Educational license – From Caregiver to Patient: Hospice Nurse Allyson’s Final 39 Days

Turn Allyson’s Final Wish Into a Powerful Learning Experience

In the final 39 days of her life, hospice nurse Allyson faced brain cancer with courage, intention, and a remarkable vision: to turn her own dying experience into a meaningful teaching tool that helps others talk more openly about death and dying.

This 68-minute program features the award-winning short film A Butterfly Has Been Released, which follows Allyson’s deeply personal journey as she connects with family, friends, and hospice colleagues, hosts a living funeral, and ultimately chooses a natural green burial. Her story offers a moving and authentic look at what compassionate end-of-life care can look like.

Following the film, experts Kenneth Doka, Natasha Fowlks, and Megan Heller guide an engaging discussion exploring key themes, including:

• The goals of end-of-life care in hospice and palliative care
• How interdisciplinary hospice teams support patients and families
• The role of meaning-making, ritual, and legacy work at the end of life
• How these processes can help support individuals experiencing grief

This program is designed to inspire reflection, deepen understanding, and encourage important conversations about death, dying, and compassionate care.

Registration includes group viewing access for two months for one location, making it ideal for community events and classrooms. 

Continuing education is not included. Click here for CE options.