Australian regulator revokes Nigerian nurse’s licence over sleeping on duty
A Nigerian-born nurse has lost her licence to practise in Australia after being found guilty of repeatedly sleeping during night shifts while on duty at a healthcare facility.
According to findings by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), the nurse was accused of abandoning patient care responsibilities by sleeping for extended periods during scheduled night shifts, an action the regulator described as professional misconduct.
Investigations revealed that the incidents occurred on multiple occasions, raising concerns about patient safety and negligence. The board noted that night-shift duties require constant alertness, particularly in clinical settings where emergencies can arise at any time.
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In its ruling, the NMBA stated that the nurse’s conduct fell below the expected standards of professional practice and breached the code of conduct for nurses in Australia. As a result, her registration was cancelled, barring her from practising nursing anywhere in the country.
The nurse reportedly admitted to the allegations but cited fatigue and workload pressures as contributing factors. However, the board maintained that such explanations did not justify behaviour that could place patients at risk.
The decision has sparked debate within migrant and healthcare communities over working conditions, shift fatigue, and staff shortages in the Australian health sector, though regulators insist patient safety remains paramount.
The case serves as a reminder that healthcare professionals in Australia are held to strict professional standards, regardless of nationality, and that violations can lead to severe disciplinary action, including loss of licence.
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