Wanting a career that would allow her to be independent and work from anywhere, Erin Shelley, Ed.D., MA, BSN '91, RN, was drawn to the nursing profession. These days, however, she practices nursing as "art imitating life" through her role as a Technical Expert on the hit NBC show, Chicago Med.
Her journey to Chicago Med began when Shelley became neighbors with the show's Technical Advisor, Bobbin Bergstrom, RN. Upon learning Shelley was a fellow RN, Bergstrom explained the show casts registered nurses to act as "experts" and invited her to give it a try. Shelley joined the cast during season 3 and is currently filming season 4.
While Chicago Med films July through April, Shelley's shooting schedule largely depends on the storyline and progress of previous shoots. Filming takes place 5 or 6 days a week, beginning as early as 5:00 a.m. and may run late into the night.
A typical day on set begins with a read-through rehearsal where the actors' lines are paired with physical actions. Stand-in actors assist the lighting, sound, camera and special effects crew to set the day's scene. Set-up may take hours, so filming resumes after lunch, which Shelley describes as a lavishly catered Halloween party.
Following a dress rehearsal, the cameras begin rolling. Each scene is shot over and over to the satisfaction of the director. Shelly pointed out that special effects are often filmed last as the crew has to reset the scene with fresh props each time. Props such as the basic manikin used in the surgery scenes, can cost $20K or more. The great lengths are taken to ensure the medical procedures appear real.
Prior to her television debut, Shelley was a practicing nurse for 28 years. Her career spanned cardiac care, Tampa General Hospital's Surgi-Center and a Clinical Liaison and Supervisor for a home health company. Most recently, she worked as a Medical Esthetics Consultant and Practitioner for 16 years in Chicago.
Shelley described her feelings of being on set similar to those of working in her various health care settings.
Her favorite thing about being on the show is how nurses are portrayed to the audience.
Shelley advises nurses interested in becoming TV technical experts to respond to casting calls for health care professionals. Additionally, she shared it is helpful to live within close proximity to the film studio as casting agencies tend to call the night before filming to offer the job.
Look for Shelley on NBC's Chicago Med on Wednesday's at 8/7c.