Shows such as “ER”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, and classics such as “M*A*S*H” have featured the lives and careers of nurses. Currently, shows such as “HawthoRNe” and “Nurse Jackie” feature nurses as the main characters. So, how accurately do these shows truly reflect the lives of nurses? That depends a lot on the content of the show and the lives and personalities of real life nurses.

Do nurses really lead lives of intense drama and intricate romance entanglements?

Yes and no. Working in a field that puts one in constant contact with a variety of personalities in a stressful life-and-death environment certainly has the makings for some interesting situations. However, the types of complications—both personal and professional—that arise for a nurse are largely dependent on that nurse’s own character and personality.

Nurses makes for interesting TV subjects due to the nature of their jobs. That does not necessarily mean that nurses are involved in a major crisis or romantic entanglement every week. Sometimes, like in any other profession, things can be pretty mundane. Television shows steer away from showing the long hours of paperwork, routine rounds, or clean up nurses spend most of their time doing. Of course, if individual “real world” nurses had a staff of writers dictating their life decisions for them in the way their TV counterparts do, things would likely be a lot more interesting.

A television show is only interested in telling the stories of nurses that are emotionally charged and dramatic. Like the rest of the working world, drama and intrigue are not necessarily a part of a nurse’s everyday life. TV shows display the highlights, not the norm.

Why have nurses recently become more popular as lead characters in television?

It’s hard to say exactly, but common sense would suggest that it is because nurses are much more relatable to the average viewer than doctors are. Nurses are the medical professionals that the average patient interacts with most when faced with a physical problem or illness. Many people are much more comfortable with their nurse than they are with their doctor because nurses seem to be much more approachable and understanding.

It is fun for “regular folks” to get to know the nurse on television. Nurses don’t make the extravagant amount of money that most doctors do, so their lifestyles are more in line with that of the majority of people watching the show.

Television has done a fair job of portraying the work that nurses do in a realistic manner. Shows have been willing to depict nurses as compassionate caregivers to those with a minor injury, as well as to those patients who may be fighting for their lives. That is the reality of a nurse’s purpose: to care for every patient.

In a nutshell, this may be why nurses have become so popular on screen. They are appliers of band-aids, shot-givers, and yet they are also deliverers of life-saving techniques and a reassuring presence. It is fascinating for the average viewer to get a peek into the lives of these people who are an integral part of our lives during our moments of need.

One of the most difficult things about caring for a migraine sufferer is the unpredictability of the condition. Many sufferers don’t know what their triggers are, and are surprised each time a migraine starts. The stress of anticipation is hard on the whole family, and makes planning anything difficult. In many cases, what seems like a random headache may actually have been caused by something in the environment. If this is the case, discovering the circumstances that trigger the migraines will help you identify what to avoid.  In addition to reducing the frequency of your loved one’s migraines, this can give you both a sense of empowerment and control. The best way to uncover the migraine trigger is to keep a detailed headache journal. Work with your partner to record everything he eats, how much sleep he gets, what he does during the day and what personal hygiene products he uses. When a migraine occurs, consult the journal. Eventually you may start to uncover a pattern.

Migraines are often linked to stress, so spending time learning relaxation techniques will help reduce everyday stress which may reduce migraine frequency, while bringing you and your partner closer together. The more quality time you can spend with your partner, the better. Try taking a yoga class, or going for long walks. According to a study in the American Journal of Managed Care (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8470.php), families with a chronic migraine sufferer spend 70 percent more on medical costs compared to non-migraine families. The higher costs are not just from the migraineur, but from the entire family. This suggests that chronic migraines take a toll on everyone, and everyone could benefit from stress-reducing techniques and quality time.

Sometimes migraines are unpredictable—there is no obvious cause and they come on without warning. If this is the case for your loved one, the best thing you can do is accept what you cannot change. Be as supportive and loving as possible during the attack. Provide the best care you can, making sure your partner is in a quiet, dark room. A gentle scalp massage or an ice pack on her neck may help with the pain. Remember to take time out for yourself too.

There are many treatments for migraines, from basic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil and Motrin to triptans like Imatrex to sedatives (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs). Recent studies have found a link between migraines and epilepsy. Some chronic migraine sufferers are responding to anti-convulsant therapies. (http://www.drugs.com/news/topamax-chronic-migraines-1850.html) If your loved one hasn’t been to the doctor in a while, make sure he or she gets a thorough exam. There may be a new treatment out there that will bring the whole family some relief.

7:00 a.m. Susan receives a report on her patients. Nurses are generally responsible for two patients at any given time. After she has been updated on their progress, she meets with them to see for herself how they are doing. She begins by measuring their vitals and administering oral medications as necessary. If needed, other routine treatments may also be administered.

8:00 a.m. This is when nurses begin administering intravenous and oral medications the doctor has ordered. Susan also goes on rounds with the other members of the treatment team. This includes all of the physicians (including residents), physical therapists, pharmacists, and social workers responsible for the patients’ care. Susan discusses the patient’s status and treatment plan with the rest of the team. Together, they determine if any changes need to be made.

9:00 a.m. Susan must spend an hour completing the paperwork for both patients. Potential risks and the assessment that was completed at the beginning of the day are documented. Any changes are discussed with the physicians.

10:00 a.m. This time is spent performing another assessment of the patients. After the assessment is completed, Susan takes another hour to complete paperwork and charting. She then analyzes her patients’ vital signs. This whole process takes two hours. It is the quietest part of the shift and usually the best time for Susan to take a short lunch break.

12:00 p.m. Susan dedicates this time to performing intake and output procedures for the patients. If the patient has any drains present, they are emptied and all fluids that have been administered orally or intravenously are added up and recorded. Vital sign analyses are performed a second time and Susan takes the patient for any tests that are needed.

1:00 p.m. Susan conducts a third assessment of her patients. She may decide to reassign the patient to a different floor or administer medication and treatments that are necessary, depending on the patient’s condition. Another hour is spent completing more paperwork and vital signs analyses.  Susan then updates the doctor on changes in the conditions of her patients. The doctor lets her know if a new course of treatment is necessary.

2:00 p.m. This part of the shift is spent checking the patients’ vital signs one last time.  Afterwards, Susan must speak with the incoming shift and update them on the status of the patients. She also forwards any new orders the doctor has given. She finishes her shift by completing any leftover paperwork.

This is a general overview of what Susan may expect during her shift. Her actual schedule is influenced by what shift she works, which floor she works on, any emergencies that take place during the shift and the exact nature of her patients’ conditions. Nurses tend to find their day unpredictable, but they try to maintain as much structure as possible to make their patients’ treatment more effective and their recovery less stressful.