ABSTRACT
Chapter 1 considers the generic context of Nurse Jackie, examining the unique nature of the series with regard to hospital drama and female identity. The context of the female nurse is explored, framing earlier representations, such as in ER and House MD. With a central focus on soap opera, and female workplace identity within the setting of New York City, earlier influential texts are examined such as Maude, Rhoda, NYPD Blue and Sex and the City. Central within this is the way Nurse Jackie frames the notion of female labour within the city, and how many diverse texts inform the potential reading of the series.
