Which TV programme to watch & learn?

[letina]

Just wondering, as a foreign educated nurse soon to be working in the US, which medical/nursing related TV programmes would you recommend watching to give me some insight into what it's "really" like in US hospitals? We get a lot of US programmes here on satellite TV so would like to know what you all think are the ones which are 'true to life'.

Thanks,

Tina :)

[bargainhound, RN]

"ER" is one that is pretty much true to life as far as

equipment, etc.

"Third Watch" gives a pretty much accurate picture

of paramedic work and their interaction in ER/hospital settings.

I don't know of any others that are not just fantasy.

[z's playa]

Well..... you want a reality check as to how the hospitals in the States really are right?

Go reality. Watch The Learning Channel and shows called Trauma Life in The ER.

Also a Baby Story...Maternity Ward.....Nurses....etc.

It only makes sense to me to watch the real life shows even though some of the fictitious shows are a pretty good depiction..they add some stuff for drama and leave out some things for effect. I watched Grey's Anatomy and they had docs in the OR without masks, gloves or gowns. Funny.

My opinion.

Z

[live4today, RN]

Truthfully? There aren't any t.v. shows (real or otherwise) that will show you the hell bedside nurses endure in this country. The only way you are going to see it for yourself is to come here and job shadow (follow a nurse on a medical or surgical unit for a few hours). THAT is as up close and personal as you can get. :)

[begalli]

Which tv programs to watch? None of them.

Just read these boards. Read as many forums that interest you.

This site is a pretty good mix of what's going on out there. Especially read the Nursing News forum. Lots of good info there.

[z's playa]

I'd like to add.....of course you won't get the real deal from tv but you can get an idea from the reality shows that go into the ER with their cameras. They're mostly traumas so not a great depiction of a normal ER say you or I would see in practice. I don't feel you need to avoid these shows at all but I should have clarified..you can't learn from these shows nor can you get the real feel but if you absolutley HAD to watch a tv show for enertainment..I'd go with the shows on The Learning Chanel. :)

Z