NURSE: Empathy Heals" Documentary Premieres at Nashville Theatre

Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 23, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- On October 21, the documentary "NURSE: Empathy Heals" took center stage at Nashville’s Belcourt Theatre, offering a poignant look into the lives and experiences of nurses. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Chusy of Plan A Films, the film delves into the emotional demands of caregiving, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. It also highlights the everyday challenges faced by nurses in patient care.

The documentary is part of the Nurse Narratives Initiative (NNI), a collaborative effort led by East Tennessee State University (ETSU). The initiative brings together StoryCollab, the ETSU College of Nursing, the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement, and the ETSU Research Corporation, with support from Ballad Health. The film explores nursing through the lens of personal stories, examining the grief, resilience, doubt, faith, and compassion that define the profession.

Alan Levine, Chairman and CEO of Ballad Health, emphasized the importance of the film.

The screening was a collaborative effort between Ballad Health and ETSU, with Levine serving as Executive Producer. The event was presented in partnership with the Nashville Film Festival and was followed by a reception at Anzie Blue. Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Amanda Shires hosted the evening alongside her mother, retired nurse Lisa Fallon, bringing a personal connection to the celebration of the nursing profession.

"NURSE: Empathy Heals" began streaming on October 22 on Amazon Prime and other premium streaming platforms. The documentary offers a glimpse into the lives of nurses, highlighting the emotional demands of their work and the importance of empathy in healthcare. It serves as a reminder of the vital role nurses play in the health and well-being of their communities.

Ballad Health, an integrated community health improvement organization serving 29 counties of the Appalachian Highlands in Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Northwest North Carolina, and Southeast Kentucky, is committed to improving the health and well-being of nearly one million people. The organization's system includes 20 hospitals, post-acute care, and behavioral health services, as well as a large multi-specialty group physician practice.