Long Island Nurse Accused of Slamming Newborn Fired from Hospital Amid Controversy

A Holbrook nurse accused of mishandling a newborn baby at Good Samaritan Hospital on Long Island had criminal charges against her dropped just before the trial was set to begin on Monday.

Dismissal of Charges

The nurse, Amanda Burke, was accused of endangering the welfare of a child after a proud father videotaping his two-day-old baby through the NICU window captured an incident in which the nurse was seen violently slamming the newborn face down into the bassinet. Burke was subsequently fired from her job.

However, on Monday, the charges against Burke were dismissed, bringing an end to a tumultuous period for her. "I'm just happy it's over. It was a nightmare," Burke said, expressing relief from the ordeal she had been through.

Legal Proceedings and Expert Testimony

Burke's attorney, Robert Gottlieb, stated that they had been seeking a dismissal since February 2023, when she admitted to flipping the baby by its diaper. In court, prosecutors revealed that a child advocacy expert expressed disgust and shock over the incident but found that the defendant's action was not likely to injure the infant. The Suffolk County District Attorney also stated that despite the disturbing video, the Department of Licensing did not find gross negligence and therefore could not prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

Reactions and Statements

Burke's attorney emphasized that the baby was unharmed and did not react to the incident. However, the baby's grandmother expressed disappointment and concern, stating, "We are very upset with this disgusting situation and decision about my grandson and this awful woman still working as a caregiver." On the other hand, Burke's attorney and herself maintained her innocence and ability as a nurse, with Gottlieb saying, "She's a great nurse. She's a great person," and Burke adding, "I never questioned myself."

Employment Status

Despite her legal victory, Good Samaritan Hospital swiftly terminated her employment after the incident. The hospital confirmed that she is no longer working at any Catholic health facility, but Burke still retains her nursing license and is currently employed as a registered nurse.