It’s probably a good thing that I’ve been in hospital orientation and away from my computer this week. There are some people out there that need their ears boxed. Let’s start with Apple Inc. Who was the idiot that approved Apple’s short-lived iPhone application, Baby Shaker? The application let users silence an imaginary crying infant by shaking the multimedia device. Wow, what fun, allowing users to create a brain damaged baby. Apple’s offensive app was on the market for just two days. They stopped selling it after child welfare organizations went on a rampage. Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris said in a statement that the software was “deeply offensive” and should not have been approved for sale. Well, Duh! I hope we don’t see any more screw ups from Apple like this one while Steve Jobs is out on medical leave.


Then we have the case of the of the upcoming Showtime series, NURSE JACKIE, starring Edie Falco. I was so excited when I heard that a talented actress like Edie Falco was slated to portray an emergency room nurse in an Original Showtime Series. Then I watched the promo. I don’t know what I found more offensive, the part where the doctor grabs her boob, just because, the rampant sex, or when Nurse Jackie snorts up percocets because she has chronic pain. She’s a drug addict. Sorry Showtime. That’s so Dr. House. I thought you said you were writing an original series. Let’s make a bet. Their technical adviser isn’t a nurse.


The writers of this show tell viewers that Nurse Jackie walks the line between being a sinner and a saint. I say that she is another missed opportunity to showcase nursing in a positive light. Stay tuned. Sandy Summers from the Truth About Nursing will have a lot to say about this television show.

(Editor’s Note: Hat tip to Kim from Emergiblog for telling me about this upcoming TV show. I don’t have a cable. Now I have one less reason to get it.)

Before I sign off, one of my readers asked me to help him out. Edward J Gordon, RN is doing some research for a book and he wants to hear from you. The book is about burnout. I’m sure most of you know what that is. Here’s what Edward said:

    I sure would like to understand what’s at the heart of burnout. What is it that kills us about nursing? What is it that makes us so unhappy? Almost everyone I work with is either trying to get into NP school, or CRNA school, or is already taking classes-as if there were some unlimited amount of jobs away from the bedside. I think if I were younger and wanted to leave the bedside, I’d leave nursing altogether, become an IRS agent or something (I like numbers.). It seems like caring kills. It kills us personally to care for others. It turns us into something we are not. But is that a bad thing or a good thing? And is it this kind-of spiritual suicide that’s at the heart of burnout? I’m just wondering.

Please send Edward an email at EdGordonRN@cableone.net if you can help him out.