 With the drama 's setting being a hospital , numerous medical personnel appear regularly on the show , as well as several other recurring characters . Joe ( Steven W. Bailey ) , is first shown as the owner of the Emerald City Bar and Grill , across the street from the hospital , which is a common relaxation area for the physicians . Also introduced in the pilot , is the legendary former surgeon , Dr. Ellis Grey ( Kate Burton ) , Meredith 's Alzheimer 's @-@ stricken mother , who appeared on the show until her death in season three . In the first season , Olivia Harper ( Sarah Utterback ) , a nurse who appeared on the show occasionally until getting laid off in the merger with Mercy West , engages in sexual activity with O 'Malley , giving him Syphilis . Serving as an assistant and secretary to the Chief of Surgery , former nurse Patricia ( Robin Pearson Rose ) , has appeared on the show since its debut . Tyler Christian ( Moe Irvin ) , a hospital nurse , makes occasional appearances throughout the series . Within the second season , Bailey becomes pregnant by her husband , Tucker Jones ( Cress Williams ) , who makes frequent appearances on Grey 's Anatomy , until their divorce in season five . While Bailey takes a sabbatical , due to her pregnancy , the cheerful Dr. Sydney Heron ( Kali Rocha ) , fills her position as the resident supervising Grey , Yang , Karev , O 'Malley , and Stevens , and makes occasional appearances until the fifth season . 
