Nurses are often hailed as the unsung heroes of healthcare, but what happens when the hero’s journey becomes too overwhelming? In a recent episode of the Health & Wealth Power Hour, Harlon Pickett invited Jennifer Johnson, a seasoned ER nurse with over 16 years of experience, to pull back the curtain on the realities of nursing. From battling burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic to learning to trust her instincts in life-or-death situations, Jen’s story is a raw, unfiltered look into the highs and lows of a profession that demands both heart and resilience.
Jen Johnson isn’t just any nurse; she’s a dedicated healthcare professional who has experienced the full spectrum of nursing – from the excitement of being a wide-eyed new recruit to the crushing weight of burnout and the struggle to find meaning in a system that often overlooks the well-being of its staff. Now, as an author with her upcoming book, Nursing Intuition, Jen is on a mission to guide and inspire others in the field, helping them tap into their instincts and learn how to navigate the intense pressures of nursing.
The Early Years: Eager and Overextended
Jen’s journey began like that of many fresh nurses: full of excitement, energy, and the willingness to go above and beyond. She recalls her early days as a “green” nurse, ready to jump in with both feet. She’d work long hours, picking up shifts, and doing whatever it took to help her team and patients. But what she didn’t expect was the harsh reality of workplace bullying.
Nursing, like many other professions, has a reputation for a toxic “eat your young” culture, where experienced staff often make it difficult for newcomers. For Jen, this meant dealing with a supervisor who seemed to make it her mission to make Jen’s life miserable. It’s a reality that many nurses face, and it was a hard lesson in learning to stand up for herself and advocate for a change in nursing culture.
COVID-19’s Toll
One of the central themes in Jen’s story is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which took a severe toll on her mental and physical health. Like many frontline healthcare workers, she found herself stretched thin during the pandemic, which led to severe burnout.
She describes how the constant pressure, coupled with an overwhelming sense of responsibility, left her completely drained. It wasn’t just about the long hours or the physical exhaustion; it was the emotional toll of constantly being on high alert, the fear of losing patients, and the lack of support. Jen is candid about her struggles, admitting that she needed therapy and medication to recover.
One of the most important lessons Jen shares is the importance of recognizing burnout early and seeking help. For her, therapy and antidepressants became necessary tools for survival. She encourages others in the healthcare field to take their mental health seriously, especially when the weight of the job feels unbearable.
The Role of Intuition in Nursing
Perhaps one of the most fascinating parts of Jen’s journey is how she developed and relied on her intuition throughout her career. Nursing intuition, she explains, is the gut feeling that nurses develop over time—a sense that something is wrong, even when the vital signs say otherwise. For Jen, this skill became a life-saving tool in many situations.
Jen recalls numerous occasions where trusting her instincts helped her catch critical issues early. In emergency settings, where every second counts, these gut feelings can mean the difference between life and death. Her upcoming book delves into this often-overlooked aspect of nursing, offering practical advice on how healthcare professionals can learn to trust and refine their instincts.
Her goal is to help nurses recognize the value of their intuition, especially when dealing with patients who don’t immediately show signs of distress. It’s a skill that can’t be taught in textbooks but is developed through experience and attention to subtle changes in patient behavior.
From “Eating Their Young” to Support and Mentorship
Jen is also passionate about changing the toxic culture within nursing. Too often, new nurses are subjected to hazing and bullying, making their already stressful job even harder. Jen’s mission is to shift this culture from one of competition and negativity to one of support and mentorship.
She stresses that nurses should be lifting each other up, not tearing each other down. With more nurses leaving the profession due to burnout and dissatisfaction, the need for a more supportive environment has never been greater. Jen is using her platform to advocate for this cultural shift, urging seasoned nurses to mentor and guide the next generation.
Gratitude: Small Gestures Make a Big Difference
One of the most touching points Jen made during the interview was about the importance of gratitude. Something as simple as a “thank you” can have a profound impact on a nurse’s morale. In the chaotic world of healthcare, where nurses are often pushed to their limits, knowing that their efforts are appreciated can make all the difference.
Jen encourages everyone to take a moment to express their gratitude, whether it’s through a note, a thank you in person, or even bringing in coffee or snacks for the nurses. These small acts of kindness can help keep nurses going, especially during tough shifts.
Jen’s Upcoming Book
Jen’s passion for helping other nurses extends beyond her work in the ER. Her upcoming book, Nursing Intuition, set to release on October 29th, is a blend of personal stories, academic research, and practical advice for nurses. The book explores the concept of intuition in nursing and offers tips on how to develop and trust this critical skill.
The book is not just for nurses, but for anyone interested in understanding how healthcare professionals make split-second decisions that can save lives. Jen’s goal is to share her experiences and help others navigate the challenges of nursing with confidence and resilience.
The Power of Support and Self-Care
Jen’s story is a powerful reminder of the challenges nurses face and the importance of support, both from within the profession and from the public. Her journey from a wide-eyed young nurse to a seasoned professional who trusts her instincts and advocates for change is inspiring. As we continue to navigate the complexities of healthcare, Jen’s message of intuition, support, and self-care is more important than ever.
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