Nigerian Nurse Loses Licence in Australia for Sleeping on the Job

A Nigerian-born nurse has been deregistered in Australia after a tribunal found her guilty of repeatedly sleeping while on duty during night shifts at an aged care facility in Sydney.
According to findings by the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), the nurse was caught on multiple occasions sleeping while responsible for the care and supervision of elderly residents, an action the tribunal described as a serious breach of professional standards.
The tribunal heard that the incidents occurred during overnight shifts, where the nurse was expected to remain alert to attend to residents’ needs, including emergencies. Surveillance footage and staff reports were presented as evidence during the hearing.
In its ruling, the tribunal stated that sleeping on duty placed vulnerable residents at risk and amounted to professional misconduct, leading to the immediate cancellation of the nurse’s registration to practise in Australia.
The nurse reportedly admitted to some of the allegations but cited exhaustion and long working hours as contributing factors. However, the tribunal ruled that such explanations did not justify the conduct, especially in an aged care setting where patient safety is paramount.
As part of the decision, the nurse was barred from reapplying for registration for a specified period, subject to meeting strict conditions if she seeks reinstatement in the future.
The case has sparked renewed discussion about workplace fatigue, staffing pressures in aged care facilities, and the importance of upholding professional standards within the healthcare sector.