A True to Nursing Movie

Published

Specializes in Telemetry, ER.

I have a somewhat random question to all you nurses out there. Is it just me, or do you want to see Hollywood come out with a movie that actually displays what we do for a living in the true light. Instead of how we are negatively depicted in shows like ER, Greys Anatomy and movies such as One Flew Over the Cokoos Nest. Maybe its just me, but would a movie that is true to the trials and tribulations that nurses go through interest you?

Just curious.....:idea:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Somehow I can't imagine a nursing movie; movies seem to cater to a very young and male audience. No car chases, no explosions, no stunts.

I could imagine TV with nurses; like reality TV. Reality TV would not show reality either. The nurses followed would likely all be young, thin and pretty acting out in front of the camera.

Books come closest to the reality of our work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yeah, I know what you're talking about. If you watch Grey's though..they always seem to get revenge for the Nurses or someone makes it clear that you better be careful when you cross a Nurse because she'll make your life miserable...she's the backbone. I love it when they do that!!

However, I think a show on just Nurses and that side of care would be HUGE!! Shoot...there is tons of material right here on this forum! Probably enough for 5 Seasons...LOL!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hmm... I can't think of a movie off-hand. I was watching a flick from the 70s over the weekend (the name escapes me) and I was pleasantly surprised to see the nurse portrayed as a competent medical caregiver and patient advocate. The scene took place inside a 1950s hospital. Aside from the awful starched cap, white uniform and tights she had to wear -- she reflected the true image of nurses today. Although it was a bit part, she was checking vital signs, IV drips and monitoring the patient's health. She even thew out disruptive visitors who, in her words, interfered with "medical care." How refreshing that she wasn't portrayed as the pillow-fluffer and coffee-getter!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg; Psych; Tele.
I have a somewhat random question to all you nurses out there. Is it just me, or do you want to see Hollywood come out with a movie that actually displays what we do for a living in the true light. Instead of how we are negatively depicted in shows like ER, Greys Anatomy and movies such as One Flew Over the Cokoos Nest. Maybe its just me, but would a movie that is true to the trials and tribulations that nurses go through interest you?

Just curious.....:idea:

I have actually very often wished for this. Have even occassionally toyed with some possible plots for screenplays. If I had more time, I actually would love to pursue something like that.

I've also thought about writing Michael Moore about all of the BS that goes on with hospital administrations, JCAHO BS (nothing but a profit-seeking monopoly), and the repercussions such has on nurses. Ya know, things like, working nurses like slaves, but then the CEOs pulling down 6 digits and let's not forget fat bonuses for administrators for staying under budget (yeah, at the expense of patient care and the health of nurses). The paradox of "you better provide excellent customer service" and "Woe as me - I'm so poor that I just can't afford to staff the floors adequately with nurses and techs." It's like this crazy taboo subject that nurses are not allowed to talk about (well, to the patients and families anyway).

Sometimes I would love to tell patients and families, "I'm so very sorry that I could not be more comprehensive in your nursing care. But you see, the greedy hospital administrators work us nurses like total dogs - too many patients/too much work for one nurse. Also, I would rather be spending quality time with you patients than doing a lot of the silly paperwork/redundant charting we have to do."

Sorry for the rant. Just things I dream about :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am reading a book now that would make a GREAT movie - maybe one of those 3 day TV movies.

I bought this book on EBAY -- first edition 1865 -- it is called Nurse & Spy, it is this Nurses autobiography about her life as a civil war Nurse turned spy. Its is very good, as Im reading it I have to remind myself that this is not some Hollywood make believe. This all really happened and it is straight from her journal. Its so neat to to realize what this book has made it thru, for being 143 years old. I love it - wish I had some connection in the movie bizz, I believe it would be a hit.

As you read it she does not give last names - its Mr. B or General P, go onto EBAY put in Nurse & Spy and take a look, its worth the investment, will run you about $80-$130

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

I think it would be awesome! As long as we wear realistic rumpled scrubs instead of low cut tops, short skirts (so convenient with all the up-and-down we do at work) and high heels. Not that I don't normally wear those kind of clothes to work... ;).

Nurses are pretty darn interesting on and off the job and I think people would be very interested in a show like that :).

Let us know when the casting call is...:D.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I thought the same thing - I have heard the people from Nurse TV may cross over to a program on Discovery Health they had an interview some time ago.

If you havent checked out nurse tv - its pretty good. all videos!

www.nursetv.com

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTAC, home health, hospice, geriatric.

:idea:

I have actually very often wished for this. Have even occassionally toyed with some possible plots for screenplays. If I had more time, I actually would love to pursue something like that.

I've also thought about writing Michael Moore about all of the BS that goes on with hospital administrations, JCAHO BS (nothing but a profit-seeking monopoly), and the repercussions such has on nurses. Ya know, things like, working nurses like slaves, but then the CEOs pulling down 6 digits and let's not forget fat bonuses for administrators for staying under budget (yeah, at the expense of patient care and the health of nurses). The paradox of "you better provide excellent customer service" and "Woe as me - I'm so poor that I just can't afford to staff the floors adequately with nurses and techs." It's like this crazy taboo subject that nurses are not allowed to talk about (well, to the patients and families anyway).

Sometimes I would love to tell patients and families, "I'm so very sorry that I could not be more comprehensive in your nursing care. But you see, the greedy hospital administrators work us nurses like total dogs - too many patients/too much work for one nurse. Also, I would rather be spending quality time with you patients than doing a lot of the silly paperwork/redundant charting we have to do."

Sorry for the rant. Just things I dream about :D

:idea: WHY NOT START TELLING FAMILIES AND PATIENTS THE TRUTH? BY NOT DOING SO WE CONTINUE TO ALLOW PLACEMENT OF BLAME ON US FOR POOR ADMINISTRATION. EXAMPLE "oh your light was on for 20 min and you've not had a bath this weekend?" I'll check into it we tell the family. The truth - Really, i'm not suprised have you looked around do you see any help here? Our Facility does not feel that you are truly important to actually get quality care, but we will bill you for it because in the future we are looking to remodel" LOL:nurse: Honesty might help??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Maybe its just me, but would a movie that is true to the trials and tribulations that nurses go through interest you?

In short, no. I think it would be the most boring thing ever put on film. Well, maybe not THE most boring, but definitely in the running. Movies are for entertainment. I would not watch a movie about a nurse's career, a doctor's career, an accountant's career, a veterinarian's career, a florist's career, or anything of the sort. A show on the discovery channel, maybe. NOT a film.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

I think it would be pretty humorous if they did do a TV show or movie that actually portrays how the floors run in a hospital. Non-medical people would probably find it somewhat boring and ask, "Where are the doctors? This isn't like real life, I thought doctor's did that...(insert any procedure that nurses do everyday)."

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Actually there used to be a documentary tv show on discovery health channel called “Nurses” back in 2001. I don’t know what happened to it but while it lasted it was really good and showed the real side of nursing. The nurses where not all young and skinny but for the most part they were very experienced. One lady followed even had 20 something years of experience. I wish they would bring that show back. As a student I would watch it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion