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What happens when military discipline meets civilian healthcare chaos? Kevin Gibson, known as "The Boot Nurse," brings unique insight to this collision of worlds from his 16.5 years of naval service and subsequent career as a registered nurse and NCLEX coach.
Kevin's journey through nursing wasn't smooth – he candidly shares his experience failing the NCLEX exam three times before succeeding on his fourth attempt. This vulnerability forms the cornerstone of his coaching philosophy today. "What person do you know actively tells you they were unsuccessful?" he asks, pointing out that while nursing exam pass rates hover around 91%, someone needs to help the other 9% who struggle. His coaching program boasts remarkable success, with only seven unsuccessful students out of 125 coached over five years.
The stark contrast between military healthcare structure and civilian nursing culture emerges as Kevin details his difficult three-year transition after leaving active duty. In military settings, leadership typically comes from individuals with medical backgrounds who understand frontline challenges. Civilian healthcare often suffers from administrators with no clinical experience making decisions affecting patient care. This disconnect, combined with toxic workplace behaviors like "nurses eating their young," contributes to the burnout crisis plaguing the profession. Kevin's military background gave him the confidence to address this toxicity directly: "I said from day one that it will not happen around me."
Kevin's published book "Conquer It: The Journey to Passing the NCLEX," 7-day course, and personalized coaching program offer struggling nursing students a relatable mentor who understands their challenges. His approach combines technical knowledge with genuine compassion, demonstrating how vulnerability creates the connection many students need to overcome obstacles. Connect with Kevin at thebootnurse.com or on social media platforms as "The Boot Nurse" to discover how military discipline and nursing expertise can transform your healthcare journey.

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