The Nurse in Popular Media: Critical Essays

The image of the nurse is ubiquitous in life and popular media, with a parade of nurses appearing on cinema and television screens. This book explores the many different types of nurses, real and fictional, lifelike and distorted, sexual and forbidding, and the shifting roles of nurses across media.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 18 October 2021
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

The ubiquitous image of the nurse is found both in real life and in popular media. One of the earliest instances of nursing and media intersecting is the Edison phonographic recording of Florence Nightingale's voice in 1890. Since then, a parade of nurses, both good and bad, has appeared on cinema and television screens. How do we interpret the many different types of nurses, real and fictional, lifelike and distorted, sexual and forbidding, who are so visible in the public consciousness?

This book is a comprehensive collection of unique insights from scholars across the Western world. Essays explore a diversity of nursing types that traverse popular characterizations of nurses from various time periods. The shifting roles of nurses are explored across media, including picture postcards, film, television, journalism, and the collection and preservation of uniforms and memorabilia.

The image of the nurse has evolved over time, reflecting changing societal attitudes towards healthcare and the role of nurses in providing care. From the early days of nursing, when women were primarily seen as caregivers and nurturers, to the modern era, where nurses are recognized as skilled medical professionals, the nurse's image has been shaped by a variety of factors.

One of the most significant factors in shaping the nurse's image is the media. Television and film have played a crucial role in popularizing the nurse's role and in creating a range of different nurse characters. From the compassionate and caring nurse who saves lives to the flawed and complicated nurse who struggles with personal issues, the media has presented a diverse range of nurse characters that have resonated with audiences.

In addition to television and film, the media has also played a role in shaping public perceptions of nursing. Picture postcards, for example, have often depicted nurses in a romanticized and idealized manner, portraying them as beautiful and heroic figures who provide care to patients with a smile on their faces. This portrayal of nurses in popular media can contribute to the perception that nursing is a glamorous and rewarding career.

However, the media's portrayal of nursing is not without its challenges. For example, some media portrayals of nurses may perpetuate stereotypes and negative attitudes towards nurses, such as the idea that they are passive and subservient to doctors or that they are only interested in sex. These negative portrayals can contribute to the perception that nursing is a low-paying and undervalued profession.

Another factor that has shaped the nurse's image is the changing role of nursing in healthcare. With the increasing complexity of healthcare and the growing demand for skilled medical professionals, nurses have become increasingly important in providing care to patients. As a result, nurses have been portrayed as critical members of the healthcare team, working closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

Despite these challenges, the nurse's image has remained positive and influential in the public consciousness. Nurses are widely recognized as dedicated and compassionate healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to improve the health and well-being of their patients. The nurse's image is also a source of inspiration for many people, who see nurses as role models and heroes who have made a significant impact on the world.

In conclusion, the image of the nurse is ubiquitous, both in real life and in popular media. The nurse's image has been shaped by a variety of factors, including the media, public perceptions, and the changing role of nursing in healthcare. While the media's portrayal of nursing can be positive and influential, it is important to recognize that it can also perpetuate stereotypes and negative attitudes towards nurses. As a result, it is important for the media to portray nurses in a realistic and accurate manner, and for healthcare professionals to work to promote a positive image of nursing in the public consciousness.

Weight: 356g
Dimension: 150 x 222 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476684185