Disbelief from a senior nurse over TV show Shortland Street being used to help recruit health workers.

The woman, who we've agreed not to name, says the profession has spent decades trying to conquer misogynistic, sexist and belittling stereotypes.

She says she's been a nurse for 30 years and there's not been one day of her career that's felt like a soap opera.

Shortland Street Producer Oliver Driver told Mike Hosking real-world nurses work as advisors on the show.

He says they work closely together, and he doesn't know why anyone would think something they did was degrading, it's a lovely show.

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