Freelance Writers and Nurses: Overcoming Challenges Together

Freelance medical writers and nurses may seem worlds apart, but they have one incredible thing in common: they are givers. Despite encountering immense pressure, nurses use their expertise, compassion, and dedication to care for patients’ well-being. In contrast, freelance writers use their skills and creativity to help solve client problems, create value, and connect with audiences.

 At a glance, their roles could not seem more different, but look a little closer, and the parallels are apparent. There is a commonality between nurses and freelance medical writers: the graciousness of how they approach their work, the flexibility that is constantly required, and their dependence on the power of collaboration. 

This blog will delve into the journey of medical writers. Examining the fears and challenges they face while uncovering how lessons from nursing careers can inspire them to build healthier and more fulfilling professional lives.

How Freelance Writers and Nurses Build on Collaboration

Starting a career in freelance writing is like diving into a new sea. You’ve got a million questions: How do I find clients? How much should I charge? Will I be good enough? If you’ve ever felt frozen by uncertainty, you’re not alone. More than 60 percent of freelancers report being overwhelmed when just starting out. 

Money is typically a primary worry. Nursing usually comes with stable salaries; freelancing, on the other hand, can feel like a rollercoaster, especially in the beginning. Writers fret about making enough money to pay the bills, if they have enough saved, if it doesn’t work out,  whether their skills will stack up against the competition. And then there is the imposter syndrome, the fear that you’re a fraud, that you’re going to be found out, that you’re not a good enough writer, that you don’t deserve to do well.

These fears can be paralyzing. During my nursing career, I worked in the ICU at a Level 1 trauma center. My biggest fear? My failure during a cardiac arrest or code blue, as it is commonly called. Although I’d confidently done compressions and volunteered to keep records, I stayed clear of the medication drawer. It took the guidance of my incredible preceptor to break the fear barrier. 

Lessons for Freelance Writers and Nurses on Self Care

If nursing tests our endurance and adaptability, then freelancing forces writers to push themselves outside their comfort zones. That’s one thing when you’re starting, but managing and growing a freelance business brings new fears and challenges. 

Freelancers must learn to wear many hats. The move from writer to business owner is not always seamless: marketing, client management, bookkeeping, and creative production all need attention. Scaling can seem overwhelming. 

Delegating to others may feel like relinquishing control, but it is essential for growth and for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. For freelance writers who lack boundaries, burnout can become an immediate concern – much like the exhaustion nurses experience when self-care is neglected in their demanding roles.

The Secret to Success for Freelance Writers and Nurses

Though freelancing and nursing face unique obstacles, the two professions are united by a common thread of giving. Nurses give their time and knowledge selflessly to better the lives of their patients, frequently to the maximum, to help ensure the greatest care and quality of life. Freelance writers bring their skills, expertise, and imagination to clients to help them thrive through writing, communication, and storytelling solutions.  

But generosity can have a price. Pushing themselves can lead nurses to experience compassion fatigue. Freelancers can also get burned out when they overcommit to clients or overlook their own needs. That same idea of boundaries, community, and self-care is at the center of both professions. L Lessons for a Healthier Freelance Career

Nurses rely heavily on teamwork to manage their workloads, particularly during high-pressure situations. When I was so frightened with the thought of “running the crash cart,” my preceptor stepped in, not to take over, but to help me through it all. She guided me where to focus. Whispering in my ear and pointing, “Right there,” until I discovered that I knew a lot more than I gave myself credit for. It was such a transformative moment for me, illustrating the power of mentorship and collaboration. 

Freelancing is commonly perceived as a lonesome ride, but those who make it work usually develop a core group of fellow travelers. Freelancers can call on associates to help share the load—not just to subcontract a job, but just for advice if overwhelmed with work. Working together not only lightens the load, but it also provides pathways for development, education, and consorting with your peers. 

A second key lesson from nursing is self-care. Nurses are taught that they cannot care for others if they are not caring for themselves. Freelancers also need to pay attention to their mental and physical health. Establishing limits, taking breaks frequently, and enjoying hobbies or relaxation help provide moderation and longevity to a freelance career.

The More the Merrier: Thriving as a Freelancer 

Overcoming freelance fears requires courage. Just like in nursing when you had to learn a new skill. You didn’t know how to do it the first time, but with practice, you become an expert. Someone that others rely on; others look for guidance. Here are some steps to help get you started: 

·        Start with small, manageable projects and gain confidence with a series of small wins.

 ·        Find a community: Join online forums, attend industry events, or connect with other freelancers, seek out their advice, collaboration, and camaraderie.  

·        Love your Failures: Treat your missteps as lessons learned and pathways to progress. No one has a perfect career; keep that in mind.

 ·        Leverage Your Network: Don’t hesitate to delegate or seek help when you need it. They are the strengths of collaboration, not weaknesses.

 ·        Practice Self-Care: Make time for rest, hobbies, and recharge your batteries

Taking these lessons to heart and following the team-based, giving spirit of nurses, freelance writers can work through their fears and build busy and rewarding careers.

In Summation: It’s Right in Front of You

Nurses and freelance writers share the same values of generosity, resilience, and commitment to helping others. While the challenges they face might be different, how they overcome those challenges — through collaboration, self-care, and courage — are strikingly similar.

Freelancers, much like busy nurses in a bustling hospital, are never truly alone. There is strength in their community and growth in the connections they foster. It takes courage to embrace new experiences, but they are a chance to learn, evolve, and achieve success.

And next time you find yourself frozen with fear, take a page from the nurse’s playbook: Face it head-on, lean into your support system, and remember that you are more than up for the challenge. The similarities between these two professions are surprising — but also profoundly inspiring.