13 Best TV Nurse Characters of all Time

Posted: September 15th, 2022

TV nurses are some of the most selfless, compassionate, and hardworking people. They go above and beyond to help their patients and make a difference in their lives. We admire their strength and courage. 

Nurses ensure their patients get the best care and recuperate. Medical shows bring us closer to the emergency room experience. They also ignite a deep passion for selfless, patient care. Their inspiration also teaches us more about healthcare providers and our health care systems.

In this article we look at some of the best tv nurse characters of all time and why they are the best. Here are 13 best TV nurse characters of all time.

1. Nurse Jackie Peyton from “Nurse Jackie”

Nurse Jackie is a TV show that aired from 2009 to 2015. It follows the story of Jackie Peyton, a nurse working in an emergency room at the ‘All Saints Hospital in New York City. Edie Falco plays the role of nurse Jackie.

Jackie is a tough and no-nonsense nurse who always puts her patients first. She’s also a bit of a rebel, and ready to break the rules to get the job done.

Nurse Jackie works seamlessly with doctors, nurses, and other medical care workers while balancing it all with her private life.

Why She’s the Best:

Nurse Jackie plays the role of a nurse who always puts her patients first. She’s also a great friend and mentor to the other nurses on the show.

2. Nurse Carol Hathaway from “ER”

Nurse Carol Hathaway is a character from the TV show “ER.” She is a nurse who works in the emergency room of a hospital in Chicago. In the beginning, Carol tries to end her life by overdosing on Barbiturates. Mental health is a vital part of Carol’s character in the show.

The ER is a hit show that runs for 15 seasons. It aired between September 1994 and April 2009. The show features famous actors including George Clooney.

Why She’s the Best:

Observing two nurses inspires the character carol Hathaway that the actress Margulies sampled preparing for her role. She balances work pressures with her own life.

3. Head Nurse Christina Hawthorne from ” Hawthorne”

Nurse Christina is a character from the TV show “Hawthorne.” She is a chief nursing officer who advocates for her patients even when her job is on the line. She is a passionate nurse heading a group of nurses at Trinity Hospital Richmond.

Jada Pinkett Smith does the character justice. She is resilient and does her best to balance her work, a new relationship with a doctor, and her personal demons.

Hawthorne is an outstanding nurse because she represents the reality and struggles of a nurse. Jada Pinkett “Hawthorne” role is among many inspirational women of color characters on TV.

4. Judy Reyes as Nurse Carla Espinosa

Scrubs is one of the most medical comedies in TV history. The show ran from 2001 to 2010. Judy Reyes played the role of Carla Espinosa to give us one of the best characters ever. Her nursing career is solid despite the jokes around the hospital.

Carla is hardworking, and her no-nonsense trait helps her balance the jokes and her job. She is so good at relationships with staff that she becomes friends with J.D. She marries a Turk, chief of surgery, and they start a family together.

5. Commander Christine Chapel from Star Trek

Commander Christine Chapel was a remarkable medical professional on Star Trek. She had a pet by the name of Milo. Additionally, Christine does an incredible job as a nurse. Notably, her capabilities help her rise to become a doctor.

Christine earns her place as one of the best medical professionals. She carries out her duties with due diligence and helps all her patients.

6. Dell Parker

Dell Parker is another impressive tv nurse character from Grey’s Anatomy Spinoff, Private Practice. He is a receptionist and a qualified nurse. He is also studying to become a qualified midwife.

Dell has a tough upbringing, with his mother being his abuser. That enables him to better connect with younger patients that need his help. Show writers eliminate the great character by killing him on the show.

Outstanding Qualities

Dell Parker relates easily with younger patients. He is helpful and dedicated to their well-being. Despite being a victim of abuse, he is doing well by supporting his patients and providing the best care.

7. Claire Temple on Jessica Jones

Rosario Dawson plays the role of Claire Temple in Marvel’s Jessica Jones. She is a registered nurse. Claire first discovers a wounded Daredevil in a dumpster wounded. She gives him aid and helps him recover. The Mafia kidnaps her to use her as bait.

Through the chaos, nurse Claire executes her duties as a nurse. She is not afraid and uses her medical school knowledge to help others.

Nurse Claire is a badass. She handles her nursing career, relationship, and other duties with utmost care. She is not afraid to go beyond even when it means confronting danger.

8. Peter Petrelli, Superhero Nurse

Milo Ventimiglia plays the role of Peter Petrelli on the show Heroes. On the show, Milo Ventimiglia is a paramedic. He is a superhero who can mimic the power of others. His father Arthur strips him of the powers before he regains back the ability of replication.

Power Nurse Qualities.

Peter is a great nurse before losing his powers. He is empathetic to his patients at the hospice before he pursues his destiny to save the earth.

9. Christina Pickles as Helen Rosenthal

Christina Pickles plays many incredible roles throughout her tv career. One of her most outstanding roles is as tv nurse Helen Rosenthal.

The series revolves around St Eligius, a teaching hospital. It is in poor condition despite being a teaching hospital. Nurses and doctors still do their best to help their patients.

Outstanding Nurse moments

The role of Helen Rosenthal is one of the greatest moments in Christina’s acting career. It earns her five Emmy nominations. Nurse Helen is a star in the show helping patients and working seamlessly with the doctors.

10. Nurse Carol Bryan from “Medical Center”

Nurse Carol Bryan is a character from the TV show “Medical Center.” She is a nurse who works in the medical center of a hospital. Carol is a tough and no-nonsense nurse who always puts her patients first.

Why She’s the Best: Carol is an amazing nurse who always puts her patients first. She’s also a great friend and mentor to the other nurses on the show.

11. Nurse Evelyn Johnson from Pearl Harbor

Nurse Evelyn Johnson is a character from the movie Pearl Harbor. The movie follows the real events that took place at the actual attack. Nurse Evelyne is an army nurse corps. She is a lieutenant.

Nurse Evelyne has many amazing qualities, including thoughtfulness, respect, and ladylikeness. She is diligent and put together. Her role is admirable and noble.

Nurse Evelyne always looks sharp and ready to serve. She looks good and does what is right by her patients. 

12. Jonny Maconie

Jonny Maconie is a nurse manager on the BBC show Holby City. The show aired on BBC. The male nurse stands out in this role. He is a nurse manager and a transplant coordinator in the hospital.

Jonny Maconie is battling his demons. He is a great guy, a good guy, but with his flaws. He is a wonderful father to his little girl and does his best with his patients. Ultimately, Jonny gets sent to jail for causing a patient’s death. Also, he faces many personal issues, including his fiance dying during their wedding.

13. Trixie Franklin from “Call the Midwife”

Nurse Trixie is a character from Call the midwife. Helen George plays the role on the show. Trixie never turns down a chance to gossip and talk with her nurse friends.

She may be great at gossip, but she does exceptionally well with her patients. She encourages them during extreme circumstances and supports them in times of great need. Trixie is one of the best fictional nurses from the show.

Honorable Mention

Ann Meridith Perkins RN

Ann Perkins is an RN on the comedy show Parks and Recreation. Though she is funny, she keeps a balance in all her duties. She is caring, as she takes care of her boyfriend, who had broken both legs.

Ann Meredith champions the removal of the hazards that led to her boyfriend’s broken legs. She also supports her friend Leslie Knope and the Parks department associate Director on all her bad ideas.

She evolves from a relationship to a breakup. She is gracious enough to embrace her ex’s new girlfriend. She also dates other people and marries Chris Traeger.

Closing Thoughts on Best TV Nurse Characters of All Time

We would be delighted to meet any of the nurses above. They are the best TV nurses in History as they invite us to experience the professional life of a nurse. While it may be a little different from real life, it incorporates personal drama, co-workers, and patients to build a realistic expectation of a medical environment.

I hope the above best tv nurse characters of all time will inspire you to work on your dreams as a nurse. Which nurse character inspires you the most? Contact us below by leaving a comment.