Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the ground-breaking series Nurse Jackie, considering not only its narrative meaning, but also places into context diverse cultural engagements. It focuses on the significance of the producers, creators and scriptwriters, the generic constitution of the series, the context of female identity within the workplace, the inherent dynamic of its star Edie Falco, its relationship to therapy culture, its reference to failing health-care institutions, its relation to the American Dream, and the epidemic in opiate addiction. While the foundational texts offer a diverse range of generic contexts, from films about nuns, to televisions sitcoms, crime drama and hospital drama, and Nurse Jackie is the product of diverse individuals, the central focus involves one individual, and relates the significance of New York City.