When Humor Crosses the Line and Targets Heroes in Scrubs
The Ebola Song That Sparked Outrage
At the 48th Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, a moment meant for humor quickly turned into controversy. Hosts Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley performed a parody targeting nurses—particularly referencing Kaci Hickox, the Maine nurse who had returned from treating Ebola patients in West Africa.
In front of a roaring, amused audience, Underwood joked:
“This song goes out to one little feisty nurse in Maine, who is probably riding her bike now.”
Then she sang:
“Quarantine — don’t ride your bike. Please don’t infect my man.”
Brad Paisley joined in:
“Quarantine, quarantineeee… What part of ‘stay inside’ don’t you understand?”
Why Nurses Are Rightfully Angry
As a nurse, and like many others on the frontlines of the Ebola crisis, this “joke” didn’t just sting—it cut deep. It mocked a caregiver, someone who risked her life to help others.
While the audience laughed, thousands of nurses across America felt disrespected.
Why Should Anyone Respect Nurses?
Nurses don’t want to be the punchline. We want to be acknowledged. We want our humanity and bravery respected. Society praises doctors, teachers, and even fictional nurses on TV—like Nurse Jackie. But the real ones, the ones who treat the sick, comfort the dying, and face global pandemics, are often forgotten—or worse, ridiculed.
Who Is Kaci Hickox, the “Ebola Nurse”?
Kaci Hickox is a Registered Nurse who returned from West Africa, where she treated Ebola patients. Upon arrival in the U.S., she was forced into quarantine in New Jersey under Governor Chris Christie’s order, despite testing negative for Ebola and showing no symptoms.
Instead of support, she became a national target—and ultimately the butt of a joke on live television.
Ebola Isn’t Funny. And Neither Are Nurses’ Struggles.
During this time, California RNs and thousands more nurses nationwide organized a National Day of Action (11/11–11/12, 2014), demanding better Ebola preparedness, protective gear, and training. The goal? To protect patients and frontline caregivers from real danger.
So when celebrities joke about a deadly virus and belittle the people risking everything to stop it, the message becomes loud and clear: our work isn’t being valued.
What It Takes to Be a Nurse
This quote by Tilda Shalof, a nurse and author, says it best:
“You have to be strong to be a nurse… strong muscles and stamina for the long shifts… intelligence and discipline… and most of all, moral courage. Because nursing is about justice. About doing what’s right—even when it’s hard.”
This Is About More Than Just a Song
Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley’s “Ebola song” wasn’t just a bad joke. It highlighted a societal problem—the continued undervaluing of nurses, especially in times of crisis.
Nurses speak up for patients. Now it’s time to speak up for ourselves.
Let’s stop the name-calling. Let’s stop calling Kaci Hickox “Ebola Nurse.” She—and every nurse—deserves respect, not ridicule.
What Do You Think?
Is it okay for celebrities to make fun of healthcare workers?
Should we be more careful about how we treat those who serve?
👇 Leave your comment below and join the conversation.