The Good Nurse

The movie begins in 1996 at St. Aloysius Hospital in Pennsylvania, where a patient suffers a sudden medical emergency. Despite the desperate efforts of the nurses and doctors, the patient ultimately succumbs, leaving Charlie, the first responding nurse, in disbelief as the heart monitor flat-lines.

Fast forward to 2003, we meet Amy Loughren at Parkfield Memorial Hospital in New Jersey. She is a dedicated and compassionate nurse who often goes beyond the call of duty for her patients, allowing family members to stay longer than visiting hours.

Despite her professional success, Amy faces significant personal challenges as a single mother to two daughters. Additionally, she is hiding a serious heart condition that requires an urgent transplant, fearing that disclosing it could jeopardize her career.

Charles Cullen, a new male nurse, joins the hospital and quickly establishes a friendly rapport with Amy. His initial kindness and support offer her a semblance of relief as she navigates her health issues and personal life.

A series of mysterious deaths begins to occur at the hospital, raising alarming concerns among the staff. One of Amy's patients unexpectedly dies, prompting initial investigations that are quickly swept under the rug by hospital administration.

Weeks after the patient death, the hospital's risk manager, Linda Garran, takes minimal action, which ultimately leads to police investigations. However, critical evidence is missing, complicating the detectives' efforts to uncover the truth.

Detectives Danny Baldwin and Tim Braun begin investigating the mysterious deaths linked to Charles Cullen. They discover a troubling pattern of allegations surrounding his previous employment at multiple hospitals, indicating a disturbing history.

During her work, Amy learns about rumors implicating Charles in multiple suspicious patient deaths. This revelation causes her to become increasingly concerned about his presence in the hospital and the safety of her daughters.

Determined to find the truth, Amy conducts her own investigation and uncovers alarming evidence implicating Charles in tampering with IV fluids to administer lethal doses. Although this evidence is not formally recognized, it is crucial for the detectives.

As the investigation unfolds, Charles is fired from the hospital with no serious consequences for his actions. This dismissal leaves both detectives and Amy feeling frustrated and uncertain about where to go next in their pursuit of justice.

As the situation intensifies, Amy cleverly orchestrates a confrontation with Charles, hoping to extract a confession. The encounter occurs at her home, where tension is palpable as she wrestles with her fears over his unpredictable nature.

In a pivotal moment, Amy returns to the police station to speak with Charles. Through her empathy, she manages to break through his defenses, leading him to confess to the murders he committed under the pretense of mercy.

The film culminates in the revelation that Charles Cullen confessed to killing 29 patients, with later estimates suggestive of up to 400 victims. His twisted motivations stemmed from a misguided desire to 'save' them from suffering, leaving a wake of tragedy.

In the end, it is revealed that Charles was sentenced to eighteen consecutive life terms in prison in 2003. He remains incarcerated, serving as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of unchecked power in the medical field.