Nurse (American TV series)

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Nurse (1981 TV series)

Nurse is an American television series that aired on CBS from 1981 to 1982. The series is a medical drama that focuses on the professional and personal lives of the staff of Grant Memorial Hospital, with the central character being a dedicated and skilled nurse named Mary Benjamin, played by Michael Learned. Mary returns to work as a nurse after her husband's death and navigates the challenges of the healthcare profession while raising her two children. The show highlights the importance of nurses in the healthcare system and explores themes such as compassion, ethics, and the personal cost of caregiving.

Plot

The series follows Mary Benjamin, a widow in her 40s, who decides to return to her profession as a nurse at Grant Memorial Hospital in a big city after her husband's death. The plot delves into Mary's interactions with her colleagues, including doctors, other nurses, and administrative staff, as well as her efforts to balance her demanding career with her personal life, especially her role as a mother to her teenage son and young daughter. Each episode typically presents a new patient case or hospital-related issue, through which the series addresses various medical and ethical dilemmas.

Cast and Characters

• Michael Learned as Mary Benjamin, RN
• Robert Reed as Dr. Adam Rose
• Hattie Winston as Nurse Toni Gilette
• Jerry Douglas as Dr. Andrew Jordan
• Alda Cortese as Nurse Lucy Papandrao
• Shirley Knight as Nurse Jessie Welles (recurring)

Production

The series was created by Sue Grafton and Steve Gethers, who also served as executive producers. Nurse was produced by Columbia Pictures Television. The show was filmed in Los Angeles, California, and featured a mix of single and multi-camera setups. Despite its short run, Nurse was praised for its realistic portrayal of the nursing profession and its focus on character-driven storytelling.

Reception

Nurse received positive reviews for its handling of medical topics and its emphasis on the emotional and ethical aspects of nursing. Michael Learned's performance was particularly lauded, with critics noting her ability to convey strength and vulnerability. The series won several awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Michael Learned for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

Legacy

Although Nurse lasted only two seasons, it left a lasting impact on the portrayal of nurses in television. It was one of the first series to focus primarily on the nursing profession, paving the way for future medical dramas that would give more prominence to nurses and their critical role in healthcare. The series is remembered for its thoughtful exploration of the challenges faced by nurses and has been cited as an inspiration by creators of subsequent medical dramas.