CRNA Accused of Sexually Assaulting Sedated Patients Surrenders License, Blames Victims

Disclaimer: This article discusses sexual assault and may be distressing to some readers. Discretion is advised. 

A Virginia-based nurse anesthetist has permanently surrendered his license after a damning investigation revealed he engaged in repeated non-consensual sexual conduct with multiple sedated female patients over the course of several years.

The Virginia Board of Nursing accepted the permanent voluntary surrender of Kevin James Coolong., following a detailed consent order outlining multiple allegations of misconduct and boundary violations during his tenure as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at Atlantic Anesthesia, a provider of anesthesia services.

Coolong, who had practiced nursing in Virginia since 1999, was found to have violated multiple sections of Virginia’s nursing regulations and ethics guidelines. According to the Consent Order issued in April 2025, Coolong’s actions spanned from 2017 to 2024 and involved inappropriate touching, kissing, and other acts committed while patients were under anesthesia or sedation.

Disturbing Pattern of Behavior

The investigation revealed that Coolong engaged in non-consensual conduct with at least four patients, identified in records as Patients A through D. These incidents took place during various surgical procedures, including C-sections and orthopedic operations.

In one case from February 2024, a patient reported that Coolong was “on her side of the c-section curtain” and made her uncomfortable. The patient stated Coolong was “whispering in her ear or very close to her… put his thumb in her mouth.” When questioned, Coolong admitted that “her airway was obstructed and he used his thumb to open her mouth.”

Another case from December 2017 involved a patient sedated for a cesarean section. Coolong later admitted he kissed her on the lips while her eyes were closed, claiming it was a “friendly kiss” and that he believed the patient “liked him.”

When interviewed, he stated, “ seemed to like me and enjoyed my interaction with her… she was frightened and clingy, and she needed me to coach her and keep her calm.”

Psychological Evaluation and Admission of Guilt

As part of the disciplinary process, Coolong underwent a psychosocial and sex offender evaluation by a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider (CSOTP). During this evaluation, he made several alarming statements.

• “I desperately crave love and affection beyond what is normal,” Coolong admitted.
• “I thought I could get away with because I thought would like it.”

The CSOTP's final report concluded that Coolong is self-centered and lacking in empathy, and possesses antisocial characteristics and a history of conduct problems. The report stated:

• “Mr. Coolong holds the victims somewhat responsible for his conduct…
  They asked for it by the way they looked and talked, and wanted and liked the sexual things that happened.”

Cover-Up Attempts and False Documentation

The Board also found that Coolong had knowingly made false statements about his behavior and had altered patient records to support his version of events. For example, after being questioned about a 2024 incident, he used a “Quick Note” to retroactively add a note about administering medication to a patient—an action one week after the procedure and one day after being questioned by his employer.

In a professional ethics course, Coolong reportedly said he was able to “lie his way out” of disciplinary actions by Atlantic Anesthesia. He added that “if he hadn’t gotten caught,” he would have continued his behavior.

Final Disciplinary Action

On May 20, 2025, the Virginia Board of Nursing issued a final order stating that Coolong’s license would be permanently surrendered and he would be ineligible for reinstatement in Virginia or in any multistate compact jurisdiction.

The Board concluded that Coolong’s continued practice represented an ongoing risk to patient safety and professional ethics in nursing.

A Public Record of Accountability

The signed consent order and supporting documentation have been made a matter of public record, available through the Virginia Department of Health Professions.

The case marks one of the most serious actions taken by the Board in recent years and serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for trust, accountability, and ethical conduct in healthcare—especially when patients are at their most vulnerable.

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