Nurse Suspended After Alleged Sexual Misconduct at Tamarac Hospital

A nurse at HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital in Tamarac has been suspended after being accused of groping a patient during a medical procedure, according to the Florida Department of Health.

John Vincent Pica, licensed since 1996 with no prior disciplinary record, had his nursing license emergency-suspended on April 15 by Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo. The suspension stems from an incident in October involving a 56-year-old woman at the hospital’s outpatient surgical unit.

According to official records, Pica was performing an EKG when he unnecessarily lifted the patient’s gown multiple times, exposing her breasts. After an anesthesiologist left the room, Pica allegedly squeezed her right breast. Following surgery, while helping her dress, he reportedly cupped or squeezed her breasts again.

The health department’s order described Pica’s actions as “predatory” and an abuse of trust, stating that he “used the practice of nursing as cover to commit sexual misconduct.” Authorities concluded that allowing Pica to continue under supervision would not prevent further harm, as constant monitoring is not feasible.

No criminal charges have been filed as of now, according to Broward court records. However, formal disciplinary proceedings are underway.

In response, HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital stated: “We do not tolerate behavior that jeopardizes the well-being and safety of our patients. Once we learned of the allegations, we suspended the individual and restricted their access to the hospital.”

The investigation remains ongoing.