From ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Extra to Real-Life Nurse: Laura Tiu’s Life-Changing Journey

Image source: GMA

Like many of us, Laura Tiu spent late nights consumed by the world of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, not knowing her stint as a background actor on Grey’s Anatomy would eventually ignite her journey into nursing. Today, Laura’s story stands out—she didn’t just watch the show or portray a nurse on television; she became one in real life.

From Screen Life to School of Nursing

Laura, originally from Romania, came to the U.S. and began working as a background extra on the pilot of Grey’s Anatomy in 2004. She told Shondaland, “I had no idea how movies and TV shows were made. It was so amazing just to be part of it. It was like a calling for me, honestly.” She was with the show for 14+ seasons.

During her time as a background actress, Laura found herself increasingly drawn to the real healthcare world. “It was such an inspiration to be on set, I looked into being a real nurse and I went ahead and got my master’s degree in nursing,” she said in an interview on Good Morning America. “And here I am.”

A 2017 GMA interview where Ellen Pompeo reacts to the women she inspired to pursue medical careers, including Laura Tiu.

 

Studying While on Set

Her passion didn’t sit idly. Determined to explore medicine beyond the camera, she quietly enrolled at Los Angeles Valley College and then UCLA for an MSN in 2008. She would bring medical books to set, using downtime to study medical journals and transform her career ambitions. “Nobody really knew what I was doing. I’d bring my books and be in my little corner.”

By 2010, she was balancing hospital shifts and set appearances: “I was a hospital nurse three days a week, and then I would be available to work on Grey’s for four days a week.” 

Laura’s training proved valuable on set, where her expertise helped bring authenticity to scenes and medical emergencies.

Choosing Patients Over the Production

Nursing soon became Laura’s primary calling, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when she made the difficult decision to focus fully on patient care: “I just couldn’t let my patients die.” 

“It was brutal,” she told the nursing magazine at UCLA, her alma mater. “It’s something that school never prepares you for.” As a trauma nurse, Laura faced the real gritty challenges health dramas only touch upon—sometimes at great personal sacrifice.

Despite the obstacles, Laura feels pride in becoming the person she once depicted. “Being a nurse is very rewarding. Grey’s Anatomy changed my life. I’m a nurse because of the show. It’s like a Hollywood story!”

From navigating cultural shifts after emigrating from Romania to balancing scrubs and screen roles, Laura’s journey demonstrates deep determination and heart. If anything, it underscores the strength that can come from unexpected inspirations—even those that begin on TV.

 

🤔 Nurses, did Grey’s Anatomy inspire you to become a nurse? Share your thoughts in the discussion forum below.