The attack happened Friday at Franklin Hospital Medical Center in Valley Stream, on Long Island.
Nassau County police said the nurse was assaulted by 23-year-old Donte Oakes of Springfield Gardens.
The 53-year-old nurse suffered serious injuries to her face, head and neck. She is being treated at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset.
Oakes was arraigned Saturday on a charge of first-degree assault. No information about an attorney for Oakes was available.