Achamma Cherian, 57, was attacked while on duty at the acute medical unit inside Oldham Royal Hospital, Greater Manchester, on Saturday evening.
Roman Haque, 37, is accused of stabbing the nurse at the hospital at about 11.30pm that night.
He appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court charged with the attempted murder following the incident which left the nurse seriously injured.
Ms Cherian’s home, which she shares with her husband, is just minutes away from her workplace at the hospital.
Neighbours said they would often see her leaving or returning from work as she was regularly on duty for night shifts.
Haque, wearing a grey sweatshirt and flanked by two prison officers in court, was asked to identify himself and gave his name as ‘Mohammed Roman Haque’.
District Judge Jane Hamilton told the defendant: ‘The attempted murder is a matter that can only be dealt with by a crown court so the possession of a bladed article is going to go with it.
‘You will next appear at Minshull Street Crown Court on February 18, in five weeks time.
‘Between now and then you will be remanded in custody.’
