UK Nurse Suspended by NMC for Secretly Working Two Full-Time Jobs
By Fellow Nurses Africa
29 October 2025
A nurse has been suspended for 18 months by the UK’s Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) after she was found to have secretly worked two full-time jobs simultaneously, in breach of professional standards and her employment contract.
Zwelani Ndlovu, a learning disability nurse originally from South Africa, held a full-time day position with Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust while also working night shifts for the private healthcare provider Cygnet Health Care.
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The NMC fitness-to-practise panel concluded that her actions were dishonest and placed vulnerable patients at “unwarranted risk of harm” due to the likelihood of fatigue.
Background to the Case
Ms Ndlovu joined Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust in January 2020 as a band 5 registered nurse, supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism and complex mental health needs.
In May 2023, she began a second full-time role with Cygnet Health Care, working a rotating pattern of night shifts from 19:00 to 07:15. This arrangement continued for seven months until December 2023, when concerns were raised by her private employer.
An internal investigation revealed that Ms Ndlovu had not disclosed the second job to Mersey Care, despite a contractual obligation to do so. She also failed to declare the dual employment on annual appraisal forms.
NMC Findings
The panel, sitting between 21 and 23 October 2025, found the following charges proven:
- Working two full-time roles without declaration
- Dishonesty in completing employment documentation
- Breaching patient safety through risk of impaired performance
- Conduct falling far below the standards expected of a registered nurse
Ms Ndlovu admitted four of the nine charges during the hearing. She told the panel the dual employment was driven by financial pressures but insisted she had not intended to compromise care.
The panel rejected this explanation, noting a “lack of full insight” into the seriousness of her actions.
“The registrant’s conduct involved a sustained period of dishonesty and placed service users at risk of harm from fatigue and divided attention,” the NMC determination stated.
Sanction and Conditions
Ms Ndlovu has been suspended from the NMC register for 18 months, effective immediately. An interim suspension order remains in place for 18 months to cover any appeal period.
She may apply for early review after 12 months, provided she demonstrates:
- Full remediation
- Evidence of reflective practice
- Understanding of patient safety obligations
Wider Context
The NMC permits secondary employment provided it is declared and does not affect patient care. This case comes amid ongoing concerns about workforce pressures in the NHS and the reliance on internationally recruited nurses.
Fellow Nurses Africa reminds all members working in the UK to:
- Review employment contracts carefully
- Declare all paid work to primary employers
- Prioritise rest and professional accountability
Official Response
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust and Cygnet Health Care declined to comment on the case.
The NMC said:
“Public protection is our primary concern. Nurses must act with honesty and uphold the reputation of the profession at all times.”
Ms Ndlovu has 28 days to lodge an appeal.
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