A nurse, a TikTok video, and ignoring COVID-19 safety protocols. (This doesn’t end well…)

Pretty much none of you who emailed me after yesterday’s post about state-mandated vaccines were too keen on that idea.

But, speaking of COVID-19 and safety precautions, let’s see what you think about today’s twist.

Have you heard about the oncology nurse in Oregon who posted a TikTok video about how she travels, doesn’t wear a mask when she is out, and lets her kids have playdates?

I read about it in several news reports, including one here from Buzzfeed’s Tasneem Nashrulla. Ms. Nashrulla writes that the nurse, who has since deleted the video, has agreed not to practice until further order by the Oregon State Board of Nursing.

Well, that and she’s no longer employed at the hospital.

And who can blame the employer, right? Even if you assume that the nurse has the right to do what she wants (as long as it’s legal) on her own time —

Well, actually, let’s stop right there. It appears that the nurse filmed the video at work. But, maybe she was on a lunch break or something. (I’m reaching here, I know…) Even then, she is responsible for her actions. And, let me tell you, it’s not a good look for an oncology nurse to be bragging on social media about her disregard for CDC guidance and other fairly standard COVID-19 safety precautions.

The hospital at which the nurse used to work agrees with me.

Should you handle your employees the same way? If you are in the healthcare industry where patient safety is paramount, the answer is quite obvious.

A quick trigger finger in other settings could be a bit harsh. But at the very least, if you know that one of your employees is behaving in ways that could reasonably lead to an increased risk of transmission of COVID-19 at work, you can’t ignore it either.

Safety is key, and so is good communication. Ensure that your employees understand that reckless behavior during a pandemic — whether on social media or otherwise — can harm others.

And their employment.