Inside the World of Nursing

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As I sat down to record another episode of the Health & Wealth Power Hour, I had no idea just how eye-opening the conversation with my guest, Jennifer Johnson , would be. You see, I’ve always had a deep respect for nurses and the vital role they play in healthcare, but hearing Jen’s firsthand account of her 16-year journey as an ER nurse took that appreciation to an entirely new level. From battling burnout and bullying to discovering the power of intuition, Jen’s story is one that every healthcare professional—and frankly, anyone who’s ever been in a tough job—needs to hear.

Meeting Jen Johnson

When I first welcomed Jen onto the show, I could tell right away she wasn’t just any nurse. Her experience and the passion in her voice set her apart. This is a woman who’s lived through some of the most intense, demanding situations imaginable. Over the past 16 years, she’s seen it all – from the excitement of being a fresh-faced new nurse to the crushing realities of burnout, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But what makes Jen truly remarkable is her dedication to using those experiences to help others. She’s not just a nurse; she’s an advocate, a mentor, and now, an author with her upcoming book. I knew right then this was going to be a conversation worth having.

The Early Years: A Nurse’s Journey Through Fire

One of the things that struck me about Jen’s story was her raw honesty about the early years of her career. She described herself as a “green” nurse, filled with excitement and the willingness to take on any challenge. But that eagerness was quickly met with the harsh reality of workplace bullying. Now, I've been around long enough to know that every profession has its share of tough personalities, but what Jen described as the culture of "eating their young" in nursing was shocking.

It was heartbreaking to hear how her supervisor would go out of her way to make Jen’s life difficult, simply because she was new. It made me wonder—how many talented, caring nurses are we losing because of this toxic behavior? Jen could have let this experience break her, but instead, she used it as fuel to push forward. Her story is a reminder that sometimes the toughest challenges can shape us into who we’re meant to be.

The Toll of COVID-19

If there’s one topic we couldn’t avoid discussing, it was the impact of COVID-19. I’ve seen the headlines and heard the stories, but nothing prepared me for hearing it from someone who lived it. Jen shared how the pandemic took her to the brink of burnout. The long hours, the constant fear, and the feeling of helplessness – it was clear that the pandemic tested every ounce of her strength.

What I appreciated most about Jen was her transparency. She didn’t shy away from admitting that she needed therapy and medication to pull herself out of the darkness. It’s not easy to talk about mental health, especially in a profession where you’re expected to be the rock for everyone else. But Jen’s courage in sharing her journey made me realize just how critical it is for healthcare professionals to take care of themselves, too. Her message was clear: if you’re struggling, seek help. You’re not alone.

The Power of Nursing Intuition

One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation was when Jen started talking about intuition. Now, I’ve always believed that gut feelings play a role in life, but hearing Jen explain how intuition has literally saved lives in her nursing career blew me away. She described how over the years, she developed this sense—an ability to know when something was wrong, even when the patient’s vital signs were stable.

It’s this very intuition that Jen is writing about in her book, Nursing Intuition. She’s on a mission to help other nurses tap into their own instincts, and I couldn’t agree more with the importance of this skill. As Jen pointed out, in emergency situations, you don’t always have time to analyze every detail. Sometimes, trusting your gut is the best tool you have.

From “Eating Their Young” to Supporting Each Other

One of the things I admire most about Jen is her commitment to changing the nursing culture. Instead of tearing each other down, she’s advocating for a culture of mentorship and support. This hit home for me because I believe in the power of lifting others up, no matter what field you’re in. Jen’s journey shows that change is possible, but it starts with each of us being willing to be the support that others need.

Hearing her talk about her mission to end bullying in nursing made me think about how we can all do better, whether it’s in healthcare, business, or any other industry. Jen’s message is simple but powerful: Nurses shouldn’t be alone in their struggles. They need mentors, they need allies, and they need each other.

Why Gratitude Matters

As our conversation wound down, Jen shared a piece of advice that I believe applies to all of us: Never underestimate the power of a simple “thank you.” She talked about how something as small as a thank-you card or a kind word can make all the difference in a nurse’s day. And you know what? She’s absolutely right.

It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of life and forget to show appreciation for those who go above and beyond, especially our healthcare workers. Jen reminded me—and hopefully everyone listening—that gratitude isn’t just a nice gesture; it’s a lifeline. It’s what keeps them going when the shifts are long and the challenges seem insurmountable.

Jen’s Book: A Must-Read for Every Nurse (and Everyone Who Appreciates One)

Jen’s upcoming book, Nursing Intuition, is more than just a collection of stories. It’s a guide, a mentor in print form, for anyone navigating the world of nursing. It’s packed with personal anecdotes, practical tips, and, most importantly, lessons on how to trust yourself even when the odds are against you.

Hearing Jen talk about her passion for helping others made me realize that this book isn’t just for nurses. It’s for anyone who’s ever faced a challenge, felt overwhelmed, or wondered if they have what it takes. I can’t wait for it to be released in October because I believe it’s going to change lives.

Nurses Are Heroes, But They Need Our Support Too

If there’s one thing I took away from my conversation with Jen Johnson, it’s this: Nurses are some of the toughest, most resilient people out there. But they’re also human, and they need our support. They need us to recognize their efforts, to say thank you, and to advocate for a healthcare system that treats them with the respect they deserve.

Jen’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, intuition, and compassion. As we continue to navigate the complexities of healthcare, let’s take a page out of her book and strive to be better, whether that’s by supporting a nurse, showing gratitude, or simply listening to their stories.

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