Educational Media Reviews Online

This documentary is in praise of the nursing profession by nurses who love it. Nursing is described as an art, a science, and an honor characterized by caring, connection, relationship, listening, problem solving and above all patient care. Over one hundred nurses were interviewed from all over the United States who work at the patient bedside, the boardroom, the classroom and beyond to illustrate the scope of the nursing profession. Practicing nurses are admonished to practice self-care and are embolden to be leaders wherever they are in order to promote evidence-based practice and to remain on the cutting edge of care. Though the film begins with a brief history of the profession, it is clearly in praise of how far nurses have come since Florence Nightingale and is meant to be inspirational for nursing students and edifying for practicing nurses.

Male and female nurses are interviewed and the emerging role of men in this traditionally female environment is discussed directly. We get a glimpse of pediatrics, gerontology and midwifery as practiced by men as well as nursing services across the spectrum by both genders. There are interviews with nurses who work with the homeless population, public health nurses, emergency nursing, nurse educators, disaster nursing, military service, patient advocates and nursing scholars who talk about their research.

With so much to cover it is no wonder that the 92 minute film runs a bit long in its entirety, however, it is divided into chapters that can be selected according to the needs of the viewer. The videography is professionally executed, the scenes of patient care with children, adults, elderly, homeless people, and tribal members is respectfully presented, and many scenes are interspersed with shots of landscapes related to the current story line. Career counselors in high school and college would find this video very helpful for students who are considering a nursing career as well as faculty in introductory nursing courses. Practicing nurses should also find the film to be inspirational and affirming. Bonus materials follow-up on or expand the interviews and information covered in the main part of the film. They include a five year reunion between a patient and his nurse, a nurse who helps her patient get married and an interview with the CEO of the American Nurses Association. There is also a brief nursing resource guide included in the packaging.