Nurses in the Media
By Lauren Tickner
You’ ve probably heard of Nurse Jackie. Maybe you ' ve watched The PITT or Grey’ s Anatomy. Nurses are on the big screen and appear in familiar TV shows, portraying pieces of the work we do. However, in most of these stories, nurses are rarely depicted as the“ lead.” Instead, they play supporting characters, offering only a brief glimpse into the intensive, skilled work behind real nursing practice. Unfortunately, this depiction isn’ t real life( Nurse. com, 2023).
According to The Woodhull Study Revisited( Mason, et al, 2018; ANA \ California, 2023)), nurses were identified as the source of clinical expertise in only 2 % of health news stories, compared to 18 % for physicians, and were never cited in stories regarding health policy. Why is it that the frontline workers who carry multiple layers of expertise remain the“ supporting characters” in media and policy conversations, despite their knowledge and direct experience with patient care having the potential to shape public understanding and influence healthcare reform?
In recent years, portrayals of the nursing profession have expanded thanks to the rise of social media. Nursing influencers have taken to digital platforms to share day-in-the-life videos, study tips, and motivational content aimed at helping nursing students stay inspired throughout school. But how has this digital boom affected our profession? The increased visibility has brought both positive and negative consequences. On the positive side, online content has expanded access to nursing education, strengthened community and belonging, and enhanced professional identity. Conversely, it has placed some individuals at risk of violating the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act( HIPAA) Privacy Rules, compromising patient safety, spreading misinformation, or unintentionally misrepresenting the profession
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