If the above scenario stimulates the “show-biz bug” in you, welcome to the world of nurses-in-commercials. With on-camera acting training (for commercials) plus your nursing experience, you can spread your career wings into a budding new specialty in nontraditional nursing. And who is better to play the role of an RN in commercials than a real RN?

Your first step for performing in commercials is on-camera acting training. Look in Backstage and Nursing Spectrum for ads that offer these classes. Many classes are taught by actors who are presently working in commercials or by casting directors. (A casting director is the person who auditions the actors for the commercials.) The course content includes on-camera acting training, on-camera cues, and marketing information. Television commercials look easy to do, but training is a prerequisite for a successful career as a nurse-in-commercials.

Your next step is to obtain an 8-inch by 10-inch, black-and-white photo (headshot or 3/4 bodyshot) of yourself with your resume glued on the back of the photo. Backstage advertises many photographers and resume specialists for any novice in commercials. Your photo must represent the “real” or everyday you.

Your next step is to tell agents, casting directors, and production houses of your interest in commercials. The Ross Reports is a handy resource of the above listings with addresses and telephone numbers. Mail communication only is acceptable because the old adage, “Don’t call us, we’ll call you,” prevails. Attach your photo/resume to your cover letter, insert into a 9-inch by 12-inch envelope, address and stamp the envelope “Do Not Bend,” and your calling card is set. Mail monthly photo postcards of yourself to your contacts as reminders of your availability.

How soon will you receive your first call for an audition? There is no specific or correct answer to this question. But patience and perseverance during the “dry spells” are required to maintain longevity in commercials.

How do you balance or juggle being a nurse-in-commercials with your present career? Most auditions for commercials are during daytime hours with a 24-hour advance notice. Most shootings of commercials also occur during daytime hours with several weeks advance notice of the shooting schedule. A one to three day shoot of a commercial with 12-hour days may be required. A nurse-in-commercials must have a flexible daytime schedule.

Is nurses-in-commercials the career path for you? Do you love acting in-front-of the camera? Do you love seeing yourself on-camera, in films, or in videos? Do you love the topics of nursing, healthcare issues, medications, treatments, and procedures enough to share your thoughts and feelings in front of the camera? Do you love exploring new paths in nontraditional nursing offer excitement, challenges and adventure? Do you love YOURSELF enough to enjoy the success of being a nurse-in-commercials? Yes? See you on-the-set!