The Public Perception of Nursing (as demonstrated by Barbie)

As you may already know, I am a NICU nurse.  Recently (during a very contentious labor dispute), there was quite a bit of talk amongst my RN friends regarding how the general public doesn't really understand what nursing is all about.  Much angst and gnashing of teeth was to be had. 

I submit to you what I believe the general public "knows" about nursing, as demonstrated by Barbie.

Barbie, circa 1961

Ah, the traditional nurse, in her white starched cap and dress.
  But lets look a little closer, shall we?

Clearly, she is smart, as her diploma indicates.

And as we all know...
 only smart girls wear horned-rim glasses...

But can she really be all that smart? 

I mean, she isn't even wearing the glasses,

that she clearly must need because good golly,

look at that makeup!

And blue eyeshadow?  Really?

She looks more ready to go out to the clubs.

Open-toed heals??  To WORK?

Clearly she has never heard of plantar fasciitis.
Or dropped needles in a toe.

And if this is really in her "thought bubble", then no wonder

hospital administrators think we nurses are worthless.

And I am sure that the hospital administrators wish

Target was doing the pricing.

Thank you to all my nurse friends,
For all you do everyday you do it. 

You deserve all that is great and good in the world. 

Never forget that.