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

EP350: Creating Multiple Income Streams: Beyond Client Writing with Maria Jasanya MSN, RNC, CNM, CLC, CNE

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/328838/fan_mail/new] In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and community member, Maria Jasanya. Based in Brooklyn, Maria is a nurse educator and medical writer who has mastered the art of balancing a traditional nursing career with multiple income streams. She shares her journey from wanting to be a nurse since elementary school to becoming a nurse residency coordinator, adjunct professor, and prolific freelance writer. We dive deep into how a curious mind and a willingness to say “yes” to new opportunities can lead to a fulfilling and diversified professional life. About Maria Jasanya Maria Jasanya, MSN, RNC, CNM, CLC, CNE, is a Nurse Educator, Adjunct Nursing Faculty, Certified Nurse Midwife and Nurse Freelance Medical Writer with extensive experience in nursing education, maternal–child health, and professional development. She obtained her BSN from CUNY Hunter College in 2007, MSN from SUNY Downstate Medical Center in 2012 and a post-MSN certificate from SUNY Stony Brook in 2019. Maria is passionate about mentoring nurses, advancing nursing education, self and patient advocacy and improving maternal and newborn health outcomes by applying evidence-based research. She has devoted herself to be a lifelong learner and encourages nurses to do the same!  Key Takeaways * The Power of Multiple Income Streams: We discuss how Maria manages her primary role as a nurse residency coordinator alongside being an adjunct professor at three different nursing colleges and a frequent contributor to major medical databases. * The Art and Science of Writing: Maria explains how she transitioned into medical writing through our connection on LinkedIn. She now contributes to platforms like EBSCO’s Dynamic Health and Relias, specializing in updating references, fact-checking, and writing nursing and continuing education content. * Speaking into Existence: After taking a chance on her first podcast guest appearance, Maria discovered a new passion for speaking and now proactively uses LinkedIn to book future engagements. Advice for Nurses Seeking Change * Follow Your Passion: Maria emphasizes that you shouldn’t chase money; instead, chase your passion, and the multiple income streams will naturally follow. * Ignore the “Marketable” Myth: You don’t have to work in high-acuity areas like the ICU just to be marketable; there are endless opportunities in settings like school health, correctional nursing, and neuro rehab. * Start Small and Take Risks: Growth happens when you are willing to be uncomfortable. Whether it’s a small $25 project or a new credential like SEO, every step helps build your professional repertoire. Follow Maria on Socials! * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jasanya-msn-rnc-cnm-clc-cne-822b5618a/] 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

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