Nurse Accused of Removing Patient Oxygen

A registered nurse, Beth Holtz, from the Tomah Veterans Affairs Medical Center is facing charges of intentionally abusing a patient. The complaint details an incident where Holtz allegedly removed the prescribed continuous oxygen from a 75-year-old patient in the hospice ward.

When questioned by a nursing aide, Holtz reportedly stated her belief that the patient was dying and that she was helping him find peace. Another nurse intervened, reconnected the oxygen, and the patient's condition improved significantly.

The patient survived the incident but passed away six days later; it has not been confirmed if his death was related. Holtz allegedly made a remark about death paperwork being easier to complete than fall paperwork concerning the patient.

Holtz reportedly admitted to police she should have known better but also claimed people die with or without oxygen. She allegedly confessed during a polygraph test that she wanted the patient to be at peace sooner, calling the action a one-time mistake.

Authorities believe Holtz may be working at another hospice facility in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. A warrant for her arrest has been requested, and she could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of intentional patient abuse.