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I viewed a partial episode of MTV’s Scrubbing In (as it was all I could take), but what I will tell you is “Don’t believe everything you see on TV”. This sad exhibit of the life of a nurse, is FAR from real life. I find it sad that this is how nursing is represented, which is considered one of the most respected professions.
This show does not promote a positive image of nursing and it is an insult to the nursing profession as a whole. I am encouraging people to sign the petition on change.org to cancel the show and will be starting a dialogue on social media about nurse portrayals, and what can be done to promote more positive depictions in popular culture. Simply click on the link above to sign the petition, and please visit www.facebook.com/americannursesassociation and/or www.twitter.com/ANANursingWorld to join the conversation.
Here is a letter from the ANA to MTV regarding the show:
Dear Mr. Friedman:
On behalf of the American Nurses Association, I am writing to express our disappointment at your depiction of nurses in the new reality show, “Scrubbing In.”
Each and every day, nurses take on more responsibilities in the delivery of health care. Negative nurse portrayals seriously damage nurse-recruitment efforts and may well exacerbate a shortage that is fast reaching crisis proportions in our nations. Negative images reinforce sexist and inaccurate nurse stereotypes, and these depictions do play a role in shaping the values, impressions and ultimately career choices of young people – the very people who are so desperately needed in the profession. Even more importantly, such negative portrayals erode the highly valued trust of patients and consumers who need the expertise of nurses in their respective health care situations. Based on the premiere, this show is neither “reality” nor entertainment; it is harmful and irresponsible.
Our message to the millions of nurses and nursing students in the U.S. and the millions more people who they influence is – do not patronize media channels, companies and sponsors who persist in disrespecting the most respected profession.
Sincerely,
Karen A. Daley, PhD, RN, FAAN
The NP Mom 
Thanks, Brett! I’ve never watched this show, but I’m not surprised that MTV would televise another ignorant, trashy show.
Maybe you could do a sister post that gives some specifics on how nurses are portrayed negatively on the show? I would definitely like to read that, since I haven’t seen it myself.
I agree with you. Very sad that these young nurses sold themselves out to MTV. They are definitely not portraying what real nursing is, and the young people who go into nursing because of these “role models” are in for a RUDE awakening. Amazes me that they still have their licenses.
I am glad that you wrote about this. I signed the petition!
I am really disappointed to see that MTV has created a show like this. I’ve always thought that there needed to be a reality show for nurses, but never in my wildest thoughts would I have ever felt MTV would be an appropriate venue.
Apparently the travel agency that employes the nurses on the show (and no doubt gets a cut from MTV) is defending it: http://bit.ly/1dDuzSp . Nurses should not forget that they are a nurse whether they are clocked in or not. The actions of these nurses is really going to paint us all poorly.
Amen to all of these points! It was sickening to watch this show, and our profession could not have been more poorly misrepresented if they had tried. It’s amazing how inaccurate it was, and I tell everyone to not watch it now!
NURSES WIN!!
MTV agrees to positive changes for remaining episodes and rethinks Season 2. Read all about it at http://www.truthaboutnursing.org/news/2013/nov/12_scrubbing_in.html
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