Ellis Angels is the heartwarming story about the compassionate nurses of Ellis Island Hospital, the ladies-in-white, and the loving care they gave their immigrant patients. Ellis Island Hospital has been closed since 1954. When Superstorm Sandy bombarded New York Harbor in 2012, Ellis Island was left battered and flooded. During an extensive clean-up, a file cabinet was discovered in the long-abandoned, vacant hospital building. It was found to contain the files of a former Senior Nursing Superintendent. Filled with documentation of nursing procedures, notes, schedules, and pages from her 1924 journal, the tender tale of Ellis Angels was inspired from these rescued files.
Newly-arrived immigrants were facing enormous physical and emotional challenges. The Stanescu twins were separated from their parents, and admitted for favus scalp infections. Fabiana Morales, a beautiful young woman, came to America to be married, but was rejected by her future husband because of her unsightly goiter. Mrs. Ryan, pregnant with her fifth child, was hospitalized for pregnancy complications. Mrs. Brunne and her newborn were facing deportation because of the newly established Quota Law, and a teenager delivered her premature infant on the floor of the Women’s Detention Dormitory.
During her orientation, Miss Angie, a nurse recruit, learns the routines of the Hospital. She meets handsome Dr. Goodwin who is, unknowingly, searching for the nurse of his dreams. Miss Adeline, an experienced and spirited nurse, takes Angie under her wing. The Nursing Superintendent, Sister Gwendolyn, is keeping a watchful eye on her staff of Ellis Island Nurses.
Together, through their creativity and united efforts, the nurses and doctors of Ellis Island Hospital discover ways to help their patients follow their dreams. In the process, they achieve their own American Dream, as well.