Watch The Nurse with the Purple Hair

The Nurse with the Purple Hair is a documentary film from 2017 that follows hospice nurse Michelle Lasota as she provides end-of-life care to patients in their final days. Directed by Sean Cunningham, the film explores the intricate emotional and physical nuances that come with the challenging job of being a hospice nurse. The film opens with Michelle driving to her next appointment, talking to the camera about her role as a hospice nurse and what she hopes to provide for her patients in their final days. The audience is then introduced to a few of Michelle's patients, including an elderly woman with Alzheimer's disease and a middle-aged man with terminal cancer. Michelle provides care and support for these individuals, helping them to manage symptoms and maintain dignity as they face death.

Throughout the film, Michelle shares her personal journey of becoming a hospice nurse and the impact it has had on her life. She also opens up about her own experiences with grief and loss, which gives viewers a deeper understanding of the emotional toll this job can take.

The Nurse with the Purple Hair also touches on the broader societal issues surrounding end-of-life care. The film discusses the importance of having difficult conversations about death with loved ones and the challenges that can arise when families are not prepared for the end-of-life process.

One of the standout aspects of the film is its exploration of the differences between hospice care and traditional medical care. Michelle is seen providing a high level of individualized care to each patient, focusing on their quality of life rather than medical interventions that may be ineffective or even uncomfortable. This is in contrast to traditional hospital care, which often prioritizes curing a patient's illness over their overall well-being.

The film also showcases the strong bonds that are formed between hospice nurses and their patients. Michelle is shown singing with some of her patients, sharing stories and memories, and even attending a man's final baseball game. The intimate moments between Michelle and her patients provide a stark contrast to the clinical, impersonal atmosphere of a hospital.

Overall, The Nurse with the Purple Hair is an emotional and thought-provoking film that sheds light on the important work of hospice nurses. Through Michelle's story and the stories of her patients, the film highlights the need for compassionate, individualized end-of-life care and prompts viewers to reflect on how they might approach their own end-of-life journey or that of a loved one.

The Nurse with the Purple Hair is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 48 minutes.