Wis. Nurse Pleads No Contest to Amputating Man’s Foot Without His Permission

Wisconsin Nurse Faces Legal Consequences for Unauthorized Foot Amputation

A Wisconsin nurse, Mary K. Brown, has pleaded no contest to charges of patient abuse after amputating a 62-year-old man’s foot without his consent or a doctor’s approval. The patient, who was suffering from severe frostbite, reportedly experienced extreme pain during the unauthorised procedure.

Shockingly, it was revealed that Brown had intentions of preserving the amputated foot for display at her family’s taxidermy shop. Witnesses and court documents brought to light that there were plans to showcase the foot with a sign that read, “Wear your boots, kids”.

Mary K. Brown, aged 40, will be required to pay court fees amounting to $443 and will not be serving any prison time for her actions. Reports from KSTP, the Pierce County Journal, and WQOW detailed the incident that occurred in May 2022 at a nursing home where Brown was employed.

Unfortunately, the patient passed away shortly after the unauthorised amputation took place, prompting an investigation that ultimately led to Brown’s arrest. While Brown initially faced various charges including causing bodily harm and mayhem, as well as abusing an elderly person, these charges were dismissed following her plea.

As part of her agreement, Brown is prohibited from practising as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse in the state of Wisconsin moving forward. The shocking nature of the incident raised concerns, resulting in investigators being alerted by the county medical examiner due to the unusual circumstances surrounding the patient’s death.

The medical examiner discovered that the foot had been removed from the patient’s body and was found beside him, rather than attached. It was revealed that the amputation was carried out without proper authorisation from a physician, as indicated by the victim’s medical chart.

Witness statements from nurses present during the incident described the chilling details of the unapproved amputation. Accounts revealed that the foot was no longer attached to the patient’s leg, appearing blackened and mummified. Brown allegedly used scissors to sever a tendon, causing the amputation to occur.

One nurse shared that the patient was in considerable pain during the procedure, as he tightly held her hand and expressed discomfort. Another staff member recounted the patient’s distress, stating that he felt everything during the amputation and experienced intense pain.

The revelation that Brown planned to preserve the amputated foot for display at a taxidermy shop added another disturbing layer to the incident. Her discussion about showcasing the foot with a sign encouraging children to wear their boots further highlighted the baffling and callous nature of her intentions.

As the case continues to unfold, the implications of this egregious act have underscored the importance of upholding ethical and legal standards in healthcare practices. The shocking violation of a patient’s rights and bodily autonomy serves as a reminder of the vital need for accountability and oversight within medical professions.