On oncology nurse working with Salem Health in Oregon, Ashley Grimes, has been placed on administrative leave after she posted a TikTok video in which she claimed that she does not wear face masks, engages in frequent travels, and allows her children to mix freely with other people. The content of her post clearly violates CDC’s regulations for slowing the spread of COVID-19, and hundreds of people on social media have called for her sack, Buzzfeed writes.
“When my coworkers find out I still travel, don’t wear a mask when I’m out and let my kids have play dates,” Grames, using TikTok username @Loveiskind05 states in the video.
Although the video has now been deleted following public outcry, Grames wore medical scrubs and a stethoscope in the video. TikTok users identified her as a worker with Salem Health and promptly notified her employers of the video, while others left scathing remarks on the video and on Facebook.
A Salem Health spokesperson identified the nurse as Ashley Grames and disclosed that she was an oncology nurse. While thanking the social media community for bringing the video to the attention of the hospital, the management said Grame’s remarks were her own and do not reflect the views of Salem Hospital. The hospital further stated that the nurse has been placed on administrative leave while investigations are ongoing on the incident.
“Yesterday, a nurse employed with Salem Health posted a video on social media which displayed a cavalier disregard for the seriousness of this pandemic and her indifference towards physical distancing and masking outside of work,” the hospital wrote.
The hospital went further to state that COVID-19 remains a big threat to people everywhere and that CDC regulations must be followed strictly to fight the pandemic.
“Salem Health believes we all need to do our part to protect the vulnerable and stop the rapid spread of COVID-19,” they wrote. “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.”
The response of the hospital at suspending the errant nurse did not placate most people, and many commenters called for her to be fired without any investigations. Others went further to condemn Salem Health for employing the Grames, saying it speaks volumes about the quality of healthcare service that the hospital provides for people.
“Who would ever go to a Hospital where their nurses don’t understand basic public health protocols,” one person wrote. “If your staff doesn’t ‘believe’ in science, how can you be a medical facility? Wonder how dirty this place is.”
“You need to evaluate your staff and ensure that they are the best possible candidates for the positions you are offering,” another commenter stated.
“There should be no investigation,” someone else stated on social media. “Fire her and take away any of her licenses. She doesn’t deserve to be a nurse if all she’s going to do is endanger some of the most immunocompromised people.”
Source: buzzfeednews.com
