Nurses have a very complicated job that requires intense critical thinking. We are the first line of defense as the patient advocate. So why are we so often left out of the story?
Most medical shows on television are full of inaccuracies. Surely they could afford to hire someone to provide current and correct information, (such as a nurse). Who hasn't watched a 'Grey's Anatomy' or' House' episode and exclaimed, "What! That isn't the way it is!”, which often ruins the viewing pleasure of anyone else in the room. The show 'House' portrayed doctors as doing absolutely everything. There isn't a nurse to be found, and the doctors magically can do everything from brain surgery to an EGD. Not only that, all of the doctors gathered around to watch or help - no ancillary staff needed.
Public View
The public views nurses as trustworthy, but not autonomous or having any influence1. However, we know that nurses make decisions that will impact their patients all shift long. Nurses institute changes to patient care that are grounded in evidence-based research, we are involved from the ground up.
Education
Nursing is a multifaceted, multidimensional profession that is not widely understood by the general public. Because of this, there is confusion regarding the exact role of a nurse. There are several reasons why our role is confusing to the public. We have many different levels of education: Diploma, Associate's degree, Bachelor's, and on up to doctoral level. We also have a multitude of roles, in just as many places. Add to that the fact that we are misrepresented and severely underrepresented in the news, on television, and in the legislature, and it's no wonder our professionalism is questioned1.
Years ago there began talk of streamlining nursing education requirements to require a Bachelor's for entry-level in to nursing. Having an educational baseline would help define nursing, however, there are many issues surrounding it that have kept the requirement at bay. Even so, some hospitals are beginning to hire only nurses that have their Bachelor's degrees.
Professional Organizations
Being more involved in Nursing professional organizations such as the ANA, or specialized nursing organizations help to keep nurses informed and involved in relevant issues. There is power in professional organizations to influence laws and help develop the future of nursing, but membership remains low.
In order to change the public's perception of nursing, it must be seen as valuable, with defined skills that only a nurse performs. A large faction of the public's awareness about nursing is the media's depiction of what a nurse is. We are painted as being "less" intelligent or "less" competent than other healthcare providers2.
Hierarchy of Medicine
Unfortunately, this hierarchy of medicine leads to the mistaken perception that nurses are not as valuable as a physician. According to the article, "Professional Identity and hospital-based registered nurses: A Phenomenological Study", the work of a nurse in the hospital is "invisible", while the work of the doctor is "visible"2. Because the patient sees us performing basic care needs, they don't understand the critical thinking that goes on all day regarding their care. Patients see a fraction of what nurses actually do.
FACT: Patients don't see the nurse double-checking a questionable medication order and calling the pharmacy or physician to make sure everything is safe; they only know that the nurse brings them their meds.
Conclusion
Nurses are on the front line of medical care; we have the most patient contact. Many have been attacked by patients or yelled at. Sexual advances or inappropriate behavior is not uncommon from a patient to their nurse. Many have been exposed to deadly diseases and some have lost their lives from that exposure. So why are nurses continuing to be largely ignored in all forms of media? The news, television shows, and articles rarely offer a story based on reality when characterizing nurses. If the story is sensational, it will make headlines, but an in-depth nursing perspective is rarely offered.
Specializes in CNA telemetry progressive care ICU.
Oh I slightly disagree, I think Nurse Jackie nailed it. The character Jackie was sympathetic went out her way to preform her duties even when it took away from her home life and sobriety. The affair with the pharmacist was a reach but I can see similar things happening in various hospitals there are some nurses addicted and have supplies or enablers within the wide open world of pain management or close colleagues, can we say week long weddings again! I don't see nurses underrepresented in film or cinema. There are plenty roles but maybe they are not the main character but supporting like everyday life in nursing. What would make these shows more entertaining violence or would you I troduce more intimate within the roles if its reality then that is awhole other ballgame.
Specializes in CNA telemetry progressive care ICU.
This is as good as it gets type thing for me because similar to Flight tge movie showi g how airplane pilots behave when or before takeoff upsetted so many people they tried everything they could to stop that movie from being made! What would your ho est portrayal of the nursing world be? Just curious?
Specializes in CNA telemetry progressive care ICU.
Hoosier where u at? What do u have to say, no stars? Anyone there? Just asking did you watch "Flight" I know perso ally that it upset many airplane pilots active at time and when movies tend to become too realr or something we deny its always yanked critics will tear it apart. If there was a show about nurses what would make e it a hit? Would we really wanna know tge truth or stay in denial about what we deal with when we already have understaffed ratios and combat so much including affordable insurance or lack of underpaid staff or worse. I am getting confused about tge honesty on this forum especially talking about a drama series that is when it should be exagerated for drama
MEDFET, CNA
242 Posts
Oh I slightly disagree, I think Nurse Jackie nailed it. The character Jackie was sympathetic went out her way to preform her duties even when it took away from her home life and sobriety. The affair with the pharmacist was a reach but I can see similar things happening in various hospitals there are some nurses addicted and have supplies or enablers within the wide open world of pain management or close colleagues, can we say week long weddings again! I don't see nurses underrepresented in film or cinema. There are plenty roles but maybe they are not the main character but supporting like everyday life in nursing. What would make these shows more entertaining violence or would you I troduce more intimate within the roles if its reality then that is awhole other ballgame.