We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Johaida Jean-Francois. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Johaida below.
Johaida , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
I’m a proud first-generation Haitian American, and I’ve been a Labor & Delivery nurse for 12 years. Caring for others has always been second nature to me, so choosing nursing felt natural. Working through the sciences, keeping a certain GPA and sometimes dealing with imposter syndrome. But nursing ended up being more than just my profession—it really became the doorway to my purpose.
During my career, working through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City, that experience gave me a whole new perspective on resilience and service, as nurse in the city , there was so much uncertainty- but what was certain was that we were going to show up.
In 2018, I was honored with the Alumni Award for my graduating class, and that same year I was featured in Forbes Magazine, where I spoke about navigating Identity in the workplace as a first-generation Haitian American nurse- full circle moment 🤍
Today, my heart mission is within NxtRN, the platform I founded to coach and mentor minority nursing students across the country. It allows me to pour into the next generation, helping them overcome challenges, embrace their identity, and step confidently into leadership.
Most recently, NxtRN became a Department of Education vendor, and that’s been really exciting. We’re in schools teaching students medical dosage calculations and safe drug administration through a program we call “Math in Medicine.” It’s not just about equations—it’s about changing how students see themselves, building their confidence, and exposing them early to real-world practices, scholarships, and career opportunities.
I also firmly believe that there’s always a version of yourself that’s rooting for you—a higher version of who you’re meant to be. It’s our purpose to work toward meeting that person. They can’t give you all the cheat codes for how to get there, but that version of you is real, and it’s waiting for you. That belief is what guides me in my own journey and in the work I do with NxtRN setting up who’s Next for Success
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
That’s what led me to create NxtRN, a community of Experienced Nurses actively coaching and mentoring minority nursing students across the country. What we do is more than mentorship – it’s about helping students navigate challenges, embrace their identity, and see themselves as future leaders in healthcare. As Department of Education vendors, we’re now able to go into schools to teach students medical dosage calculations and safe drug administration through our program “Math in Medicine.” This work not only builds their knowledge, but also shifts their relationship with math, connects them to industry practices, and opens doors to scholarships and career opportunities and support .
What sets us apart is that we meet students where they are, with honesty, encouragement, and the lived experience of someone who’s walked the same road.
What I’m most proud of is seeing the light turn on in a student’s eyes—when they realize they belong, they are capable, and have something to add in spaces . That’s the impact I want people to know about my work: it’s not just about teaching skills, it’s about transforming how students see themselves, and making sure they know they are not alone on the journey.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Absolutely! I feel in my bloodline , in my ancestry – I am an echo of this purpose –
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Not Necessarily a book, but a theory . Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means your reason for being—what gets you up in the morning. It’s where what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for all come together.
When you’ve found that, you are walking in your Ikigai & this is something I delve into with my students- when we aren’t talking about Math in Medicine
Contact Info:
- Instagram: NxtRN.Me
