A nurse has been dismissed from her job after a video emerged showing her engaging in inappropriate behaviour while attending to a patient at Ottumwa Regional Health Center in Iowa. The unidentified nurse was captured on camera flossing her teeth while leaning over patient Cole “Tiny” Cross, who was under treatment for congenital heart disease.
In the footage shared on Facebook by Cole’s friend, Joe Bainbridge, the patient can be seen trying to get the nurse’s attention by raising his hand, but she disregards him and continues flossing. The video quickly gained traction online, with viewers expressing outrage over the nurse’s actions and calling for her to be fired or moved to a different area of the hospital.
Commenters described the nurse’s behaviour as “disgusting” and “unhinged,” noting that she ignored the patient’s attempts to communicate with her. Ottumwa Regional Health Center responded to the incident by suspending and subsequently terminating the nurse’s employment, emphasizing that such actions do not reflect the standard of care they aim to provide.
The hospital released a statement affirming their zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and urging individuals to report any similar incidents to ensure the well-being and safety of patients. Cole Cross received further treatment at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines and has since been discharged, although he may require ongoing care.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding professional standards and prioritising patient care in healthcare settings. It also underscores the power of social media in holding individuals and institutions accountable for their actions. Healthcare providers must ensure that their staff adhere to ethical and compassionate practices at all times to maintain trust and uphold the integrity of the profession.