Home » Nursing Resources » Nurse Jackie

Why nurses are upset about Nurse Jackie

Emmy winner Edie Falco’s portrayal of “Nurse Jackie” in the Showtime drama is gaining much less than rave reviews in the medical community. Nurses everywhere are raising a public outcry over the conception the show raises over their profession.

Photo credit: Showtime

Falco stars as Jackie Peyton, an emergency room nurse with a habit of pill-popping and cheating on her husband at work with her drug provider, the hospital’s pharmacist. In the first episode alone, Jackie forges organ donor documentation, steals money from a patient, snuffs Oxycotin for chronic back pain and flushes the severed ear of the Libyan Executive Secretary down the toilet for beating up a prostitute.

Needless to say, Jackie Peyton is like no nurse on any other medical show – from MASH to Scrubs, ER to Grey’s Anatomy. Within hours of the premiere, the New York State Nurses Association went public with their complaints about the portrayal of Nurses in Nurse Jackie, stating in a letter to Showtime, "We believe that the public's view of nurses is influenced by TV dramas, and we have yet to see an accurate portrayal of what nurses really do."

In a show dominated by a character who sweetens her coffee with powdered Percocet, it’s easy to see where the New York State Nurses Association would have a problem. Nurse Jackie is a good nurse, but at the same time, she takes almost a childish glee in flaunting her disobedience. With no interest in abiding by the code of ethics learned in her nursing degree training, Nurse Jackie fails as a perfect example of the nursing profession.

The Nurses Association requested that Showtime include a disclaimer stating that Nurse Jackie’s conduct was inappropriate and should not be used as reflection of a nurse. Their request was denied, as the network believes that audiences will understand the difference between fact and fiction, a viewpoint supported by Falco. As she said to the Daily News, “We’re not saying this is a show about nurses. This is a show about a nurse.”

Nurses across the nation are joining the New York State Nurses Association in their denial of Nurse Jackie. Barbara Crane, president of the National Federation of Nurses and a registered nurse, states that Nurse Jackie’s drug problem could never exist in a real life nurse, as "We would be getting her help and keeping her away from patients. We don't let people drive that way, so why is it OK for her to interact with patients completely stoned? Those patients are in the path of a speeding bullet with her at their bedside."

Is Nurse Jackie a speeding bullet? Hardly. Nurse Jackie may have her issues, but she is good at her job, when she chooses to do it. Sandy Summers, registered nurse and executive director of The Truth About Nursing, best known for her book bashing medical shows like House for contributing to negative stereotypes of nursing, believes that Nurse Jackie provides the most honest portrayal of nursing on television.

Nurse Jackie Petyon corrects doctors, makes diagnoses, takes care of her family. She may not play by the rules, but overall, isn’t she saving lives? And if she works in a little vengeance, maybe she’s just doing her part to make the world a better place.

Image: Line

You can make a difference in the field of health care with an advanced nursing degree. Take your time to learn about the nursing programs offered by the accredited online nursing schools below and request a free information pack from the schools that interest you.

University of Phoenix Nursing

Join over 100,000 working professionals and get your degree from the University Of Phoenix Online. A well-respected degree from the University of Phoenix is the first step in you meeting your career goals.

Walden University Nursing

Walden University, an accredited institution, offers advanced degrees online to professionals who work to advance their careers as well as the greater good. Degree programs include management, education, health and human services, and psychology. Our rigorous programs are designed to help students make a difference in the lives of children, the health of communities or the success of an organization.

RN to MSN Online - Leadership & Management
Nurse Educator - Master's Degree
Master's in Nursing (RN - MSN)
Master of Public Health - Community Health
Ph.D. in Public Health

Kaplan University Nursing

Kaplan University accelerated nursing programs can be completed in 18 months of online self-study. The pace is up to you - Attend class anytime, anywhere, 24/7. No campus attendance is required.

Nurse Jackie

Why nurses are upset about Nurse Jackie

University of Phoenix Nursing

Walden University Nursing

Kaplan University Nursing

More Online Nursing Degree Articles