Thousands of Nurses Attend Special Viewing of Acclaimed Nursing Documentary at AACN Conference

ALISO VIEJO, Calif., May 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A documentary about the complex world of nursing reached its largest audience to date when thousands of nurses attended a special screening May 22 during the annual conference of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

The documentary, "NURSES, If Florence Could See Us Now" was shown in Boston on Wednesday afternoon of AACN's National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition (NTI), the world's largest conference for nurses who care for high acuity and critically ill patients. Registration for the conference exceeded 7,000 nurses. 

The event was sponsored by AACN, with support from Drexel University Online and On Nursing Excellence (ONE), the nonprofit organization that produced the film, to highlight and show appreciation for the extraordinary work nurses do every day. In addition to typical movie theater treats, attendees received complimentary Kleenex® brand tissues, courtesy of Kimberly-Clark, in recognition of the film's emotional impact.

"We are proud to share this powerful documentary with our attendees as AACN celebrates 40 years at the forefront of critical care nursing education through our renowned national conference," said Ramon Lavandero, RN, MA, MSN, FAAN, senior director at AACN. "It fit perfectly with NTI's outstanding and diverse learning opportunities -- together with the inspirational gatherings and networking opportunities throughout the week -- as we strive to reignite attendees' commitment to patient care and the nursing profession."

The provocative film celebrated its official release April 30, 2013, to wide acclaim, and its impact will continue beyond NTI with each attendee receiving an individual copy of the documentary on DVD. The movie is also available for private purchase.

Conceived and directed by Kathy Douglas, RN, MHA, chief executive officer of On Nursing Excellence and chief nursing officer at API Healthcare, the documentary offers a rare look into nurses' complex, exciting and challenging world from the bedside to the boardroom. A former critical care nurse, Douglas was on hand during the NTI screening to discuss how her personal experience with cancer compelled her to pay homage to her lifelong profession by telling nurses' story through their own voices.

"During this time of healthcare transformation, one of our goals in producing this film is to provide leaders, policymakers and the public with a better understanding of nursing's impact and value," Douglas said.

More than 120 nurses across the United States were interviewed for the film, providing a close-up look at the profession and incorporating the many different roles nurses play and the lives they touch. There was no advanced scripting or prepping for the documentary. Film director Douglas simply interviewed nurses with a camera to capture authentic, candid conversations.

To see a trailer and learn more about the film, visit http://www.nursesthemovie.com.

About the National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition: Established in 1974, AACN's National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition (NTI) represents the world's largest educational conference and trade show for nurses who care for acutely and critically ill patients and their families. Bedside nurses, nurse educators, nurse managers, clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners attend NTI.

About the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses: Founded in 1969 and based in Aliso Viejo, Calif., the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world. AACN joins together the interests of more than 500,000 acute and critical care nurses and claims more than 235 chapters worldwide. The organization's vision is to create a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and their families in which acute and critical care nurses make their optimal contribution. www.aacn.org; facebook.com/aacnface; twitter.com/aacnme

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SOURCE American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)