Actress, Director Bonnie Hunt Shares Her Thoughts on Nursing

"I was a nurse in my heart from the time I was a little girl and I was fortunate enough to have parents who steered me in that direction. But I also always loved the art of storytelling, whether it be through acting, writing, directing or just listening to patients tell me their life stories.

I never went to any formal acting, writing, or directing school, but after studying nursing in Chicago, I eventually pursued both careers. At first, my acting life was more of a hobby, an outlet after a long day at the hospital.

I worked as a nurse for five years, two in emergency medicine and then after a few months as a float nurse, I settled on—and truly enjoyed—oncology nursing at Northwestern University Hospital. At night, I did improvisational comedy in different clubs around Chicago and was eventually hired by the renowned Second City Theater. I was fortunate enough to continue being a nurse by day, and I believe my patients really enjoyed sharing our hopes and dreams together.

Many times, when patients were receiving outpatient chemo, they would take a night out to come see one my shows. Better yet, I used to bring the entire cast of the Second City’s Main stage to the hospital. We would bring all the patients (and in some cases, their beds) to the cafeteria, and my fellow cast mates and I would put on our regular show. Everyone seemed to benefit from the laughter, this moment away from the battle of cancer and the constant high level of emotions.

I was always so moved by the patients’ response to our shows. They truly appreciated us and got very involved at times, suggesting ideas for skits and characters. If I had an audition on my lunch hour, they would wait anxiously for the results. When I got my first small role (the tooth-pick dropping waitress in "Rain Man"), I returned from the set with photos. Many patients had pictures of Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise and yes, me, their nurse, on their bedside tables. We loved the collision of these two worlds.

I believe my nursing background has helped me not only in my personal life, but in my professional life as well. Being an actor, you face rejection and disappointment, but none of these things could ever truly get to me. I saw so many people lose loved ones or fight heroically against cancer—there were many small miracles. I now feel fortunate for every healthy day I have. And honestly, being a cancer nurse encouraged me not to fear failure, to go out and follow my dreams and to be kind to others when doing so.

In "Return To Me," I was able to recall many moments from my nursing days.

While writing the screenplay, I so wanted to keep those moments in the hospital honest and I think we did. My nursing also helped when it came time to direct. As all nurses know, you face the day thinking "how can we possibly get everything done?" There were so many patients, so little time, so many meds, so many beds, so much paperwork. And we had to get it all done with kindness and efficiency. At the end of your shift, when you have somehow made it through again, there is a great feeling of accomplishment.

My favorite part of nursing was listening to my patients’ stories, where they came from, what they hoped for, who they loved. I can honestly say I loved all my patients. Sure, there are always a few—you nurses know what I'm talking about—the real characters, but you can even find joy in them. They are with you because they’re not feeling well and they deserve the best you can offer. And then there are the truly special patients, the ones who never seem to complain, always have a joke for you or a wise remark. They make your day easy and you leave their rooms with respect for their courage.

I have great respect for nurses, too. I’m truly amazed by their lifelong giving, hand-holding, and on top of all this, fulfilling the doctors’ constant requests. You are with people in their most personal, spiritual, vulnerable, honest moments. You cry with their families, hope and pray with them. And you rejoice when someone moves a finger, smiles, or speaks after a stroke. You rejoice whether it's a patient responding to chemo or someone simply needing a few stitches. To nurses, it’s all in a day’s work, but for patients and their families, it can be the worst of times.

It’s the nurse’s job to know when to hold a hand, smile encouragingly, offer words of hope and a hug when things get scary. I don't know how nurses do it, year after year. I feel so fortunate to have been a nurse even for five years. I feel it gave me an understanding of life, one that can only help me appreciate each and every day."

Fondly,