4 words saved her life

4 words saved her life

Author: Jon Haws RN: Nursing Podcast Host, Critical Care Nurse, Nursing School Men October 2, 2025 Duration: 4:32

The power of four simple words - "You CAN do this" - transformed one nursing student's life from the depths of despair to professional success. This remarkable story of resilience and hope centers on Heather, whose journey illustrates the devastating impact of self-doubt and the life-changing effect of support in healthcare education. Her experience resonates deeply with countless nursing students who face similar struggles, making it a powerful testament to the importance of community and perseverance.

Heather's journey began with her return from Iraq in 2008, where she developed PTSD, setting the stage for future challenges. As she pursued her nursing education, the weight of multiple pressures began to mount. She failed her medical-surgical nursing course by an agonizing 0.2%, while simultaneously grappling with a deteriorating marriage and overwhelming feelings of inadequacy as a parent. The combination of academic struggles and personal turmoil created a perfect storm that pushed her to contemplate suicide.

Find hope at NURSING.com


Hosted by Jon Haws, a critical care nurse who remembers exactly what it was like to be in your shoes, the Nursing Podcast by NURSING.com (NRSNG) is a direct line to the guidance you need. This isn't about dry lectures; it's a conversation from someone who's been through the trenches of nursing school and now thrives at the bedside. Jon brings that real-world perspective to every episode, released several times a week, to keep you motivated and moving forward. You'll hear honest discussions about the common struggles and pressing questions that every nursing student faces, cutting through the overwhelm with practical advice. The episodes delve into actionable tips for academic success and navigating the unique realities of nurse life once you graduate. Occasionally, the format opens up to interviews with other experienced nurses and educators, providing a wider lens on the profession. At its heart, this podcast is a dedicated resource for NCLEX® preparation and overall student success, building confidence for both the exam and the career that follows. It’s a supportive companion for the challenging journey, offering clarity and reassurance when you need it most. Tune in and find the practical insights and genuine encouragement to help you succeed in nursing school and beyond.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

NURSING.com Podcast — NCLEX Prep for Nursing Students
Podcast Episodes
Stop Waiting to Feel Ready [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:47
Go take the first step: SIMCLEX.com If you're waiting to feel ready before you take the next step, I want to lovingly tell you something: that feeling may not show up first. It may not show up at all the way you're pictu…
The NCLEX Is a Terrible Place to Find Out You Weren't Ready. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:45
Start a SIMCLEX now at: SIMCLEX.com The NCLEX is not the place where you want to discover that your prep wasn't working. Sit with that for a second, because it's the whole episode. There's a question hiding underneath al…
You're Not Behind. You're Just Studying Without Feedback. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:11
Start a SIMCLEX at: SIMCLEX.com Today I want to talk to the student who feels like they're studying all the time but still doesn't feel confident. You know the feeling. You put in the hours. You're not lazy — you're doin…
Pass Any Nursing School Exam With Ease [replay] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:22
Today I'm bringing back one of the most popular episodes from the podcast - how to pass your nursing school exams. Nursing school exams are unlike anything you've ever seen before and learning how to master these tricky…
28 Must-Have Nursing School Supplies [replay] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:06
Today I'm bringing back one of the most downloaded episodes from the podcast - 28 supplies you must have to succeed in nursing school. There is so much to do, and remember, and take care of in nursing school, that spendi…
Why I Quit Nursing School [replay] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:37
Episode Replay: Why I Quit Nursing School Jon shares his personal story of leaving nursing school - the toxic culture, institutional failures, and the moment he realized the system was broken. If you're struggling in you…
My First Patient Died and Nobody Told Me It Would Feel Like This [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:18
Visit NCLEXgenie.com to create a personalized NCLEX study plan in just 30 seconds: NCLEXgenie.com If you're processing your first patient death right now, or if you're scared about when it's going to happen, we've got re…