UTMB fires Texas nurse after viral video suggesting she refused to treat patients watching Fox News, sparking outrage over political bias in healthcare

A nurse working at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) has been fired after she made a video showing how she backs out of a patient's room if she finds Fox News running in the room, sparking backlash online. The video, posted by a contract nurse identified online as "Nurse Ahlam," quickly went viral and triggered a debate about professionalism in healthcare, political bias, and patient trust.

UTMB initially suspended the nurse and later confirmed that her employment had been terminated following an investigation.

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What was in the viral video?

The controversy began after a video surfaced on social media showing the nurse describing how she reacts when she enters a patient's room and sees Fox News playing on television.



Fox News is widely viewed as a conservative news network in the United States. Critics argued that the video appeared to suggest political bias toward patients based on their media preferences.

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The clip quickly gained attention, with many social media users questioning whether personal political opinions should ever influence interactions with patients.

UTMB responds and launches investigation

After becoming aware of the video, the University of Texas Medical Branch issued a statement confirming that it was looking into the matter.

"UTMB is aware of the social media posts and is conducting an investigation. This individual's access to work at any UTMB facility has been suspended while the investigation is ongoing," the health center said.



Later on, the institution announced that the nurse's contract had been terminated. "Following an investigation into the social media posts, UTMB terminated the contract employee yesterday evening," UTMB announced.

The move was welcomed by many online users who argued that healthcare professionals must treat all patients equally, regardless of political beliefs, religion, race, or personal opinions.

Social media users demand stronger action

Despite the termination, many people said the incident raised broader concerns about patient confidence in healthcare providers.

Some users called for additional accountability measures and urged the institution to notify nursing regulators.

"Thank you @utmbhealth advocating for patients safety and not being politically motivated! Now, I would like to know if you as a responsible health care body reported her actions to the nursing board of Texas? She needs to be disciplined for her egregious actions," one wrote.

Others questioned whether someone expressing such views should continue working in healthcare.

"The fact that she treats people based on political views just says a lot about her as a person entirely she definitely not the person that I would want anyone be in care of hers alone she definitely would want to kill any patient because of their political views," another wrote.

Debate expands beyond one employee

The incident also led to discussions about workplace culture and hiring practices. Some users argued that healthcare organizations should examine whether similar attitudes exist elsewhere.

"While I can appreciate the termination, it speaks volumes to a culture that should be investigated beyond this person. How do people like this get hired to begin with??" another wrote.

Others suggested the hospital should review its recruitment and screening processes.

"You need to look into your hiring process. hopefully this was a misalignment of values and not performative work," a third user wrote. While many comments focused on professional conduct and patient care standards, some reactions went further and targeted the nurse's religion.

Such comments sparked a separate debate online, with many users arguing that criticism of an individual's actions should not be extended to an entire religious community or group of healthcare workers.

Why the case has attracted attention

The controversy has gained national attention because it touches on a sensitive issue: whether patients can trust that they will receive equal treatment regardless of their political views.

Medical ethics generally require healthcare professionals to provide care without discrimination and to prioritize patient wellbeing above personal beliefs.

For many observers, the debate is no longer just about a viral video. It has become a larger conversation about professionalism, public trust, and the responsibilities that come with working in healthcare.

As of now, UTMB has completed its employment action against the nurse, while discussion continues online over whether additional steps should be taken by regulatory authorities.