Photo: Martin Barraud / OJO Images / Getty Images
A nurse at Ottumwa Regional Health Center in Iowa was fired after a viral video showed her flossing her teeth over a patient. The incident occurred on Christmas. The video was shared on Facebook by Joe Bainbridge, a friend of the patient, Cole "Tiny" Cross, who was receiving treatment for congenital heart disease.
In the video, the nurse is seen flossing while standing over Cross, ignoring his attempts to get her attention. The video quickly went viral, amassing over 900 shares and nearly 335,000 views.
The hospital responded swiftly, issuing a statement that emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for actions that do not align with its core values.
"As soon as this unacceptable behavior was flagged for us early last week, we addressed it, immediately suspending and then terminating the employment of the staff member involved," the hospital stated.
They encouraged anyone witnessing similar behavior to report it to ensure patient safety.
While Cross has since been released from the hospital, he may still require further medical care.
Legal action is being considered, but no formal steps have been taken yet.
The Iowa Board of Nursing has not responded to inquiries regarding potential additional consequences for the nurse.
You can watch the video below: