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The medical world and Hollywood have never been far apart. This partnership has spawned some of the most memorable moments in entertainment — from long-running hits like ER to primetime shows like House to reality shows like NurseTV. And you have to admit that, while Hollywood seldom gets the medical know-how and jargon right, it does make for fascinating TV.
However, many medical dramas give the prestige to doctors, and leave nurses in the dust. Only recently have television audiences been exposed to shows that focus on nursing life, in shows like Nurse Jackie, Mercy, and HawthoRNe. With storylines centered around strong, ambitious characters, these shows give the audience a glimpse of what the nursing profession is really like.
Hollywood’s love affair with medical shows gets a lot wrong, and a little right. And that’s no exception when it comes to nurses on the small screen. Take a look at some of television’s amazing nurses.
Theres alot of “Nurse Jackies” out there…..with the exception to the drug addiction. Its a tough job, things are as rosey as some shows portray the typical nurse. I would want Jackie to be my nurse, anytime
What happened to Dixie McCall from the show “Emergency!”? She was the nurse manager of the ER at Rampart General Hospital, was a huge advocate of the fledgling paramedic program, advocated the paramedics’ benefits and training to her dismissive bosses, and served with pride in the Korean War. She was also skilled, an advocate, and knew how to keep her doctors in line.