Nurses Are Terrible People Too

In this wildly bizarre minisode, a former nurse in Italy allegedly hid his dead mother’s body, collected her pension for years, and then dressed as her to renew her ID. The disguise included a wig, makeup, jewelry, a cane—and one suspiciously thick neck.
We unpack the case now known as the “Mrs. Doubtfire scandal,” plus the tiny detail that finally exposed him.
Then, to restore your faith in nurses, hear how nurse Emily Lebsack saved a choking 90-year-old woman in a Costco freezer aisle.
 
CNN: Italian man accused of dressing up as his dead mom to claim her pension
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/25/europe/italy-pension-fraud-mother-scli-intl
 
Nurse.org : Ex-Nurse Caught with Mummified Late Mother in Shocking €50K Pension Scam
https://nurse.org/news/nurse-impersonates-mother-pension-fraud-italy/
 
The Standard: Unemployed son dressed as dead mother to collect her pension in astonishing ‘Mrs Doubtfire’ scam
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/mrs-doubtfire-pension-scam-italy-b1259634.html
 
You Tube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghcKJiVQXMA
 

Part 2 of Fake It ’Til You Break It exposes the shocking reality of fake nurses, healthcare fraud, stolen nursing licenses, and the massive Operation Nightingale scandal. From serial nurse impostors and credential fraud to fake diplomas and patient safety risks, the Terrible Nurses crew dives into real cases that reveal how unqualified people slipped into healthcare systems — and asks the unsettling question: how many fake nurses are still out there?
Brought to you by our alleged sponsor: Vaxxer
Autumn Bardisa- 
Woman who posed as nurse and treated 4,000+ patients at Florida hospital takes plea deal
https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/woman-who-posed-as-nurse-and-treated-4000-patients-at-florida-hospital-takes-plea-deal/3792929/
Fake Nurse Autumn Bardisa Avoids Prison—Sentenced to 5 Years Probation Instead
https://nurse.org/news/fake-nurse-autumn-bardisa/
Nurse imposter arrested after treating over 4,000 patients without a license: Sheriff
https://abcnews.com/US/nurse-imposter-arrested-after-treating-4000-patients-license/story?id=124419736
Palm Coast woman arrested for posing as registered nurse: FCSO
https://www.tampabay28.com/news/state/palm-coast-woman-arrested-for-posing-as-registered-nurse-fcso
Leticia Galarzo- 
United States of America vs Leticia Gallarzo
https://www.justice.gov/d9/2023-08/gallarzo_complaint.pdf 
Bogus Nurse Who Used Stolen IDs to Land Health Care Jobs Sentenced to Over 6 Years in Prison
https://people.com/bogus-nurse-sentenced-over-6-years-stolen-identity-scheme-11898947
Fake Nurse Gets 75 Months in Prison for Identity Theft and Fraud
https://nurse.org/articles/michigan-impersonates-nurse-third-time/ 
Texas Board Of Nursing -
https://www.bon.texas.gov/discipline_and_complaints_imposter_2015alerts.asp.html
Nurse Impostor with Fake Diplomas Skips Out On Sentencing
https://www.woodtv.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/nurse-imposter-with-fake-diplomas-skips-sentencing-2/?ipid=promo-link-block1
Woman Who Posed as Licensed Registered Nurse Sentenced to 75 Months in Prison
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/pr/2026_0127_Gallarzo_Sentencing_PR
Woman, 42, pleads guilty in Texas fake registered nurse case
https://www.wsaw.com/content/news/Woman-42-pleads-guilty-in-Texas-fake-registered-nurse-case-433008633.html
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT WESTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN SOUTHERN DIVISION 
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-miwd-1_23-cr-00118/pdf/USCOURTS-miwd-1_23-cr-00118-0.pdf
Operation Nightengale - 
Department of Justice:
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/fraud-charges-filed-against-12-defendants-phase-ii-operation-nightingale
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Inspector General
https://oig.hhs.gov/newsroom/media-materials/nightingale/
United States Attorney’s office Southern District of Florida
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/fraud-charges-filed-against-12-defendants-phase-ii-operation-nightingale
 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
https://www.npdb.hrsa.gov/qa/operationNightingale.jsp
Operation Nightingale and Protecting Your Organization from Potential Licensure Fraud
https://www.providertrust.com/blog/operation-nightingale-and-protecting-your-organization-from-potential-licensure-fraud/
‘Operation Nightingale’: Feds charge 25 in sweeping nurse diploma scheme
https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/legal-regulatory-issues/operation-nightingale-feds-charge-25-in-sweeping-nurse-diploma-scheme/
Officials Tell 18 Nurses: Prove Your Credentials Aren’t Fake Or Face Discipline
https://www.asrn.org/journal-nursing/2958-officials-tell-18-nurses-prove-your-credentials-aren%E2%80%99t-fake-or-face-discipline.html#:~:text=Of%20the%207%2C600%20students%20who,currently%20hold%20temporary%20licensing%20permits.
Florida operator accused of selling fake degree to nurse implicated in patient death
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article312133129.html

Would you know if the person treating you was never actually a nurse?
In Part 1 of Fake It ‘til You Break It, the hosts of Nurses Are Terrible People Too uncover real cases of alleged fake nurses who slipped into hospitals, prisons, nursing homes, and urgent cares using stolen identities, forged credentials, and pure audacity. One allegedly stole narcotics across multiple states. Another is accused of assaulting patients while pretending to be a nurse.
What starts out sounding absurd quickly turns into something far more disturbing: proof that some of these imposters got dangerously close to real patients before anyone realized they were fake.
 
Brought to you by our alleged sponsor - Operative Otters
 
Check your nursing license on https://www.nursys.com/ and sign up for e-notify. 
 
Shannon Womack - 
ABC NEWS- Pennsylvania nurse used 20 aliases, 7 Social Security numbers to illegally treat patients: Police
https://abcnews.com/US/fake-nurse-20-aliases-7-social-security-numbers/story?id=123956914
 
State Police Seeking Help from Health Care Providers with Ongoing Investigation into Fraudulent Nursing Practices
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/psp/newsroom/psp-seeking-help-with-ongoing-investigation-into-fraudulent-nurs
 
Woman charged with posing as nurse arrested in Pennsylvania, suspected in Tennessee
https://fox17.com/news/local/fake-nurse-wanted-for-pill-thefts-in-pennsylvania-may-have-committed-crimes-in-tennessee
 
‘Impostor nurse’ used 20 aliases and worked at medical facilities in severalstates, police say
https://www.wfsb.com/2025/07/24/impostor-nurse-used-20-aliases-worked-medical-facilities-several-states-police-say/
 
Ramon Garcia
 
Man charged with playing nurse, performing exams on more than a dozen unsuspecting women
https://wjla.com/news/nation-world/man-charged-ramon-garcia-assault-harass-nurse-perform-photo-vagina-blood-medical-exams-victims-unsuspecting-women-urgent-care-facility-pennsylvania-abington-jenkintown-montgomery-county-district-attorney
 
Fake Nurse Sentenced for Sexual Assaults at Pennsylvania Urgent Care
https://www.anzalonelaw.com/fake-nurse-sentenced-for-sexual-assaults-at-pennsylvania-urgent-care/
 
Fake Nurse Gets 5-10 Years In Prison For Sexually Assaulting Multiple Patients
https://nurse.org/news/fake-nurse-sexually-assault-patients/
 
Man charged with playing nurse, performing exams on more than a dozen unsuspecting women
https://nbcmontana.com/news/nation-world/man-charged-ramon-garcia-assault-harass-nurse-perform-photo-vagina-blood-medical-exams-victims-unsuspecting-women-urgent-care-facility-pennsylvania-abington-jenkintown-montgomery-county-district-attorney
 
Amanda LeAnn Porter
 
Fake Nurse Hired at Two CA Hospitals—Police Say She Had No License or Credentials
https://nurse.org/news/fake-nurse-arrested-california/
 
Woman pretended to be a nurse at various SoCal hospitals, oversaw dozens of patients, police say
https://abc7.com/post/amanda-leeann-porter-woman-accused-impersonating-registered-nurse-socal-hospitals/15547627/
 
Virginia Woman on Probation for Fraud Impersonated Nurse at Multiple Hospitals, Oversaw Dozens of Patients: Police Investigators believe she has been fraudulently employed at multiple hospitals using a variety of fake identities.
https://www.latintimes.com/virginia-nurse-fraud-probation-hospitals-identity-amanda-leeann-porter-566087
 
Restore your faith in nursing with Diane Carlson Evans
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diane_Carlson_Evans
 

Was she calculated… or just unbelievably bold (and bad at crime)?  We’re talking about Kimberly Saenz, a dialysis nurse accused of injecting bleach into patients’ bloodstreams. Yes. Bleach.
We break down how dialysis works, how this could even happen, and why it took so long for anyone to stop it — all while asking the question: was she shockingly bold… or just shockingly dumb?
Grab your snacks. Maybe not anything potassium-rich.
 
Brought to you by our alleged sponsor: Horse Nurse
 
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Dialysis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw_nqzVfxFQ
https://www.oxygen.com/snapped/crime-news/nurse-kimberly-saenz-killed-patients-by-injecting-bleach
 
Angel of death: Nurse Convicted of Injecting Bleach - Oxygen
https://www.oxygen.com/snapped/crime-news/nurse-kimberly-saenz-killed-patients-by-injecting-bleach
 
CBS News: Jury Finds Texas Nurse Guilty In Bleach Deaths
https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/texas-jury-finds-former-nurse-guilty-in-bleach-deaths/
Kimberly Clark Saenz v. The State of Texas, Appeal from 217th District Court of Angelina County (opinion by Chief Justice Stone)
https://law.justia.com/“Angel of Death” Nurse Convicted of Killing Patients by Injecting Bleach: “Can’t Imagine the Pain" | Oxygencases/texas/fourth-court-of-appeals/2014/04-12-00238-cr.html
 
Wikipedia: Kimberly Clark Saenz
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimberly_Clark_Saenz
 
KTRE-9:The DaVita Lufkin Dialysis Shutdown May Be The Result Of A Criminal Act
https://www.ktre.com/story/8337178/the-davita-lufkin-dialysis-shutdown-may-be-the-result-of-a-criminal-act/
 

In this episode, we dive into the disturbing true story of Wisconsin nurse Mary K. Brown, accused of amputating a hospice patient’s frostbitten foot with bandage scissors—without a physician’s order or consent. We break down the medical realities of necrosis, scope-of-practice violations, reporting failures, and the legal aftermath that saw serious felony charges reduced to a misdemeanor plea. It’s a jaw-dropping case of alleged nurse misconduct, healthcare ethics, and system breakdowns—told with the clinical insight and dark humor only real nurses can deliver. Listener discretion advised.
Brought to you by our alleged sponsor: Fibermectin
To restore your faith in nurses: Honoring Alex Pretti
 
1. People.com — Plea outcomehttps://people.com/mary-k-brown-wisconsin-nurse-no-contest-amputating-man-foot-without-his-permission-11775310/
2. Pierce County Journal — Local sentencing coveragehttps://www.piercecountyjournal.news/stories/nurse-accused-of-cutting-off-foot-gets-fine-no-jail-time,143971
3. NewsChannel10 / Gray News — Initial chargeshttps://www.newschannel10.com/2022/12/07/nurse-accused-amputating-patients-foot-without-permission-barred-being-caregiver/
4. KSTP — Plea coveragehttps://kstp.com/kstp-news/wisconsin-news/wisconsin-nurse-accused-of-amputating-a-patients-foot-pleads-no-contest/
5. KAIT8 — Early charge reportinghttps://www.kait8.com/2022/11/07/nurse-accused-removing-patients-foot-without-permission/
6. WECT — Not-guilty plea stagehttps://www.wect.com/2023/02/17/nurse-accused-cutting-off-dying-patients-foot-without-permission-pleads-not-guilty/
7. Criminal Complaint (Pierce County Court Filing PDF)https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/wis-brown-complaint-pierce-county.pdf
8. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services website.
https://online.drl.wi.gov/decisions/2023/ORDER0008381-00019839.pdf
 

What's the plan for season 2 and beyond of Nurses Are Terrible People Too? Make sure to subscribe so that episodes appear when our shifts line up! 

In this unhinged bonus episode, we dive into the true crime saga of Gwendolyn Graham and Cathy Wood, the “lethal lovers” who turned their workplace romance into a serial-killer Scrabble game—trying to pick nursing home victims whose initials spelled MURDER. Their three-month smother-fest became one of the most bizarre healthcare serial killer cases in American history, complete with obsession, jealousy, and the world’s worst idea of couple's bonding. Dark humor, deranged love stories, and caregiver chaos—welcome to Nurses Are Terrible People Too at its wildest.
 
Brought to you by our alleged sponsor: Slap Pack
 
Wikipedia - donate if you can
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwendolyn_Graham_and_Cathy_Wood
People - Female Serial Killer Who Murdered Patients with Alzheimer's, Dementia Released After Nearly 30 Years
https://people.com/crime/female-serial-killer-who-murdered-patients-with-alzheimers-dementia-released-after-nearly-30-years/
New York Times -Ex-Nursing Home Aide Gets Life Term in 5 Patient Killings
-https://www.nytimes.com/1989/11/03/us/ex-nursing-home-aide-gets-life-term-in-5-patient-killings.html
Forever and Five Days: The Chilling True Story of Love, Betrayal, and Serial Murder in Grand Rapids, Michigan
By Lowell Caffiel
https://www.amazon.com/Forever-Five-Days-Chilling-Betrayal-ebook/dp/B00L2TDSVG

In this episode, we expose some of the wildest pandemic-era nurse crimes—from a wrench-and-chemical attack at Hackensack to the $1.5 million vaccine-card scam at Wild Child Pediatrics. We also relive real nurse security failures, including hospitals handing out riot shields instead of real protection. Dark humor, unbelievable stories, and brutally honest nurse truth-telling await.
Brought to you by our alleged sponsor: MAMA - Modern Automated Mothering Attendant
 
Nicholas Pagano - Travel Nurse - NJ: 
ABC 6 Action News- Traveling nurse who allegedly set NJ hospital worker on fire found dead of apparent suicide
https://6abc.com/nicholas-pagano-wanted-nurse-hackensack-university-medical-center-set-on-fire/11546155/
CBS News - Nicholas Pagano Found Dead After He Allegedly Set Colleague On Fire At Hackensack University Medical Center
https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nicholas-pagano-found-dead-after-hackensack-fire/
New York Post- NJ nurse wanted for allegedly setting co-worker on fire in hospital found dead
https://nypost.com/2022/02/08/nurse-nicholas-pagano-wanted-for-allegedly-setting-coworker-on-fire/
NJ.com - Woman attacked and burned by traveling nurse sues hospital, says security was lacking
https://www.nj.com/bergen/2022/04/woman-attacked-and-burned-by-traveling-nurse-sues-hospital-says-security-was-lacking.html 
Staten Island Live- NJ authorities searching for nurse who allegedly burned hospital worker
https://www.silive.com/news/2022/02/nj-authorities-searching-for-nurse-who-allegedly-burned-hospital-worker.html
Philly Voice- Nurse wanted for setting hospital worker on fire found dead in South Jersey
https://www.phillyvoice.com/nicholas-pagano-dead-new-jersey-hospital-assault-fire/
DailyVoice.com - IT'S Over: Fugitive Sought For Setting Humc Co-Worker On Fire Found Dead Of Suicide
https://dailyvoice.com/new-jersey/hackensack/police-fire/its-over-fugitive-sought-for-setting-humc-co-worker-on-fire-found-dead-of-suicide/825575/
 
 
Julie DeVuono- Staten Island NY: 
CBS News - Former Long Island nurse sentenced for fake COVID vaccine card scheme as she speaks out for the first time
https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/long-island-fake-covid-vaccine-card-nurse-sentenced/
lohud.com- Health officials void fake school vaccine records for 135 kids in NY. Expect more to come
https://www.lohud.com/story/news/2024/09/10/health-officials-void-fake-school-vaccine-records-for-135-kids-in-ny/75148359007/
SeattleTimes - Some children tied to NY nurse’s fake vaccine scheme are barred from school
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/some-children-tied-to-ny-nurses-fake-vaccine-scheme-are-barred-from-school/
Press Release - Office of the MTA Inspector General Daniel G. Cort- CONVICTED “WILD CHILD” NURSE SOLD FAKE COVID-19 CARDS TO MTA WORKERS, ACCORDING TO INSPECTOR GENERAL PROBE THAT LED TO TERMINATION AND OTHER DISCIPLINE
https://mtaig.ny.gov/News/04.24.24%20COVID-19_Cards.pdf NY State Dept of Health - State Health Department Removes Pediatric Vaccination Records From State Immunization Registry Following Investigation Into Wild Child Pediatrics' Fraudulent Vaccination Practices
https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2024/2024-09-09_pediatric_vaccination_records.htm
Becker's Hospital Review - Care Technician attacked, burned by travel nurse settles for $5.7M
https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/legal-regulatory-issues/care-technician-attacked-burned-by-travel-nurse-settles-for-5-7m.html?oly_enc_id=2981H0100745G9Q
New Jersey Law Journal - Hospital Worker Burned in Chemical Attack by Coworker Settles For $5.7 Million
https://www.law.com/njlawjournal/2023/02/22/hospital-worker-burned-in-chemical-attack-by-coworker-settles-for-5-7-million/?slreturn=2025020211600
Daily Voice- Nypd Pilot Who Drew Penis Route With Plane Wants Reinstatement After Wife's Arrest
https://dailyvoice.com/new-jersey/fortlee/news/nypd-pilot-who-drew-penis-route-with-plane-wants-reinstatement-after-wifes-arrest/852773/
Daily Mail -NYPD aviation officer who 'flew police spy plane in a penis-shaped route to troll his boss' is forced to forfeit five vacation days as punishment
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9043641/NYPD-aviation-officer-flew-police-spy-plane-penis-shaped-route-troll-boss.html
New York Post- NYPD pilot stripped of badge after wife arrested for vaccine fraud
https://nypost.com/2022/12/24/nypd-pilot-stripped-of-badge-after-wifes-arrest-for-vaccine-fraud/
 

While the world was banging pots and calling nurses heroes, a few were out there committing side quests no one asked for. In this episode, we dig into the pandemic nurse crimes that made 2020 even weirder: stolen credit cards from intubated patients, Facebook confessions no lawyer could survive, and “end-of-life decisions” that absolutely should’ve involved a doctor. We unpack how burnout, chaos, and understaffed nursing homes turned bad judgment into full-blown felonies—served with our signature dark humor and clinical side-eye.
 
Brought to you by our alleged sponsor: Pharmargerine 
 
Danielle Conti - NY:
ABC7 NY - Coronavirus News: Staten Island nurse accused of stealing credit card from patient dying of COVID-19
https://abc7ny.com/danielle-conti-nurse-arrested-steals-from-patient-credit-card-stolen/6161744/ 
Staten Island Live -COVID shocker: Hospital nurse admits to stealing dying Staten Island patient’s credit card, will lose nurse’s license
https://www.silive.com/crime-safety/2021/12/covid-shocker-hospital-nurse-accused-of-stealing-dying-patients-credit-card-admits-to-theft-will-lose-nurses-license.html
 WMAR2 Baltimore -New York nurse arrested, accused of stealing credit card of dying COVID-19 patient
https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/coronavirus/new-york-nurse-arrested-accused-of-stealing-credit-card-of-dying-covid-19-patient
CBS News - Hospital employee allegedly stole the American Express card of a dying coronavirus patient
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hospital-employee-stole-american-express-credit-card-dying-patient-nyc/
 
Connie Sneed - Indiana:
Indy Star - 'Fly with the angels': Nurse who removed COVID-19 patient's oxygen mask pleads to felony
https://www.indystar.com/story/news/investigations/2023/04/17/nurse-who-removed-covid-19-patients-oxygen-at-nursing-home-leads-guilty-to-felony/70117723007/
AP - Indiana nurse in mask case avoids jail time with plea deal
https://apnews.com/article/indiana-nurse-pleads-guilty-patients-mask-removed-3173e9f75dacd0598435ade8f555f587
ABC News Channel 20- Indiana nurse allegedly removed COVID-19 patient's oxygen
https://newschannel20.com/news/coronavirus/indiana-nurse-allegedly-removed-covid-19-patients-oxygen
WLFI 18 - Indiana nurse in mask case avoids jail time with plea deal
https://www.wlfi.com/news/indiana-nurse-in-mask-case-avoids-jail-time-with-plea-deal/article_f6ba6702-deb7-11ed-ba6d-8fb77733933b.html
 

In this episode of Nurses Are Terrible People Too, we uncover the wild true crime story of Jane “Jolly Jane” Toppan, the forged-credential “nurse” who became one of America’s most prolific female serial killers. From her obsession with autopsies to her deadly experiments with morphine and atropine, Jane poisoned patients, friends, and even her landlords—all while keeping an unsettlingly cheerful vibe.
Join the nurses as they break down how a trusted caregiver turned into a medical murderer hiding in plain sight. Perfect for fans of true crime, serial killers, and nurses who kill.
Brought to you by our alleged sponsor: Support Hoes
 
Jolly Jane Toppan: The MGH Nurse Turned Mass Murderer
https://thewestendmuseum.org/history/era/immigrant-neighborhood/jolly-jane-toppan-the-mgh-nurse-turned-mass-murderer/
New England Historical Society
https://newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/jolly-jane-toppan-killer-nurse-obsessed-death/ 
Wikipedia - donate if you can - Jane Toppan (Born Honora Kelley)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Toppan