The GW School of Nursing invites students in online programs as well as remote faculty, and staff to a virtual film screening and discussion of the documentary "2020 The Year of the Nurse". 

Join us for a deep dive into the experiences of Black nurses and practitioners during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. From the physically devastating effects to the struggles that medical professionals faced to protect their rights, this film highlights the multiple challenges Black healthcare workers endured and fought against while on the front lines. 
 

How To Participate

Licenses to view the film are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you’re interested in participating, register now to secure your spot!

Registrants will receive a custom link to view/screen the documentary prior to the virtual discussion (any time between March 15 at 8:00 a.m. through March 28 at Noon ET). Registrants will also receive a Zoom link to attend the one-hour virtual discussion on March 28 at 4:00 p.m. ET with Robyn Roots, a nurse, film producer, and writer of the documentary.
 

About The Film

"2020 The Year of the Nurse" is a documentary that sheds light on the experiences of Black nurses and practitioners in various cities across the U.S, including Richmond, Virginia, New York City, and Atlanta. This project provides an intimate look into how these medical professionals fought tirelessly to save lives from the devastating effects of COVID-19. It also highlights the challenges they faced, including systemic racism, pandemic preparedness, work-life balance, and mental health issues while on the front lines.

View Film Trailer >    
 

About The Speaker

Robyn Roots, RN, BSN, MSN, CDN, VHA-CM, has become a well-known name in the nursing profession and the film industry. She has been a renal dialysis nurse for over 30 years and is a film director in her free time. Robyn has trained over 5,000 patients, families, dialysis nurses, physicians, and church congregations about renal disease and served on expert panels as a Kidney Health Coach. She advocates for the patient and is a voice in the renal community.

As the CEO of Klosa' Productions, Mrs. Roots has been an executive producer and co-producer on several film projects, including The Turnaround Movie, Aloha, Truthless, Jump Start, The Hunting of Potters Field, Poz Roz, The Season, and Courage to Stand. She recently shared her own life story in a short film she wrote and directed called Did Showing Up Save My Life?

In celebration of Nurse’s Appreciation Week, Robyn Roots wrote and directed a documentary, 2020 Year of the Nurse, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film focuses on people of color in the medical profession sharing their experiences during COVID-19 and the impact of racism in the field. Robyn believes in using media to have courageous, straightforward conversations that are necessary today.

Robyn believes that giving back to the community will connect her with the right people at the right time.