A nurse practitioner in Pennsylvania is at the center of an online backlash after a mother-to-be shared her experience with a medical professional.
Nurse, identified as Theresa Smigo by users online, apparently harassing a seven-month pregnant woman because she asked for a work excuse out of pain.
The Center for Visiting Mothers For Pain; The nurse doubts her story
Over the weekend, mother Jillian shared three videos online. The first clip shows her interaction with the nurse at Philly’s Pregnancy Center. After the video went viral, Jillian posted two other clips explaining what happened.
Jillian said she contacted the center to ask for a doctor’s notice after experiencing the pain. After asking for an appointment in a week, the center told her to come. At the appointment, Jillian said she tried to explain her discomfort to Smigo seen in the viral video. But, according to the mother, the nurse doesn’t care about details.
“When I tried to explain my pain and exactly what I was feeling, she cut me off, saying let me examine you, I want to feel your cervix. So I stood up on the table to let her examine me, she was very aggressive. She shoved her finger, it hurt,” Jillian said.
After the test, Smigo told Jillian she could still work and the best she could do was say that Jillian couldn’t lift 25 pounds or more. At this point, the mother begins to argue her case for work reasons, but Smigo doesn’t budge. So they went to the front desk, where Smigo is said to have spoken Jillian’s information out loud enough for another patient in the lobby to hear. Finally, the front desk reception has a phone for the doctor.
Nurse calls 911 after mom calls her ‘geeky’
While talking on the phone, the doctor asked the mother to move to the back to explain her symptoms. On the way back, Smigo is said to have said, “Please don’t bring her to my office. ” So the mother replied, “No one wants to come to your office, you’re a freak for that.”
Later, Smigo went to Jillian and informed her that she had called the police for the odd insult.
@godwoman_jay_This is part 1 of crazy karen story. Please repost to keep this viral I need to raise awareness and get justice for the way I have been treated. I appreciate all the love and can’t get every comment. So thank you so much for all the love! ♬ original sound – Jillian
In the second explainer video, Jillian revealed she panicked after the nurse said she had called the police. After she calmed down, Jillian said she walked to the lobby, and the police were waiting for her. The mother said the police were a bit aggressive but didn’t think about filming because that was not her intention.
Police told Jillian that the nurse told them she felt threatened. But the mother countered that claim by saying she was almost eight months pregnant and did not threaten anyone. Police also said Smigo claimed Jillian came to the center because “a note to be going for free. ”
The police left, and Jillian sat in the hallway waiting for the note the doctor had approved.
Nurse allegedly called mother “Piece Of Sh*t”
Not finished with Jillian, the nurse approached her. But the mother tried to ignore her by focusing on her phone. However, the nurse put herself in front of Jillian and asked her, “What were you thinking during pregnancy.” Jillian didn’t answer, but the nurse continued to try to strike up a conversation.
“So in the end I just said, listen, I don’t care what you have to say. Please get out of my face, go on your day. So she said, “Jillian you’re a little piece. What were you thinking when you opened your legs and got pregnant?” From there, I immediately got up and went to my camera,” she said. .
@godwoman_jay_ Part two of karen’s story #karen @BallerAlert original audio – Jillian
The nurse accused her mother of wanting to cheat
Did not know she was recorded; The nurse continues to delve into Jillian – even imposing her own experience.
“What were you thinking about when you were pregnant? That you won’t go to work? I’m just curious because I already have three kids. I worked until they came out the second time,” said Smigo.
Jillian shot back, reminding the nurse that they were two different people. But, again, the nurse insisted she asked the question to understand Jillian’s thoughts and repeated “what are you thinking”. Jillian replied, “I’m thinking about having a baby,” and said she was confused by the direction of the conversation.
Smigo later said she had done the assessment and gave her the best medical advice, but Jillian “Didn’t like that.” Jillian once again explains her purpose in going to the clinic – an excuse for “just relax” during the next two months of pregnancy. Smigo then said that she explained to Jillian that giving her a letter was “cheat” and that the contents of her medical chart were false, even though the doctor had given Jillian her note.
“How do you know how I feel, how do you know how my body feels inside,” says Jillian.
“Because I put my hand in there and checked your cervix,” Smigo replied with a laugh.
The mother protested again, listing the body parts and symptoms that affected her. Smigo mumbled something before starting to walk towards the front door of the center.
Mom reveals her recording, Smigo swings an object at her in response
At that point, Jillian revealed that she was recording the conversation by pointing her camera directly at Smigo.
Smigo responded by swinging an office tool at Jillian several times and trying to snatch the phone from the mother. To keep Smigo away, Jillian held out her hand in front of her face. Smigo paced back and forth, threatening to call the police again. Finally, she walked towards the front door while laughing, and Jillian panned the camera to show a sign with the center’s name on it.
This is how black women experience such high rates of maternal mortality. And, why is this nurse guessing the doctor? Furthermore, what is the business of this nurse IF the patient does not want to work while pregnant? pic.twitter.com/oQSAlwAUiK
– Queen Thicktoria, Esq. Stand with Ukraine (@VeeCeeMurphy76) October 7, 2022
Center Allegedly Protesting Viral Video; Suspended nurse
Jillian provided another update on TikTok for followers of her situation. It appears that the pregnancy center responded to the incident in a comment section with a lengthy statement – blaming mainly the patient. Several Twitter users have also claimed that they received similar information after emailing complaints on behalf of Jillian.
“While the patient is ALWAYS right and healthcare providers should never come into conflict with a patient and avoid at all costs any verbal or physical dispute – the patient himself called out, swearing at her and using unacceptable language when she heard that the NP didn’t think she needed an apology letter from work,” the commenter said. They added, “We’re sorry.” I don’t deserve the treatment and harassment we have endured by this patient and her followers on social media and beyond.”
Jillian also said she spoke to the center’s doctor by phone after the video went viral. The doctor allegedly also blamed Jillian. However, Jillian said that the center suspended Smigo but did not fire her.
Update to the virus pregnancy center story. I’m the creator of the video, please share follow this page for updates and keep this virality from getting carried away by the rug. I appreciate all the support pic.twitter.com/X7ZEcyRFaw
– Jillian (@godwoman_jay__) October 8, 2022
But despite the center’s location, Jillian’s story has inspired other mothers to share similar experiences with Theresa Smigo.
So I am not the only one who has been mistreated by this doctor. Keep this spread something to offer pic.twitter.com/W2bh9NmGVB
– Jillian (@godwoman_jay__) October 8, 2022
This story is still evolving.
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Have you had a similar experience with the Philly or Theresa Smigo Pregnancy Center? Please share your experience with us at [email protected] or [email protected]!
