A 25-year-old nurse, Chimzuruoke Okembunachi, has lost her professional registration in Australia after repeatedly falling asleep during night shifts.

The incidents happened between March 13 and 27, 2024, at an aged care facility in Guildford, western Sydney. She was the only registered nurse on duty — responsible for nearly 100 elderly residents. According to findings by the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal, she fell asleep on multiple shifts. Residents missed medication, including scheduled morphine doses, and unqualified staff were directed to administer drugs. The tribunal ruled her conduct amounted to professional misconduct and canceled her license, citing serious risk to vulnerable patients. She later acknowledged her actions and accepted responsibility. When you’re the only nurse on duty, the stakes aren’t small. They’re life-and-death.