents failed to receive prescribed doses of morphine, a strictly controlled analgesic.
- Unauthorised Delegation: In one instance, Ms Okembunachi reportedly instructed an assistant-in-nursing (AIN)—who lacked the requisite authorisation—to administer medication, allegedly stating, “It’s okay, sister, just give it to him.”
- Deliberate Negligence: Evidence suggested that when a colleague attempted to wake her by illuminating the nurses’ station, Ms Okembunachi simply extinguished the light and returned to sleep.
Ms Okembunachi, who arrived in Australia from Nigeria in 2018 and qualified as a nurse in 2021, was concurrently enrolled as a medical student at Western Sydney University. During the proceedings, she admitted that the rigours of her academic schedule had compromised her professional integrity.
“In hindsight, I should not have applied for, or accepted the position… Working night shifts during the week was putting patients’ safety at risk,” she conceded, expressing remorse for her actions.
Despite her admission of guilt and “contrite” attitude, the tribunal remained firm. It noted that her conduct “had the potential to endanger the lives of patients,” necessitating a severe disciplinary response to uphold public confidence in the healthcare system.
The tribunal’s decision to revoke her licence effectively bars Ms Okembunachi from the nursing profession for a minimum of nine months, after which she may apply for a review. The investigation was triggered on the 27th of March 2024, when two colleagues formally reported her conduct; notably, Ms Okembunachi resigned within twenty minutes of being summoned to a disciplinary meeting the following day.
While she has ceased her nursing practice, it is understood that she continues her medical studies at Western Sydney University. The case serves as a stern reminder of the non-negotiable standards of vigilance required in aged care, where the safety of residents depends entirely on the presence and alertness of registered medical personnel.
