Why Consider Nurse Writer Jobs? One Freelancer Explains

• If you have a passion for the written word (along with helping others), you might consider searching for nurse writer jobs.  
• There are several niches where you can find nurse writer jobs, ranging from health and medical writing to copywriting.  
• Specialty knowledge and advanced degrees can help you make a name for yourself in the nursing writing space.  

Are you a bedside nurse looking to supplement your income? Do you enjoy writing? Freelance nurse writing might be the answer. When I started writing nurse articles almost two years ago, I knew little about the opportunities available. I knew I was passionate about writing and providing nursing care to the senior population. I did not go looking to become a freelance writer; the opportunity found me.

In my email, one day, there was an offer to start writing for Nursing CE Central. I was familiar with Nursing CE Central, as I took their continuing education courses for license renewal. I immediately jumped at the chance, learning the ins and outs of this field as I went. It was one of the best decisions I have made, and along with extra income, it has brought me immense joy and added purpose in life. If you want to get involved in this opportunity, I hope this article inspires you to act. If you enjoy your job as a nurse but are looking for a way to boost your resume and highlight your experience, this may be the perfect time to start something new!  

What is a Freelance Nurse Writer?

Freelance nurse writers combine their knowledge of patient education, diseases, critical thinking skills, and management to create content for healthcare websites.

What kind of content can nurse writers get involved in?

• Blogs   
• Patient booklets  
• Professional training materials (including continuing education credit courses)  
• Email and newsletters

What skills do you need to be a nurse writer?  

As a freelance nurse writer, you can work from wherever you choose. You only need a computer, internet access, and intense research and writing skills.

To gain success as a nurse writer, you should have a few essential qualifications, according to Nurse Fern:  

• Nurse experience (at least one year)  
• Strong writing and research skills   
• Ability to manage your time and work without supervision

Beneficial qualifications include:  

•  Advanced degrees (Masters or Doctorate in a healthcare or journalism field)   
• Specialty knowledge   

 Why become a freelance nurse writer? 

Nurse writing is perfect for nurses working from home and working the hours they want. You can work as little or as much as you like while considering other life obligations. Nurse writing can be a side hustle or a full-time job. You can start it while still at the bedside, allowing you to establish yourself as an experienced writer. Some nurse writers, according to Nurse Fern, pen just one or two blog articles monthly for extra cash, while others earn a full-time living through writing. 

What are the Advantages of Being a Nurse Writer?

Some of the advantages of freelance nurse writing are:  

• Flexibility: Nurse writing opportunities can increase when you’re ready and take a back seat when busy with other obligations. You can write while your child naps, on vacation, or on your day off from your nursing job. 
• Income: Nurse writing enables nurses to earn enough money to support their entire household as they gain experience writing. 
• Self-Guided: In the world of nurse writing, you are self-guided and work independently. 

What Types of Nurse Writer Jobs Exist?

Several niches are available for nurse writers, each requiring different skills and experience: 

Health Writing

Blogs, patient-focused materials, newsletters, and health journalism. Health writing is the easiest to get into as a new nurse writer. A successful health writer can make complex ideas and language understandable to the general public. Understanding concepts like search engine optimization also helps. 

Medical writing  

Medical writing can be more technical. Its audience includes healthcare providers, researchers, and healthcare organizations. An advanced degree, such as a master’s degree in nursing or a PharmD, is typically required for medical writing.  

Copywriting  

Marketing might seem like a unique option for nurses, but advertising and marketing play an essential role in medical research. Freelancers can select projects and clients that fit their skills, background, and personal values.  

What Money Can You Make as a Freelance Nurse Writer?

A nurse writer’s earning capabilities depend on a few factors, including how much time they put into it, how many articles or other health-related materials are created, and what nursing experience and education the nurse writer has. Freelance writers are typically required to keep track of their taxes and business-related purchases. Freelance nurse writing takes time to develop, and it can take some time for earnings to accumulate.

What Have I Learned as a Freelance Nurse Writer?

When asked what I’ve learned so far on my freelance nurse writing journey, the first word that comes to mind is perseverance. Being a freelance writer of any kind takes consistent effort and dedication. Sometimes, articles are rejected, and you may be asked to resubmit the work.

Although this can be frustrating, it will only help you grow as a writer and develop more vital skills. In some months, you may see a lot of income; in others, you may see slower income. Another aspect to consider is writer’s block. Taking occasional breaks from writing is healthy, as you can burn out and lose your voice. This is especially true if you’re writing for more than one outlet. The benefits that nurse writing has brought to my life far outweigh any disadvantages I have faced.

The Bottom Line

Nurse writing is a complex field, and the most significant advantage is nurses can delve into different writing styles to learn which they prefer. If you had told me two years ago that today I would be sitting in my loungewear in the middle of the night, creating content about one of my favorite nursing specialties and earning money doing it, I would not have believed you

Embracing the opportunity as a nurse writer is one of the most significant accomplishments in my career thus far. I look forward to continuing to create content for websites like Nursing CE Central. Experienced nurses in any specialty are typically welcome to share their expertise with other nurses. Being a part of nursing education is one of the most rewarding aspects of freelance nurse writing. If you have considered nurse writing, please take the chance; who knows where it could lead. 

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