What's the difference between REAL LIFE and MEDICAL TV-shows?

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Hey,guys!

I'm not a nurse yet, just doing my prerequisites, and I really like to watch medical TV-shows, such as Grey's Anatomy,Scrubs,House M.D. etc. I'm always wondering,is it really like that in a real world?Please write your thoughts and opinions.What do you think the difference is?

Specializes in being a Credible Source.
Have you guys ever seen a doc start an IV?
Yep... a pediatric anesthesiologist... He was pretty good but I'd still take a NICU nurse over anybody to do a really tough stick.
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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

In tv world there is always enough staff and supplies, and the equipment is always state of the art.

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1. Nothing in the hospital is that clear cut and dry

2. Nurses do most of the work

3. You never ever in real life defib a flat line (asystole) If you do you're an idiot ( So please don't say " You defib when you have an asystole" in class. Your instructor will look at you as if you are crazy.)

4. Real life isn't that dramatic

5. Most procedures are routine

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nurses actually have flushes pens and alcohol swabs..and did i say flushes? hanging out their pocket lol

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I have never carried so much crap around in my pockets as when I'm on the floor. So yeah, those "cute" scrubs aren't that cute any more when they're bulging out half a foot on either side with those flushes, alcohol swaps, and pens!

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Id say if you want to see what a 'real' setting is like watch shows on TLC or Discovery Health, such as Trauma: Life in the ER or Diagnosis X. I find those to be a lot more interesting than a TV drama set in a hospital.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
Yep... a pediatric anesthesiologist... He was pretty good but I'd still take a NICU nurse over anybody to do a really tough stick.

Yeah that is true...I guess I have seen our peds hem/onc doc attempt one when we were trying to get a second IV for an exchange transfusion.

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8. People that are flat lined to not get fibrillated. They are dead. Chest compressions are for dead people. Defibrillator are for arrhythmias.

I love this one! Saw it just last night on Grey's Anatomy.

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