“Nurse: Empathy Heals” Film Premieres at ETSU
The Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement hosted the premiere of “NURSE: Empathy Heals” at the East Tennessee State University Martin Center for the Arts, bringing together nurses, students, health care leaders and community members to honor the compassion and resilience at the heart of the nursing profession.
Created by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Chusy of Plan A Films, the documentary explores the power of empathy through real, first-person stories from nurses. The film celebrates the vital role nurses play in their communities while offering an intimate look at the moments that shape their professional journeys.
The evening began with a reception, followed by a toast to nurses hosted by the ETSU Research Corporation and delivered by ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. Remarks were also shared by Allison Myers, executive director of StoryCollab; Ballad Health CEO Alan Levine; ETSU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Kimberly McCorkle; and Dr. Dena Evans, dean of the ETSU College of Nursing. Dr. Jennifer Hitt, executive director of the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement, then launched the film screening.
Following the screening, audience members participated in a Q&A featuring nurses and project collaborators who shared their experiences and helped bring the stories to life. The discussion provided attendees with an opportunity to reflect on the emotional depth of nursing, the importance of empathy in patient care, professional resilience, and the future of health care.
After the premiere, Tennessee Hills honored nurses and first responders with a complimentary beverage at its Johnson City location, continuing the evening’s focus on appreciation and community support.
“NURSE: Empathy Heals” is part of the Nurse Narratives Initiative, a collaboration between Ballad Health, the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement, the ETSU College of Nursing and StoryCollab, powered by the ETSU Research Corporation. The initiative brings first-person stories to life to elevate and honor the nursing profession through storytelling, education and advocacy.
To learn more about the film and the Nurse Narratives Initiative here.
January Nurse of the Month Honorees
We’re proud to celebrate the nurses who care for Tennessee, body, mind, and spirit. Through the Nurse of the Month program, we honor nurses whose compassion, skill, and leadership create meaningful change for their patients, colleagues, and communities.
Beth Poland – Knoxville
Beth has been a nurse for over 30 years. When 6 News asked Beth why she initially got into nursing, she laughed, explaining she’s been in the profession so long she doesn’t know. She shared that she started out at a home health agency, and decided nursing was what she wanted to do.
Watch Beth’s story here
Jasmine Griffin – Memphis
Jasmine, a nurse in the Emergency Department at Methodist University Central, shared how nurses caring for her siblings with complex medical needs inspired her to become a nurse.
Watch Jasmine’s full interview here
Tracy Wadley – Chattanooga
Tracy, an RN at Siskin Rehabilitation Hospital, shared how nursing wasn’t her first career. Working as a school teacher for 25 years, she made the bold decision to return to the classroom to earn a nursing degree after her children graduated.
Watch Tracy’s full interview here
Tammy Ward – Tri-Cities
Tammy has been a nurse for nearly 30 years. Growing up in Hawkins County she told WJHL she is proud to have served her community her entire career.
Watch Tammy’s story here
National Forum of State Workforce Centers Business Meeting in Tampa, Florida
Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Hitt and Project Director Dr. Monaco Briggs attended the National Forum of State Workforce Centers Business Meeting in Tampa, Florida earlier this month.
The meeting brought together nursing workforce leaders from across the country to collaborate, share best practices, and advance data-driven strategies that strengthen the nursing workforce nationwide.
We are proud to be at the table contributing to conversations that shape the future of nursing and workforce development.
Nurses’ Role and Assessment in Domestic & Intimate Partner Violence: Identification and Care of Victims
– Carla Kirkland MSN, APRN, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, ENP-BC
Join us on January 21 at 12 pm for an informative webinar focused on understanding and responding to domestic and intimate partner violence (DV/IPV).
During the webinar, participants will learn:
- Which populations are most vulnerable to domestic and intimate partner violence
- Five common behaviors of abusers in domestic and intimate partner relationships
- Five practical tips for navigating patient care when working with DV/IPV victims
All TCNA webinars are free to attend and open to nurses, nursing students, and healthcare professionals across Tennessee.
Dr. Christie Manasco joins TCNA as a Nurse Scientist
Christie Manasco, PhD, RN, CNE, CNEcl, brings more than 30 years of nursing experience and a career shaped by nursing education, workforce development, and academic leadership. Her work reflects a sustained commitment to supporting student progression and academic success, shaping workforce-aligned pathways, and advancing nursing student-focused initiatives that promote readiness for practice and better outcomes for rural and underserved populations.
