Nurse Fired After Standing Up to Surgeon’s Viral Meltdown on Livestream
A recent incident during a live streamed spinal surgery has sent shockwaves through the nursing community. The event unfolded when a surgeon, frustrated with the performance of a circulating nurse regarding suction equipment, unleashed a torrent of profane and demeaning language toward her. The outburst was captured on video and quickly spread online, sparking intense debate about workplace respect and safety in healthcare settings.
@the.nurse.erica This is crazy! Thoughts???#greenscreenvideo #nurse #toxic #nursesoftiktok ♬ original sound - TheNurseErica
Eyewitness and Nurse Erica’s Perspective
According to eyewitness accounts and commentary from Nurse Erica, who shared the footage and analysis, the surgeon repeatedly questioned the nurse’s competence, cursed at her, and dismissed her experience. The nurse was reportedly terminated the same day after allegedly talking back to the surgeon and telling him not to speak to her that way.
Direct quotes from alleged surgeon in livestream "Where is the suction? All right here's where you lacked intelligence, okay do you think I know the sucker's sucking? All right so 29 years of sucking fluids out of patients with suction, do you think i know if it's working or not? I am telling you, no don't talk back to me and listen. I don't give a F@ck how long you've been a nurse, your nursing is Sh%T. "
Later, Erica noted that part of the original livestream was removed and replaced with a commentary and Q&A session. During this segment, the surgeon acknowledged that the nurse performed well overall, but pointed out that there was a significant amount of attitude displayed, which he felt was inappropriate given that they were in the middle of surgery. He emphasized that surgeons are the ones who use the surgical equipment daily and therefore understand its proper function. The surgeon also stated that although the patient ultimately had a successful outcome, the delay caused by the nurse’s actions may have prevented the opportunity to address an additional disc during the procedure.
@the.nurse.erica Replying to @Lisa Lisa Lisa #update #nurse #nursesoftiktok ♬ original sound - TheNurseErica
Nurse Erica’s Message to Colleagues
Nurse Erica, speaking directly to her nursing colleagues, expressed alarm at the number of people defending the surgeon’s behavior online. “It’s sad that this is the quintessential example of how nurses are victimized day in and day out,” she said. “Even if you think the surgeon was right, there is no excuse for the language and disrespect shown.”
Erica emphasized that nurses have a professional responsibility to speak up and advocate for themselves and their patients. “Long gone are the days of nurses being subservient and not questioning orders,” she said. “It’s our job to speak up and question things when necessary.”
She also addressed the flood of requests to reveal the surgeon’s identity. “I do not believe in doxing,” Erica stated. “That’s not the goal here. The goal is to bring attention to the broader issue of how nurses are treated and to support those who stand up for themselves.”
Call to Action and Support
Erica urged the terminated nurse to fight back against what she views as wrongful termination. “I sincerely hope this nurse is going to fight this, and I will do everything in my power to give her a voice,” she said. “We have the evidence. There are employment attorneys out there who would be willing to take this case.”
The incident has reignited conversations about the need for systemic change in healthcare workplaces. Nurses are calling for greater protections, better support systems, and a culture of mutual respect—where speaking up is not only allowed but encouraged.
Standing Together
As Erica put it, “It’s just sad that the nurse is once again the scapegoat. Fight back, and let me help you in any way possible.”
This article is written to inform, support, and empower nurses to advocate for themselves and each other in the face of workplace adversity from one nurse to another!
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