NURSE: EMPATHY HEALS-Documentary
NURSE: Empathy Heals, a new documentary from East Tennessee State University (ETSU) that horors the nursing profession, directed by award-winning filmmaker Chusy, is now available on Amazon, YouTube and Documentary+.
The documentary follows nurses through some of the most challenging moments of their careers, from the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters to the everyday realities of patient care. Through their personal accounts of grief, resilience and compassion, the film explores the emotional demands of nursing and celebrates the people who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
Please let me know if you'd like a screening link to check out the film, or are interested in exploring interviews with those involved. We´d be honored for any support you can provide to spread the word.
Last week, the film premiered at Nashville's historic Belcourt Theatre in partnership with the Nashville Film Festival. Grammy Award-winning musician Amanda Shires hosted the screening alongside her mother, retired nurse Lisa Shires, with Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell joining the evening's celebration of the nursing profession.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 21: Amanda Shires and Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell attend the Nashville Premiere of ETSU's documentary "NURSE: Empathy Heals" at Belcourt Theatre on October 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ETSU "Nurse: Empathy Heals" Premiere Screening)
A New Documentary Film NURSE: Empathy Heals Premieres in NASHVILLE with host and Highwomen Founder Amanda Shires
The Grammy Award-winning artist celebrated the new film alongside her mother, retired nurse Lisa Shires, at a special screening presented in partnership with the Nashville Film Festival
NURSE: Empathy Heals is now streaming on Amazon Prime and other premium streaming platforms. The documentary is part of the Nurse Narratives Initiative (NNI), a collaboration led by East Tennessee State University (ETSU) that brings together StoryCollab, the ETSU College of Nursing, the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement and the ETSU Research Corporation, with support from Ballad Health.
Presented in partnership with the Nashville Film Festival, a premiere screening took place at the historic Belcourt Theatre, followed by a reception at Anzie Blue. Hosted by Amanda Shires alongside her mother, retired nurse Lisa Shires, the evening featured opening remarks from Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell. Also in attendance were director Chusy, StoryCollab Executive Director Allison Myers, featured nurses Amber Cook, Cherie Davis and Josie Rivers, ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland, and Ballad Health CEO and executive producer Alan Levine. The evening brought together nurses, students and supporters of the profession to celebrate the compassion, resilience and dedication of nurses while spotlighting the documentary's exploration of the emotional realities of caregiving.
For Amanda Shires, the evening held particular personal significance. Having grown up witnessing her mother's dedication to nursing, she joined the celebration to honor both her mother's career and the countless nurses whose work makes a lasting difference in the lives of patients and families.
“Having my mom beside me tonight made this especially meaningful. I grew up seeing firsthand what nursing asks of a person, and how much heart it takes to care for people at their most vulnerable. Celebrating this profession with her here in Nashville was incredibly special. I hope people leave thinking about the nurses who have shown up for them and appreciating all that they give,” said Shires.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Chusy of Plan A Films, NURSE: Empathy Heals shares deeply personal accounts of nursing during the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters and the everyday challenges of patient care. Through stories of grief, resilience, doubt, faith and compassion, the documentary reveals the emotional demands of a profession often defined by what nurses give to others, while exploring the importance of empathy for both patients and caregivers.
Watch NURSE: Empathy Heals on Amazon, YouTube and Documentary+
East Tennessee State University - College of Nursing
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