Justin Behnke

I am honored and privileged to be part of the Hondros College of Nursing team since March 2023, where I was originally hired as a Clinical Nursing Instructor. Before joining Hondros, I served as a Clinical Nurse Manager in metro Detroit, as well as a Cardiac Intermediate Care Nurse, Emergency Nurse, Long-Term Care Nurse, Neurology Assistant Clinical Leader, and Clinical Instructor for an Associate RN program. I hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with an Advanced Holistic Nursing (AHN) concentration from Florida Atlantic University.

Throughout my nursing journey, each experience has shaped my ability to connect with, educate, and inspire others in the profession. My passion for teaching led me to transition from organizational healthcare into full-time education—where I could truly make an impact on the next generation of nurses. Whether I’m working hands-on in the lab or teaching from both textbooks and real-world experiences, my goal is always to ignite a lasting passion for nursing.

As a Board-Certified Holistic Nurse, Certified HeartMath Trainer, and Certified Caritas Coach, I strive to instill the timeless nursing principles that Florence Nightingale introduced over a century ago. The most rewarding part of my role is watching students grow from eager learners into confident nurses—and seeing them walk across the stage at graduation is always a proud moment.

At Hondros, I am continually impressed by the quality of education, the dedication of our students, and the expertise of our faculty. Though our program is demanding, our students demonstrate persistence, dedication, and resilience—qualities that make them inspiring future leaders in healthcare.

Now serving as Simulation Lab Manager, I have the privilege of preparing fourth-term students to enter the nursing world. In addition to textbook learning, I provide real-life clinical scenarios that strengthen their critical thinking and decision-making—skills essential for success in any healthcare setting.

A mentor once told me, “You cannot care for anyone else unless you first care for yourself.” I encourage all aspiring nurses to practice self-care as part of their professional journey. For me, self-care means enjoying Detroit sports, spending time with my German Shepherd, Roxie, and making memories with family and friends.