Erin previously posted about Nurse Jackie, and I must say "I agree!" I have not seen the show as I do not subscribe to that channel, BUT, I don't think I would enjoy it after reading the description.
Several non-nurse friends of mine are divided on the topic as well. Some say that nursing is a highly-respected profession and that TV shows like this leave a bad impression of real nursing. Another friend said we shouldn't take it personally; that people know it is fiction and is intended only to pull-in viewers.
I have spent many years of my nursing career explaining what exactly a nurse is. This has been especially true since becoming a CNS. It takes years to earn the respect of our co-workers, physicians, administrators, and, most importantly, out patients. So does a TV show like this one damage nursings reputation? Do you take it personally?
Another new TV show focuses on nursing as well. Have you seen HawthoRNe? Like Erin, I think highly of the actress playing the lead nursing character, Jada Pinkett-Smith. My question for those of you who have seen this show: Have you ever seen a CNO do these things? No offense to CNOs, but no CNO can be in so many places at one time, performing tasks meant for other disciplines all the while knowing every detail of all of the staff members personal lives. Hmmmmm. Lesser of 2 evils. At least she is a patient advocate and not a druggie who hides her next fix in the ER nurses prosthetic leg.
But I digress.........
I too am sick and tired of the media degrading the professional role of nursing. As nurses we have a duty and obligation to care for patients in an honest, courteous and professional manner. That doesn't mean providing patients with "happy endings to their bed bath." I believe that Jada P-Smith's mother would even be disappointed in the show if she too were a true PROFESSIONAL.
Carlene R. Springer, RN, BSN, OCN
Hastings, NE
Posted by: Carlene R. Springer | July 21, 2009 at 04:55 PM
I was hopeful about HawthoRNe that it would show nurses in their true role of advocate and smart professional and yet once again the drama has overtaken the reality. Ms. Smith's quote from last week where she stated, "call the police - they know me" was indicative of how she practices nursing. Did you see the opening episode where no from her own hospital seemed to recognize their very own CNO and the security department was chasing her through the hospital because she wasn't wearing an id?
As nurses, the human drama that we deal with seems like it should interesting enough for television but we have to go over the top with ridiculous stories that don't begin to reflect the incredible challenges that actually face nurses and thus patients and families.
Posted by: Kathy Burns | July 22, 2009 at 11:28 AM
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