Nurse Ratched is a fictional character from the novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey, published in 1962. She serves as the head nurse in a mental institution and is known for her strict, authoritarian demeanor. Ratched uses manipulation and control to maintain order among the patients, often prioritizing institutional rules over individual well-being. The character has become a symbol of oppressive authority in healthcare settings. In 1975, the novel was adapted into an acclaimed film, further solidifying her reputation. In 2020, a Netflix series titled Ratched explored her backstory, delving into her early life and motivations.