Nurses React To Video of Family Holding Nurse Hostage on Thanksgiving
A family’s Thanksgiving encounter with a nurse at a nursing home has gone viral on TikTok. In the video, three family members argue with a nurse, accusing her of inadequate patient treatment, a poor attitude, and they insist she remain in the room while they wait for a manager to help resolve the issue. Nurses were quick to comment on the video, saying the family was holding the nurse “hostage.”
The original 10-minute video, uploaded by the family members, has been removed along with the originating accounts on TikTok and Instagram, but many other creators captured the original and shared their thoughts about the interaction.
@tnathan_lokius Video of a nurse being held hostage by a family in the nursing home on Thanksgiving. Every member of this family would have needed medical Care if they would have tried to detain me against my will.
Reaction videos have been played more than 10 million times across a variety of accounts and platforms.
@abbylynn0715 summed up many nurses’ reactions: “These family members posted the video thinking that everybody was going to hate on her, but no, because let me tell you what, there is an army of nurses and we’re freaking pissed off. We put up with s&%t like this every single day.”
@thenurseerica warned users that the video was “triggering” and acknowledged that the video was missing the beginning for context. However, she highlighted many issues with the “entitled” family members:
- Telling the nurse “you’re not leaving” – “a crime, holding someone hostage against their will”
- Threatening to report her, potentially “jeopardizing her license”
- Posting the video online which is “slander and defamation of character”
@the.nurse.erica The video is very triggering. @GenXrollergurl has the video posted on their page. #nurse #viralvideo #rn #lpn #cna #thenurseerica ♬ original sound – TheNurseErica
Unfortunately, nurses frequently face challenges dealing with difficult and rude family members, which adds emotional strain to already demanding roles. These interactions may stem from family members’ frustrations, fear, or guilt about their loved one’s condition. Despite this, nurses must maintain professionalism and empathy, striving to communicate effectively while addressing concerns and de-escalating tensions. Most nurses seemed to agree that the nurse in the video carried herself reasonably well.
@itssteffk As a nurse that’s spent some time in LTC, my heart goes out to this young nurse♥️ #itssteffk #nurse #nursesoftiktok #trending #fyp #funnyvideo #news #familytime #nurselife #Meme #MemeCut #dance #CapCut #thanksgiving ♬ suono originale – 🧙♂️Tony3S AI Wizard 🧙♂️
@impulsiveintrovert Nurses are always left to defend themselves and that’s what I will be doing if a family member tries me #creatorsearchinsights #nurse #thanksgiving #patientsbelike #nurselife #tiktokblackfriday ♬ original sound – MemeScreens
The viral nursing home confrontation has highlighted a harsh reality for many nurses: dealing with rude and confrontational family members is a daily occurrence. These encounters often stem from heightened emotions, misunderstandings, or misplaced frustrations, but they add significant stress to an already demanding profession. Despite this, nurses consistently strive to remain professional, compassionate, and patient-focused, even when faced with hostility.
The overwhelming support from the nursing community in response to this incident underscores the challenges nurses face and the resilience they demonstrate every day.
What did you think about the video? Share your thoughts on Instagram.
