History of the Center for Nursing Advocacy

The Center for Nursing Advocacy was founded by a group of seven graduate students at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in April 2001. We came together after one member suggested that we form a group to help address the growing nursing shortage, which we felt was caused in part by inadequate understanding of and support for the profession.

The group decided to focus its efforts on improving the portrayal of nurses in the media, especially Hollywood, since television and films are so influential. We originally named our group "The Nursing Vision." When we incorporated in December 2002, we changed our name to "The Center for Nursing Advocacy."

The Center's first project focused on the popular television show "ER." In our view, "ER"'s portrayal of nurses, while positive in some ways, has been inadequate and inaccurate in important respects. The show strives so mightily to portray medical diagnosis and treatment realistically that we fear its millions of viewers might think it is equally dedicated to a realistic depiction of nursing and the roles of health care professionals generally. In November 2001, members of the Center had a one-hour conference call with an "ER" producer and the show's medical advisor to discuss our concerns. Since 2001, we have also sent a series of letters to urge improvement in the show's portrayal of nurses. Starting in early 2002, we believe there has been some improvement in "ER"'s depiction of nursing, though much remains to be done.

Further information on the Center's advocacy efforts can be found on the campaigns and successes pages of our web site.

See our founding members here