Nurse Quietly Murders as Many as 400 in NJ

In the sterile, high-pressure world of the ICU, Amy Loughren thrived. As a single mom and a skilled nurse at Somerset Medical Center in New Jersey, she juggled patient care and motherhood with remarkable dedication. Her colleague, Charles Cullen, seemed like an ally — charming, quick-witted ,and endlessly supportive. But Cullen hid a horrifying secret, and Amy would soon find herself at the heart of an investigation that would bring a serial killer to justice.

Who were Amy Loughren and Charles Cullen before the investigation?

Amy Loughren wasn't just a nurse — she was a lifeline. Patients leaned on her during their most vulnerable moments, and coworkers admired her warmth and skill. Among her colleagues, she felt a special bond with Charles Cullen. He made long shifts feel lighter with his humor and camaraderie.

For years, Cullen's facade fooled everyone. He quietly used his position to inject lethal doses of medication into IV bags, causing unexplained deaths. By the time detectives began investigating the hospital, dozens — perhaps hundreds — of patients had died under his care.

How did Amy uncover the truth?

When detectives approached Amy in 2003, they needed an insider — someone sharp enough to spot red flags and brave enough to take action. They showed her suspicious medication records linked to Cullen. The evidence clicked into place like puzzle pieces. Amy couldn't ignore what she saw: Her trusted colleague wasn't a healer. He was a murderer.

At home, Amy wrestled with her decision to help. She sat her 11-year-old daughter Alex down and laid it all out. According to PEOPLE, Amy told her daughter, "Our lives might completely change. I don't know if I can do this to you."

Alex's response left no doubt. "Mom," she said, "He's murdering people."

With her daughter's blessing, Amy joined the investigation, determined to stop Cullen before he claimed another victim.

How did Amy help bring Cullen to justice?

Amy agreed to meet Cullen while wearing a wire, knowing she'd face the man she once considered a friend. In a tense restaurant meeting, she used her natural warmth and insight to steer the conversation. She asked him about the deaths, pressing him to confess.

Cullen's response chilled Amy to the core. He leaned forward, his smirk transforming his face. "I'm going to go down fighting," he said, according to PEOPLE.

That meeting gave detectives the evidence they needed. When police arrested Cullen, Amy joined them at the station. Using her unique connection with him, she convinced him to talk.

Cullen confessed to killing at least 29 patients, though experts believe the true number could be closer to 400. His conviction in 2006 ended his killing spree.

What changed in healthcare after Cullen's conviction?

Amy's courage exposed weaknesses in the healthcare system, and her actions spurred change. Hospitals implemented stricter background checks, ensuring they flagged professionals with questionable pasts.

Medication tracking systems became more sophisticated, with electronic records now standard for monitoring drug use. Whistleblower protections grew stronger, giving employees the security to report wrongdoing. Ethical training for medical staff expanded, focusing on patient safety and accountability.

These reforms didn't erase the pain Cullen caused, but they made it harder for anyone like him to hide in plain sight again.

Why does Amy's story still inspire?

Amy Loughren didn't see herself as a hero, but her actions tell a different story. She stepped into danger, risking her safety and sense of self, to protect others. "The only reason Charlie is not still murdering is because of my friendship with him," she said, according to PEOPLE.

Jessica Chastain, who plays Amy in the Netflix^® film "The Good Nurse," summed it up perfectly saying, "Amy didn't use any aggressive tactics. She used her heart to find a way forward," as reported by PEOPLE.

Amy's story shows that courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes, it speaks softly, listens carefully, and acts decisively.

References: 'The Good Nurse': How Amy Loughren Helped Put Her Serial Killer Colleague Behind Bars: 'Nurses Are Badass' | Amy Loughren: The Good Nurse Who Helped Change Modern Nursing