SOCK method quiz/cheatsheets/resources at: https://nursing.com/sock

In this raw and revealing episode, Jon Haws, RN, shares his personal journey from pharmacology nightmare to nursing confidence. With vulnerability and humor, Jon recounts his 3 AM study sessions surrounded by scattered flashcards and energy drinks, feeling like a failure as he struggled to memorize endless drug facts that wouldn't stick.

When a simple clinical question about Zofran administration left him frozen, Jon discovered a breakthrough approach that transformed his nursing education. Through heartfelt storytelling and evidence-based insights, Jon introduces the SOCK Method (Side Effects, Organs, Classes/Considerations/Cards, Know) - a framework that replaces overwhelming memorization with meaningful connections and clinical reasoning.

This episode features Jon's signature blend of nursing wisdom, personal struggle, and practical solutions, including a weekly study plan and Nurse Blake-inspired humor that will have you laughing through your pharmacology tears. Whether you're currently drowning in drug cards or looking to strengthen your medication knowledge, Jon's compassionate guidance offers a lifeline for every nursing student who's ever wondered: "Is there something wrong with me?"

Join the nursing family that's putting on their SOCKs and walking confidently toward pharmacology mastery.

See if you might have imposter syndrome: https://nursing.com/imposter

In this deeply personal episode, Jon Haws, RN and founder of NURSING.com, opens up about the universal yet rarely discussed feeling of inadequacy that plagues nursing students everywhere. Drawing from his own journey from self-doubting student to ICU charge nurse, Jon reveals the startling truth: 92% of nursing students feel like "the dumbest person in class" at some point, with 42% experiencing these feelings daily.

This isn't just commiseration—it's a thoughtful exploration of imposter syndrome in nursing education, backed by recent research showing how this psychological phenomenon specifically impacts healthcare students. Jon breaks down why nursing school creates the perfect storm for self-doubt and offers seven evidence-based strategies that helped him move from feeling like a fraud to embracing authentic practice.

Whether you're questioning your place in nursing school, struggling with clinical anxiety, or simply wondering if you're the only one who feels lost in pathophysiology, this episode offers both validation and a practical pathway forward. Jon's vulnerable confessions and compassionate insights remind us that sometimes what feels like incompetence is actually the beginning of wisdom—and that your fears about harming patients might just be evidence that you're exactly the kind of nurse patients need.

#NursingStudent #ImposterSyndrome #NursingEducation #NCLEX #NursingSchool #SelfDoubt #ProfessionalGrowth #MentalHealth

Is nursing still worth it, or is burnout making it impossible to stay in the profession? In this episode, Jon Haws, RN, gets real about the struggles nurses face, sharing his own story of quitting nursing school just 10 weeks before graduation. He breaks down the shocking statistics behind nursing burnout, why it might actually be PTSD, and the hard lessons he learned from hitting rock bottom.

But here’s the truth—nursing can still be one of the most rewarding careers IF you take care of yourself. Jon shares six game-changing strategies to prevent burnout, the mindset shifts that saved his career, and why stepping away helped him come back stronger.

If you’re questioning whether nursing is right for you—or if you’re barely holding on—this episode is for you. Tune in for raw, honest insight into the challenges of nursing, why self-care is non-negotiable, and how to find your path without losing yourself.

• How burnout is wrecking nurses—and patients
• Why quitting nursing school was the best decision Jon ever made
• 6 anti-burnout strategies that actually work

If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Listen now and take control of your nursing journey.

Read the blog post here: https://nursing.com/burnout 

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of my unexpected path—from stepping up as a charge nurse to creating a community of thousands of nursing students and professionals. I share how I started by posting my own notes and podcast episodes, only to realize how deeply my story resonated with others struggling through nursing school.

You’ll hear how NRSNG rapidly grew, why I left my job in the NEURO ICU, and how I hired a passionate team to meet the skyrocketing demand for our resources. I also recount the exciting leap we made when we rebranded to Nursing.com in early 2020, unveiling an all-in-one platform dedicated to nurses at every stage of their journey. 

Plus, I’ll give you an inside look at the powerful sense of family and support that blossomed along the way—proving that together, we can change the culture of nursing for the better. Finally, I hint at what was just around the corner: the onset of COVID-19 and how it would impact our evolving mission. Don’t miss this heartfelt reflection on building a community that’s changing nursing education forever.

Happy Nursing!

-Jon, RN

In today’s episode, I’m taking you through a pivotal part of my nursing journey—from my early days in the Neuro ICU to precepting students, becoming a charge nurse, and the moment I realized nursing education was broken.

This realization is what fueled me to start NURSING.com (formerly NRSNG). I wanted to fill the gaps I saw in nursing education and give you the tools I never had.

I share my struggles with imposter syndrome, the pressure of caring for patients, and why never feeling fully ready actually makes you a better nurse.

If you’ve ever doubted yourself, this one’s for you. 💙

Happy Nursing!

-Jon Haws, RN

Welcome to The Nursing Podcast, where we dive deep into the real-life experiences of being a nurse. I’m Jon Haws, RN, founder of Nursing.com, and today, we continue my journey—picking up from landing my first ICU job.

In this episode, I share the raw realities of my 13-week neuro ICU internship at a Level 1 trauma hospital, from my first nerve-wracking shift to the heartbreaking cases that shaped my career. I reflect on the profound impact nurses have, including a moment I’ll never forget—when a grieving mother hugged me and said, “I will always remember you.”

I also discuss the challenges and rewards of precepting new nurses, the chaos of ICU life, and the lessons that stuck with me over the years. Join me as I break down what it truly means to provide comfort and care in a patient’s most vulnerable moments. Let’s get started!

Happy Nursing!

Oh man . . . it's hard to believe that about 14 years ago I was sleeping on a mattress I'd found in the dumpster - not even sure if nursing school would ever end. 

It did.  I survived.  I passed the NCLEX.  And I got a job in the Neuro ICU right out of nursing school. 

Today I want to share part IV of my journey.

Happy Nursing

Jon Haws, RN

Caveat: some people (nurses) might not agree AT ALL with what I say here . . . oh well!  I want to share how it is to give confidence to those struggling.

We get hundreds of emails a day from nursing students.

Sadly, a good portion of them are from students who feel like they should quit nursing school altogether.

I started nursing school with high hopes, but after my fourth semester, I dropped out. I quit nursing school.

I knew nursing school was going to be hard . . . I mean the whole point is to learn how to competently take care of a human being suffering from complex health issues.

I expected school to be hard.

Visit https://nursing.com for more

For some FREE resources to help you through nursing school visit www.nursing.com 

My name's Jon Haws, RN, founder of Nursing.com.  Today we're gonna continue the story of my journey in hopes that it will give you some motivation, give you that some of it will resonate with you and give you kind of some background on me, but also some motivation to continue in your journey wherever you are in your nursing journey.

Yesterday we left off with me just getting into nursing school, my journey of applying and how this all happened.

So today we're gonna continue that story and if you haven't heard the first part, go ahead and listen to the previous episode.  But today we're gonna continue that journey.

When I think back 14ish years, it is hard to believe just how far this nursing journey has taken me.  Sometimes it's helpful to think back to the beginning and consider how it began. 

Over the next couple of days I want to share with you parts of my journey that you may not know and hopefully some of it will resonate with you.

#nclex #nursingschool 

Nursing school is hard enough without the fear tactics.  And the truth is, there are so many ways that people learn.  Instead of saying "One of you won't be here" - what if we said "I will HELP you be here".

You CAN Do This!

-Jon Haws, RN