The Savvy Scribe

EP349: Why Your Boundaries Fail (and How to Fix Them) with Dawn Andrews

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/328838/fan_mail/new] Setting boundaries isn’t just about saying “no”; it’s about building the infrastructure your life and business need to thrive. For many female founders and healthcare professionals, the transition from caregiver to entrepreneur brings a unique set of challenges where lines often get blurred. This episode with business strategist Dawn Andrews dives into why we struggle to hold the line and how to reclaim your time without the crushing weight of guilt. About Dawn Andrews: Dawn Andrews is the founder and CEO of Free Range Thinking [https://dawnandrews.com/business-consulting/] and the host of the She’s That Founder Podcast. [https://dawnandrews.com/shes-that-founder/]A dedicated “hockey mom” and seasoned leader, she serves as a business strategist for creatives and executives, guiding them to refine their leadership styles, assemble dream teams, and transform their professional visions into reality. Today on the Savvy Scribe Podcast: * The “Infrastructure” Shift: Why viewing boundaries as business systems takes the emotion and guilt out of saying no. * The Caregiver Trap: How socialization and “caveman-era” instincts make it harder for women to prioritize their own needs. * Early Warning Signs: How to identify irritability and “boundary creep” before you reach total burnout. * Navigating Scope Creep: A practical script for handling clients who ask for more than what’s “in the box.” * The Transition from Bedside to Business: De-programming the “everything is an emergency” mindset common in nursing. * The Myth of “Set It and Forget It”: Why boundaries require constant reinforcement and how to handle people who push back. * The 10-Hour Challenge: A simple exercise to identify what needs to be true for you to reclaim your personal time. * Entitlement vs. Deserving Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-savvy-scribe/id1452676453#see-all/reviews] And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-savvy-scribe/id1452676 If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the

EP348: 5 Tips for Building a Freelance Writing Practice While Working Full Time, Raising Kids, and Still Having a Life with Trish Larsen

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/328838/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Savvy Scribe podcast, Janine sits down with nurse and freelance writer Trish Larsen to talk about building a freelance writing business while balancing a full-time job and family life. Trish shares her journey from bedside nursing to remote work and how she turned her natural writing skills into a flexible career. Building a Freelance Writing Business as a Nurse What You’ll Learn in This Episode * How Trish got started building a freelance writing business during COVID * Why you don’t need a full business plan to begin * How to identify your niche based on your nursing experience * Where to find clients (and why LinkedIn works so well) * How to balance a full-time job, family, and building a freelance writing business Key Takeaways * Building a freelance writing business starts with interest and curiosity—not perfection * Your nursing experience already includes valuable writing skills you can use * You don’t need a website to start—just a few samples and confidence * Free resources (like business development centers) can help you get started faster * Communication with clients and understanding your audience are essential * Building a freelance writing business can ebb and flow depending on your season of life Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-savvy-scribe/id1452676453#see-all/reviews] And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-savvy-scribe/id1452676 If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the

EP347: Networking Strategies for Nurse Entrepreneurs (Even If You’re Introverted) with Marsha Ann Battee

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/328838/fan_mail/new] In this episode, I sit down with Marsha Battee, host of the Bossy Nurse podcast [https://thebossynurse.com/], to talk about something many writers struggle with—networking. If you’ve ever felt hesitant to put yourself out there (especially as an introvert), this conversation will help you rethink what networking really is and how to do it in a way that feels authentic and effective. Networking Strategies for Introverts What You’ll Learn in This Episode * Why networking doesn’t have to feel like self-promotion or “schmoozing” * How to build credibility before you ever pitch a client * The importance of having an online presence (even if you’re introverted) * Simple ways to engage with potential clients on LinkedIn * How to lead with value instead of asking for opportunities * Why offering something for free (strategically) can open doors * The exact messaging approach to build genuine connections * How to shift your mindset from “what can I get?” to “what can I give?” Key Takeaways * Your nursing background is your unfair advantage—use it as a credibility marker when networking and pitching. * You don’t need to be on every platform, but you do need a clear online presence (LinkedIn or a simple website works). * Start networking before you need opportunities by engaging with content and building relationships early. * Genuine engagement (comments, thoughtful messages) is more effective than cold pitching. * Offering value first—whether through insights, content, or support—builds trust faster than asking for work. * You don’t need a large audience to create meaningful connections or land opportunities. * Everyone starts “ugly”—progress comes from consistency, not perfection. Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-savvy-scribe/id1452676453#see-all/reviews] And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-savvy-scribe/id1452676 If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the

EP346: Who Actually Hires Nurse Writers? A Behind-the-Scenes Look From Someone Who Did the Hiring with Shaun Chavis

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/328838/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Savvy Scribe, Janine sits down with Shaun Chavis, a former journalist, editorial director, and content marketing consultant, to talk about who actually hires nurse writers. Shaun shares her perspective from years of hiring health professionals for editorial and content marketing roles in media and health tech companies. If you’re a nurse curious about freelance writing—or a beginner who hasn’t landed your first client yet—this episode pulls back the curtain on what hiring managers look for, why nurses are highly valued in health content, and how to position your expertise to attract the right opportunities. What You’ll Learn in This Episode * Who actually hires nurse writers in today’s content landscape * Why nurses often have an advantage over generalist health writers * How clinical experience helps writers interpret studies and explain health topics clearly * What hiring managers look for when reviewing pitches and writing samples * Why subject matter expertise makes writing faster and more valuable * How to evaluate startups as potential writing clients * The difference between transactional marketing and long-term content strategy * Why writers should think of articles as long-term business assets * How clear, plain language improves health communication * How platforms like Substack are creating new opportunities for writers and brands Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-savvy-scribe/id1452676453#see-all/reviews] And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-savvy-scribe/id1452676 If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the

EP345: Your Portfolio That Converts: Showing Value Beyond ‘I’m a Nurse’ with Suzy Wraines

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/328838/fan_mail/new] Today’s guest of The Savvy Scribe podcast is Susie Wraines, an entrepreneur and host of the Starting a Business Simplified podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/kw/podcast/starting-a-business-simplified-building-a-cash/id1661801445], to talk about something every nurse already has—but may not recognize: transferable skills. From the bedside to business ownership, Susie shares how her background in business, the Army, and veterinary medicine shaped her entrepreneurial path. Together, we unpack how nurses can translate clinical experience into entrepreneurship, nurse writing, leadership roles, or any new direction they feel called to pursue. If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t know anything about business,” this episode will challenge that belief. What You’ll Learn in This Episode * Why nurses are naturally equipped to become entrepreneurs * How to identify and articulate transferable skills * The mindset shifts required when leaving bedside * How to build a portfolio for nurse writing or other roles * Why resourcefulness matters more than being “the smartest” person * How to normalize discomfort during career transitions * The connection between nervous system regulation and business growth Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community" I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-savvy-scribe/id1452676453#see-all/reviews] And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-savvy-scribe/id1452676 If you’re ready in exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the