Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rhonda Savain. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rhonda, appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
My parents have been so instrumental in my development and success. As an educator I love mnemonics. As a result I will say my parents have helped me with “FIDE.” Focus, Independence, Discipline, and Education.
First, focus is imperative in order to be successful. At the age of 5 I decided I wanted to be a nurse. Being focused has helped me to accomplish the task of being a Licensed Practical Nurse at the age of 17. Disciplinarian would be a great word to describe my mother. Calm and patient would summarize my father. The combination of two personalities worked well. My parents married when I was age 7, divorced at age 14 and re- married when I was 21. I’m not sure why they made decisions in cycles of 7. However, I was raised in a single parent home, had married parents as well as experienced my parents separation. Throughout this time I watched my mother work full time, take classes at night to earn a Bachelor’s Degree and still always made me her number 1 priority. I’m sure it was tough but she made it look seamless and I never lacked for anything. She never mentioned the word focus but I saw her implement it.
How did I learn Independence? My mother was the oldest of 8 siblings. They were a tight knit family. I was the first / oldest grandchild and was very spoiled. I think being around adults for most of my childhood made me mature faster. My aunts and uncles were so nurturing and caring toward me. They were all very independent and “go getters.” I watched them work several jobs, start businesses and raise families. The phase “children learn what they live” was true for me. Having support and role models made such an impact on my life.
Stern was an understatement to describe my mom. She made sure I walked a fine line and instilled great values, morals and ethics. It did not matter if I agreed with her she stated her point and her word was final. I also attended Catholic School for 8 years (grades 1-8). At that time the nuns instilled discipline and character. I believe the world is in an uproar now because children lack morals, ethics, and character education from school and home.
Education was never an option it was a requirement. I always knew college was mandatory. It was never an option if I was going to college. The option was what college would you like to attend. My parents set very high expectations and I looked forward to the challenge. With support and guidance I was able to achieve a Bachelor’s degree at the at of 21 as well as become a Registered Professional Nurse at the same time.
Rhonda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
At a very young age I knew I wanted to be a nurse. As I matured, I realized I liked helping people in other aspects other than nursing. My first born, who is now 27 years old was born with Autism. After working full time in the hospital for 7 years as a Registered Nurse I decided to change careers to be able to spend more time with him. When he was 8 years old I started teaching so I could be home on holidays and weekends to give him additional support. As I worked full time teaching in a high school I earned my certification in Teaching from New York City Department of Education. It is there my passion for mentoring was birth. I did not realize I was mentoring the teenagers I was in contact with at that time. 25 years later I am still in touch with many. Over the past 25 years I have watched many become successful entrepreneurs as well as earn Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various fields.
After teaching in High School for 7 years I decided to start my own business in 2003 ( 19 years ago). I realized at that time I was full of ideas and passion and could not execute it working for someone else. Being an entrepreneur is never easy. However, the rewards are great and the hard work is worth it. I have started 6 businesses in my lifetime. 5 are still viable today. I will only discuss 3.
1. Decisions Life Coaching – provides life coaching in areas that many coaches do not select for example Autism and Cancer and Medication Management. My personal experiences that I have had to conquer in these areas allow me to be competent and compassionate. If I had to state which battle is harder, Autism has been the hardest battle of my life. My son is now 27 and he lives independently. I’m excited to teach parents that have special needs individuals that independent living is possible. Cancer is extremely devastating as well. After surviving 10 surgeries and Chemotherapy I am here to say cancer is able to be conquered! Coaching is available virtually (zoom) and in- person (Fayetteville, Georgia). Mobile coaching is also available (Atlanta, Georgia).
2. Ready To Pass Inc – We are in the middle of a nursing shortage and I am happy to be a part of the solution. In 2003 Derrice Gordon and I started Ready To Pass Inc in Long Island, New York to assist nurses to pass their state boards. When we started we we were unaware that many nurses were failing the exam. We have helped over 10,000 nurses to pass their exam many of whom have tested several times before being successful. 19 years later we are still doing it! That is so invigorating as so many business did not survive Covid-19. We are different in that we teach nursing students how to think critically and utilize nursing judgement. We offer 24/7 online courses as well as live online webinars.
3. Transitions Career Institute School Of Nursing – TCI is located in Flushing, Queens New York and opened in 2014. It is a Licensed Practical Nursing School. As far as we know, it is the only African American owned Nursing School in the State of New York. Myself and 2 other partners spent 5 years filling out applications and waiting for approval. None of these businesses received special funds to open and were established with personal funds and donations from family and friends. In 2019 after serving 5 years as the Director of Curriculum and Student Development I retired. The school is still flourishing.
The challenges of managing 4 businesses are substantial. Nevertheless, I would rather run 4 businesses and have flexibility and freedom than work 1 job! In addition I am able to support my son and help him to be independent.
My ability to reach people where they are and to provide compassion sets me apart from others. My life experiences have cultivated a nurturing, fighting and courageous spirit that is second to none. Through my nursing, teaching, coaching, and mentoring I am ale to be a positive influence in many lives. My legacy will be long lasting as I have impacted so many lives.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
I met my business partner in nursing school in 1987. After nursing school we stayed in contact loosely. Meaning we would speak for holidays and birthdays. In 2003 I initiated a call and discussed my idea. 19 years later, we have birth 2 businesses which are both successful.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Resilience and tears. I made it! Throughout my life I have faced many challenges. I would say the two toughest were Breast Cancer and Autism. At the age of 2, I realized my son was rocking and banging his head on the crib. It was that time I realized something was wrong. At that time Autism was not common. I spent years running from one doctor to another trying to find help and services. Working full time, and being a single mom with no child care was almost impossible. Lacking knowledge about the condition and trying to work full time as well as pursue a Masters degree was a test of faith. If that was not bad enough I was diagnosed with Breast cancer 2 years after a divorce. Imagine battling Autism, Cancer and Divorce all at the same time. I survived 10 surgeries as well as chemo therapy all while running 3 businesses. Gratefully, my son lives alone and works, and I am Cancer Free for 9 years now. I I’m grateful for the focus, independence, discipline and education ” FIDE” that was discussed earlier or I never would have made it. Through it all I learned to trust God an never give up. I’m grateful for a fighting spirit and relentlessness.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rhondasavain.com
- Instagram: @rhondasavain
- Facebook: @nclexreadytopass
- Linkedin: Rhonda Savain
- Youtube: Ready to Pass NCLEX Prep and TCI School of Nursing
- Other: Facebook: Rhondasavain.com IG: readytopassnclex website: www.readytopass.com