Nurse suspended after TikTok video mocking Covid-19 mask rules goes viral

Ashley Grames was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation

Nurse Ashley Grames suspended after TikTok video mocking Covid-19 mask rules (TikTok / @amandabutcher2)

A cancer nurse in Oregon was suspended over a "cavalier disregard" for the Covid-19 pandemic after posting a video on TikTok mocking safety protocols.

 In the since-deleted video, the nurse identified as Ashley Grames lip-syncs to Dr Seuss's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" as she lampooned the response of other staff at Salem Health hospitals 

"When my co workers find out I still travel, don't wear a mask when I'm out and let my kids have play dates," she captioned the video.

While the TikTok account @loviskind05 was deleted following the video going viral on Friday, a second user, @amandabutcher2 reposted the original footage in a duet.

"Imagine being an oncology nurse during a pandemic and bragging about not taking precautions," @amandabutcher2 said in the re-post.

While Ms Grames wasn't named in the videos, she was identified by hospital officials to the Statesman Journal. She declined to be interviewed when approached at her home by Oregon's KPTV.

In a statement posted to Facebook, Salem Health said the nurse was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation for the video that "displayed cavalier disregard for the seriousness of this pandemic and her indifference towards physical distancing and masking outside of work".

They said that she does not speak for Salem Health or reflect the position of the other staff at the hospital.

@amandabutcher2

To each their own, but why would you brag about it to others? 🤦🏻‍♀‍ I guess we could ask Loveiskind05 #nurse #covid #health #pandemic #fyp #foryou

♬ original sound - Amanda Butcher

"Salem Health believes we all need to do our part to protect the vulnerable and stop the rapid spread of Covid-19. This includes requiring staff, patients and visitors to follow guidance from the CDC and others about mask wearing and social distancing," Salem Health added.

"The Covid pandemic is serious and requires a serious response. And at Salem Health we are very serious about our approach to Covid."

Almost 1,500 people have commented on Salem Health's Facebook post, prompting the hospital to respond asking for patience as they investigate.

Oregon has had more than 70,000 reported Covid-19 cases and 885 deaths while Salem Hospital has had 91 employee-related Covid-19 cases, according to Oregon's most recent weekly report.