Dr. Rhonda Savain of New York, Georgia on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dr. Rhonda Savain. Check out our conversation below.

Rhonda, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Absolutely. Earning my Doctor of Nursing Practice ( DNP) last month has been one of the most meaningful milestones in my career. After nearly four decades in nursing, it was important for me to show that learning never stops. This DNP represents more than just a degree; it’s about advancing leadership, enhancing patient outcomes, and developing innovative solutions to healthcare challenges. I hope that my journey inspires other nurses to continue reaching higher, regardless of their current career stage. The DNP is not just about personal achievement; it’s about contributing to the future of nursing.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! My name is Rhonda Savain, and I have been a nurse for over 38 years. I began my career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) before becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). Throughout the years, I have worked in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), taught nursing programs, and served as an NCLEX® preparation coach for more than two decades. I am also the co-founder of Ready to Pass Inc., where I have had the privilege of helping thousands of nursing students achieve their dream of becoming licensed professionals.

What makes my work unique is my ability to combine real-world nursing experience with a passion for teaching. I understand the challenges students face, so I create supportive, practical, and results-driven tools that not only prepare them to pass their board exams but also help them succeed while practicing at the bedside.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the most defining moments that shaped how I see the world was my journey as a breast cancer survivor. Twelve years ago, I faced that diagnosis head-on, and it taught me what true resilience means, not just the fight to survive, but the courage to keep living with purpose, joy, and gratitude. That experience shifted my perspective on time, relationships, and the importance of caring for myself while caring for others.

At the same time, parenting my son, who is now 30 and living with Autism, has been another profound teacher in my life. Through him, I’ve learned patience, unconditional love, and the beauty of seeing the world through a different lens. He reminds me every day that success and happiness don’t have one definition. They look different for everyone, and that’s something to celebrate.

Together, these two journeys: surviving breast cancer and being a mother to a son with Autism have made me more empathetic, resilient, and determined. They fuel my work as a nurse, an educator, and now as a doctoral-prepared nurse, because I know firsthand that strength isn’t about never struggling. Strength is about rising, again and again, with grace and determination.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has a way of stripping life down to its essence, and the recent passing of my lifelong friend and business partner taught me lessons that success never could. With success, we celebrate milestones and achievements, but in grief, we are reminded of the irreplaceable value of love, friendship, and shared purpose.

Losing someone who walked beside me for so many years, in life and in building a business, was heartbreaking. But it also taught me to slow down, to appreciate the people who pour into your journey. Also, to honor her legacy by carrying the torch forward. Success never demanded that level of reflection, but suffering forced me to look at what truly matters: relationships, impact, and the way we show up for others.

Through this loss, I’ve realized that the measure of a life isn’t in titles or accomplishments, but in how deeply you touch others. That is a truth only suffering could have carved into my heart. Her passing has made me more committed than ever to honor her legacy by continuing the work we built together.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies nursing tells itself is that resilience means doing it all perfectly, without ever asking for help. For decades, nurses have been taught to push through exhaustion, emotional burnout, and systemic challenges, as if endurance alone defines competence.

The truth is, strength comes from knowing your limits, seeking support, and advocating for yourself and your team. Another misconception is that nursing is about following orders or completing tasks, when in reality, it’s a profession rooted in critical thinking, leadership, and compassion that directly shapes patient outcomes. Acknowledging these truths is essential if we want to create a sustainable, respected, and empowered workforce.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply that most people don’t and never will is the quiet, persistent strength required to care for others while also caring for yourself. As a nurse, I’ve witnessed the immense emotional labor that goes into patient care, making tough decisions, vigilance, and compassion that often go unnoticed.

As a mentor and educator, I’ve guided students through their fears and doubts, learning that nurturing confidence is as important as teaching skills. On a personal level, surviving breast cancer and raising a son with Autism have shown me that resilience isn’t about never struggling; it’s about showing up every day with patience, grace, and determination, even when life doesn’t go as planned.

That balance, holding space for others while honoring your own needs, is something few truly grasp until they have lived it.

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