An oncology nurse in Oregon has lost her job after she uploaded a video of herself bragging about breaking Covid-19 rules to Tik Tok.
The nurse, Ashley Grames, posted a video she took while wearing hospital scrubs. In the footage, she appears to scream at the camera, while a caption reads "when my coworkers find out I still travel, don't wear a mask when I am out, and let my kids have playdates."
The video has been deleted, though it has been posted by other users since its removal.
After the original post went viral, many people online called for her removal from the hospital.
"So will she be removed from her position for endangering the lives of immunocompromised people, or no?" one person wrote on Facebook. "Any action other than firing her shows that you really don’t care about your patients or your remaining and I’m sure competent, staff."
"She needs to be FIRED. She is putting her patients at risk- CANCER patients," another wrote. "Unacceptable behavior. Firing her is the only acceptable response. People could lose their lives/their loved ones because of her carelessness. I hope you value your patients enough to rid your environment of those who don’t care for their safety."
Salem Health confirmed they were investigating the incident.
"Yesterday, a nurse employed with Salem Health posted a video on social media which displayed cavalier disregard for the seriousness of this pandemic and her indifference towards physical distancing and masking outside of work. This video has prompted an outcry from concerned community members," they wrote in a statement on Facebook.
"We want to thank those of you who brought this to our attention and assure you that we are taking this very seriously. This individual does not speak for Salem Health and has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation."
It has since been confirmed to Buzzfeed News that Grames is no longer with the hospital, though Salem Health did not confirm whether she quit or was fired. The nurse has signed an "Interim Order by Consent", which prevents her from practicing as a nurse or caregiver, though it's not known for how long. The state's nursing board will ultimately decide if and when she can return to work.
Salem Health sought to clarify that her views in no way reflect their own.
"Salem Health believes we all need to do our part to protect the vulnerable and stop the rapid spread of COVID-19," they wrote on Facebook. "This includes requiring staff, patients and visitors to follow guidance from the CDC and others about mask wearing and social distancing. The COVID pandemic is serious and requires a serious response. And at Salem Health we are very serious about our approach to COVID."
