Nurse fired for ‘bizarre’ and ‘disgusting’ act that stunned patient and left supporters PRAYING for his health

An Iowa hospital nurse has been fired after she was seen flossing her teeth over a patient in a viral video.

The unidentified employee was reportedly performing dental care while standing over patient Cole “Tiny” Cross, who was being treated for a congenital heart condition at Ottumwa Regional Health Center over Christmas.

In a Facebook video shared by friend Joe Bainbridge, the now-fired nurse can be seen brushing her teeth as Cross tries to get her attention by contacting her.

The video, which was shared nearly 1,000 times and received 500 likes, has left many viewers outraged over the incident.

‘This is bizarre!!! Something isn’t right with this lady and it’s scary to think she literally has someone’s life in her hands. completely unsanitary and leaning so close to him while wiping her spit on her hands is unacceptable,” one person commented.

While another added: “Someone needs to go to the administration office and tell him he needs to be transferred. I would then call the Iowa Inspections and Appeals… and the other agencies listed below that investigate hospital neglect or abuse.”

“Omg…that’s some pretty disgusting behavior. Praying for this poor guy,” one Facebooker said simply.

Another demanded: “Yes, no. I hope she gets reprimanded for her actions. Not acceptable. And he obviously raises his hand to get her attention and she just continues to floss her teeth. Unacceptable!!’

‘How unsanitary!!! Especially with so many diseases going around and her hands in her mouth, dealing with sick patients is LOOSE!!,” another added.

Since the incident, the hospital has issued a statement saying it has a “zero tolerance policy.”

“Ottumwa Regional Health Center has a zero-tolerance policy for actions that do not align with our core values.

‘When this unacceptable behavior was brought to our attention early last week, we addressed it and immediately suspended and subsequently terminated the employment of the employee involved.

“This one incident is not a reflection of the dedication of our team or the great care we provide to our community every day.

“We encourage anyone who sees something like this to come forward and report it so we can resolve it as quickly as possible, ensure the health and safety of our patients, and learn from it,” the hospital system said.

Cross was released from MercyOne in Des Moines on January 6, 2025.

It remains unclear whether legal action will be taken against the hospital and the nurse.

The unidentified employee was reportedly performing dental care while standing over patient Cole “Tiny” Cross, who was being treated for a congenital heart condition at Ottumwa Regional Health Center over Christmas.

Since the incident, the hospital has issued a statement saying it has a “zero tolerance policy.”

In a Facebook video shared by friend Joe Bainbridge, the now terminated nurse can be seen brushing her teeth as Cross tries to get her attention by contacting her.

DailyMail.com has contacted the Ottumwa Regional Health Center for comment.

This comes nearly a year after a Long Island nurse who was caught on video picking up a baby and slamming him face down in his crib was acquitted of all charges.

Amanda Burke was charged with endangering the welfare of a child in April 2023 at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip.

Her trial was scheduled to begin in March 2024, but a judge approved the defense’s motion to dismiss after the prosecution revealed that their medical expert said it was unlikely Burke had injured the baby.

A letter obtained by the local newspaper said the state Department of Education’s Office of Professional Discipline ruled that Burke’s actions “did not constitute professional misconduct” and classified it as “simple negligence” in June.

Burke’s lawyer, Robert Gottlieb, told DailyMail.com that his client is grateful the charges were dismissed, but claimed the decision came far too late.