Choosing Courage Over Credentials

By Elizabeth Hanes BSN RN 
Freelance health journalist and founder of RN2writer 

Elizabeth is a nurse turned six-figure freelance writer. Her work has appeared in WebMD, Verywell Health, Cardinal Health, and many other major healthcare brands and publications. She now helps nurses transition to freelance writing through RN2writer - an accredited provider of Continuing Nursing Education. 

When you’re considering a career pivot—especially into something creative like freelance writing—it’s easy to get caught in the trap of "I need more credentials first." 

As nurses, we’re trained to believe more education equals more competence. But when it comes to becoming a writer, more certificates don’t necessarily mean more success. 

What does matter? Courage. 

Credentials Are Tools—Not Prerequisites 

Yes, you need basic writing skills. But you do not need: 

• A journalism degree 

• A published portfolio 

• A certificate in health communications 

What you do need is the courage to try. 

Some of our most successful RN2writer students started with nothing more than their nursing experience and a willingness to learn. They didn’t wait until they had another piece of paper. They started by downloading our ebook, writing a sample, and sending a pitch. 

The Real Qualifications 

You already have what clients value: 

• Deep knowledge of healthcare 

• The ability to communicate clearly and accurately 

• Empathy, insight, and real-world experience 

Those "soft" skills translate beautifully into health writing, whether you're writing for patients, clinicians, or health tech companies. 

And if you’re worried about grammar or style? That can be learned (and edited). But courage can’t be bought. 

The Credential Trap Keeps You Stuck 

Here’s the truth: The desire for more credentials is often fear in disguise. 

Fear of rejection. Fear of being seen. Fear of trying and failing. 

But guess what? Every successful freelancer once felt that way, too. What separates those who move forward from those who stay stuck isn’t a diploma—it’s a decision. 

A decision to be bold. A decision to start. A decision to believe, just a little, in yourself. 

Build Confidence by Doing, Not Studying 

Want to feel more confident? Start writing. 

• Write one post on LinkedIn about a nursing topic you care about 

• Read this blog post about health content niches 

• Email one person who might hire a writer 

These actions build real confidence, because you’re engaging with your future instead of studying it from afar. 

Start Small, But Start 

I’m not saying credentials don’t matter at all. But they are not a requirement to begin. 

Begin with your story. Your voice. Your insight. 

Start with the ebook if you don’t know where to start. It’s free, it’s practical, and it’s written by someone who’s been exactly where you are. 

Because at the end of the day, this isn’t about proving you’re smart enough. You are. 

This is about trusting yourself enough to try. 

And that takes courage.