Nurse Says She's Been Suspended for Refusing Vaccine in Viral Video

An ICU nurse has gone viral on TikTok after making a video about being suspended for refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

User @kimilupes posted the video, which can be seen here, earlier this month and it has since amassed more than 700,000 views.

Jumping on a trend that has become a popular way for TikTok users to tell stories, she sings along to a Sarah Cothran recording of the song "Grace Kelly" by Mika while removing her personal protective gear, as captions reveal her story part by part.

"Spent 4 years in undergraduate school studying health sciences," the first caption says as the woman removes her mask to reveal another one underneath.

"Went to graduate school and endured a rigorous 2 year accelerated masters of science in nursing program," the second caption says.

"Became an ICU nurse and treated COVID + patients for 19 months," another adds. "In 2020 we reused N95 masks and gowns. During that time I cared for your grandmother, sister, brother, son, and mother."

As she continues removing her gear, the captions continue: "I've scarified holidays, weekends, time, sleep and events with my family to be there for yours."

A caption then reveals that she has been suspended from her job since October 1. "On November 1, 2021 I will be terminated because I chose not to get the shot," another caption explains.

The final caption concludes: "Despite all of this, my faith will endure. And I will continue to fight for my medical freedom. Please know I WILL be back doing what I love most!"

Although the video garnered more than 127,000 likes, some of the most popular comments were critical. "I don't understand how anyone could study health sciences for 6 years, and still not understand or accept something so basic to the profession," one person wrote.

Another comment said: "I am a PA in the ICU and I already got my third vaccination. I choose to protect my patients who are already critically ill and all of you! Get vac'd!"

Another person added: "Dude, you literally have to be up to date with all your other vaccines to be a nurse."

Others defended the woman, with one writing: "I'm a nurse too. I'm standing with you too. They are about to have a crisis on their hands. Praying for you."

Another wrote: "I feel like you're even more of a hero for standing up for your own freedom of choice, regardless of the penalties. Keep standing strong!"

Newsweek has contacted @kimilupes for additional comment.