All About Nurse Doris, Lorena Diaz's Beloved Character on Chicago Med
The sarcastic and steadfast RN continues to steal the show with her hilarity on Chicago Med.
Chicago Med is famed for its intense medical cases and high-stakes drama, but for longtime fans, one of the most cherished staples of the hospital isn't a hotshot doctor but a certain side character who always steals the show. We're referring to Lorena Diaz's side-eye-slinging Nurse Doris, the no-nonsense Gaffney RN.
Thanks to her barbed wit and steadfast dedication to her post, Nurse Doris has become a fan-favorite among the One Chicago family over the years. Doris' hallmark sarcasm and unwavering commitment have only amplified her beloved status as she brings a touch of humor to the high-stakes Emergency Department.
Doris' magnetic personality is echoed behind the scenes as well. When asked who among the Chicago Med cast is most like their on-screen character, Devin Kawaoka (Dr. Kai Tanaka-Reed) didn't hesitate to name Lorena Diaz as Nurse Doris.
"Nurse Doris has big Nurse Doris energy," Kawaoka told NBC Insider with a chuckle. "She is the most amazing woman in the world. She's a real go-getter, really fights for her community, and you can just see that in the way she exists on the show. She's really wonderful."
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Doris is a gift that keeps on giving on Chicago Med. Read on to reminiscence about her Gaffney highlights.
When was Nurse Doris introduced on Chicago Med?
Nurse Doris Perez has been pounding the pavement at Gaffney since the debut episode of Chicago Med ("Derailed"), appearing in every season of the NBC nail-biter. Doris has appeared in dozens of Med episodes and never fails to do right by her patients, often flying into action the moment head RN Maggie Lockwood (Marlyne Barrett) commands. As Doris established herself as one of the most dynamite nurses at Gaffney, she and Maggie developed a sweet friendship.
While Doris is often seen in the background or stepping in on the action, we've slowly but surely learned more about the Gaffney nurse's life outside of the E.D. Doris is a horrendous baker but loves snacking — she'll steal someone's lunch if left unattended, leading to some eye rolls among her Gaffney colleagues. Doris also lacks a filter when she has an opinion, and as the eyes and ears of the E.D., that's led to many hysterical asides as she continues to say what everyone is thinking. Doris may eat her foot from time to time, but Chi-Hards stay laughing at her occasional conversational hi-jink.
Why Nurse Doris is one of Gaffney's finest
Chi-Hards love Doris due to her no-BS demeanor around the hospital and impressive ability to balance humor with humanity, but it hasn't always been a smooth ride for her. In Season 10, Episode 12 ("In the Wake"), Doris' career in healthcare was jeopardized during a nurse staffing shortage. Forced to complete tasks outside her scope of care, Doris made a worrisome error that compelled Dr. Caitlin Lenox (Sarah Ramos) to demand immediate termination. The directive sent shockwaves through the Emergency Department, and Lenox's adamance blindsided Maggie.
Doris was profusely apologetic, admitting to Maggie that in her 15 years of nursing, she'd never screwed up like that. And Doris wouldn't have if it wasn't for the myriad of administrative issues that shift. Maggie put her foot down, refusing to see her most dedicated nurse go. Maggie told Lenox that if she fired Doris, she'd have to fire her as well, inspiring Lenox to let Doris stay.
Chi-Hards love Doris due to her no-BS demeanor around the hospital and impressive ability to balance humor with humanity. It's hard to imagine Chicago Med without Doris as she continues to crush it at Gaffney, and viewers can't wait to hear what hilarious remark comes out of her mouth next.
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Watch Chicago Med on Wednesdays at 8/7c on NBC and the next day on Peacock.
