Final answer:
Movies have depicted nurses as nonjudgmental, caregivers, and knowledgeable throughout different periods, with their portrayal evolving from the 1950s to the 2020s to reflect societal changes, medical advances, and nursing's growing role in healthcare.
Step-by-step explanation:
The portrayal of nurses in movies has evolved over the years, with each period reflecting different societal attitudes and medical advancements. During the 1950s and 1960s, nurses were often depicted as nonjudgmental caregivers and knowledgeable professionals, mirroring the respect and emerging autonomy in the nursing profession at that time. This imagery extends from the significant roles nurses played during World War I and II, as shown in documentaries like "Angels of Mercy: Nursing Sisters in World War I and II."
Entering the 1970s and 1980s, the feminist movement and the growing number of women in higher education, including in nursing and medicine, influenced the media's depiction of nurses. They began to be portrayed with more depth and complexity, depicting them not only as caregivers but also as key healthcare decision-makers. Films and television shows started showing aspects of the challenging work, ethical dilemmas, and the emotional intensity of the nursing profession.
In the 1990s and 2000s, the depiction of nurses continued to be favorable, often highlighting their critical thinking skills and the emotional support they provide to patients and families. During these years, substantial advances in medical technology and healthcare policy, like the Affordable Care Act that increased demands for healthcare services, were mirrored in screen portrayals, showing nurses' expertise with technology and patient advocacy.
By the 2010s and 2020s, with an aging baby boomer population and various healthcare issues like heart conditions and Alzheimer's disease on the rise, nurses' roles in long-term care, hospitalization, and at-home care have become more important. Media portrayals have adapted accordingly, often depicting nurses as essential frontline healthcare workers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The media's portrayal of nurses has thus come to reflect both the profession's inherent compassion and its increasing complexity and importance in healthcare systems.