Our blog has been covering the run-up to MTV’s travel nurse reality show “Scrubbing In” for several months now. We anxiously awaited the premiere, were able to dish with one of the show’s cast members, Tyrice, and recapped the first episode.
Our number one hope for the show was that it would illuminate the important work that travel nurses do in hospitals across the world every day. We gave “Scrubbing In” the benefit of the doubt, even when the majority of our readers condemned it. However, now that the show has aired a couple of episodes and we feel Travel Nursing Blogs has given it a fair shake, we would like to express our disappointment in its content and portrayal of travel nurses.
We want to make it clear that we do not judge the nine cast members for their lifestyle choices. These choices, as far as romantic relationships, social habits, and other such personal preferences are just that — personal. Even when these choices are broadcast nationally, we still do not feel than means we should sit in judgement of them.
We also do believe that these nurses care for their patients as much as any nurse — which is a lot! When we interviewed Tyrice, one of the greatest sources of drama in the premiere, it was very clear that she is a dedicated nurse who cares deeply about the profession. The real problem is that we don’t see that angle emphasized in the program’s portrayal. Patient care is given very little screen time and even when it is shown, it is certainly overshadowed by petty personal matters and partying.
The American Nurses Association did a great job of summing up their disappointment in the ANA statement to MTV:
“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.”
This Travel Nursing Blogs statement on MTV’s “Scrubbing In” very much agrees with the ANA’s wise and well-worded assessment.
We will continue to follow the show in hopes that it may reveal itself to be more positive in its depiction of travel nurses, but you likely won’t see as close of coverage as we have been doing over the past several months.
We hope that this Travel Nursing Blogs statement on MTV’s “Scrubbing In” makes our position clear to all of our faithful readers. Now, faithful reader, what do you think about “Scrubbing In”? Are you still watching?