The American Nurse

Released May 8, 2014

1h 21m

Documentary

List

100%

Tomatometer

11 Reviews

82%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

THE AMERICAN NURSE is a heart-warming film that explores some of the biggest issues facing America -- aging, war, poverty, prisons -- through the work and lives of nurses. It is an examination of real people that will change how we think about nurses and how we wrestle with the challenges of healing America. THE AMERICAN NURSE is an important contribution to America's ongoing conversation about what it means to care. The film follows the paths of five nurses in various practice specialties including Jason Short as he drives up a rugged creek to reach a home-bound cancer patient in Appalachia. Tonia Faust, who runs a prison hospice program where inmates serving life sentences care for their fellow inmates as they're dying. Naomi Cross, as she coaches an ovarian cancer survivor through the Caesarean delivery of her son. Sister Stephen, a nun who runs a nursing home filled with goats, sheep, llamas and chickens, where the entire nursing staff comes together to sing for a dying resident. And Brian McMillion, an Army veteran and former medic, rehabilitating wounded soldiers returning from war.

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G. Allen Johnson

San Francisco Chronicle

The level of compassion required to do the job well is nothing short of amazing. And yet, these heroes and heroines are embedded in our community - our family, friends, neighbors, fellow Giants fans, what have you.

Rated: 3/4

Apr 9, 2020

Full Review

Anita Gates

New York Times

A solid, worthwhile documentary. If the film is workmanlike at times, it is also elegantly cleareyed.

May 15, 2014

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John DeFore

Hollywood Reporter

A compassionate and psychologically revealing doc.

May 14, 2014

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Linda Cook

Quad City Times (Davenport, IA)

'American Nurse' is a tribute to front-line heroes.

Rated: 4/4

May 11, 2020

Full Review

Bobby LePire

Film Threat

It is the perfect time to sing the praises of nurses. Jones and crew do that perfectly in their heartfelt documentary.

Rated: 8/10

Apr 10, 2020

Full Review

Roger Moore

Movie Nation

Folksy and righteous

Rated: 3/4

Apr 7, 2020

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Rochelle H

This was well done for a documentary, however it gives the impression that only Caucasians can be "American Nurses" . We watched the movie as part of our Transitions to practice class at the VA hospital. Everyone in the class was stunned at the blatant disregard for other nationalities being excluded from it. So no other races of people can be described as "American Nurses?" This movie shown to aspiring nurses is disheartening, disingenuine, and a true slap in the face of all nurses that work really hard to take care of our citizens in the United States.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

07/12/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This is an excellent documentary, and a must-watch for any nurse or nursing student. It shows the struggle that nurses face through the lives of five different nurses, and gives a comprehensive look into what it really means to be a nurse. This film taught me so much, and will leave you in awe of the hard work and dedication that truly goes into being a nurse.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/09/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Quite good. How refreshing to learn about nurses outside of acute care!! None of your typical chaotic trauma center or intensive care scenes, but rather nursing where people live, work, worship and learn. Well done.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/15/23

Full Review

Audience Member

this is a stunning work of art. An intimate portrait of five nurses and their passion for their work. Moving, cinematically beautiful, riveting, can't look away fantastic. find a showing and go see it. Take a nurse you love with you.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Excellent inspiring documentary - a must see for all budding nursing students

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

Full Review

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Carolyn Jones

Director

Carolyn Jones

Screenwriter

Carolyn Jones

Executive Producer

Lisa Frank

Producer

Hayes Greenfield

Original Music

Jaka Vinsek

Cinematographer

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Critics Consensus: Godzilla is Certified Fresh

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Synopsis

THE AMERICAN NURSE is a heart-warming film that explores some of the biggest issues facing America -- aging, war, poverty, prisons -- through the work and lives of nurses. It is an examination of real people that will change how we think about nurses and how we wrestle with the challenges of healing America. THE AMERICAN NURSE is an important contribution to America's ongoing conversation about what it means to care. The film follows the paths of five nurses in various practice specialties including Jason Short as he drives up a rugged creek to reach a home-bound cancer patient in Appalachia. Tonia Faust, who runs a prison hospice program where inmates serving life sentences care for their fellow inmates as they're dying. Naomi Cross, as she coaches an ovarian cancer survivor through the Caesarean delivery of her son. Sister Stephen, a nun who runs a nursing home filled with goats, sheep, llamas and chickens, where the entire nursing staff comes together to sing for a dying resident. And Brian McMillion, an Army veteran and former medic, rehabilitating wounded soldiers returning from war.

Director: Carolyn Jones
Producer: Lisa Frank
Screenwriter: Carolyn Jones
Distributor: Carolyn Jones Productions
Production Co: Carolyn Jones Productions
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 8, 2014, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2017
Runtime: 1h 21m

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