From Burnout to Balance: How One Nurse Found Renewal Through Writing
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.
For many nurses, the realities of modern healthcare can feel overwhelming: long shifts, emotional exhaustion, and the constant pressure of patient care. Burnout is all too common. But what if there were a way to use your nursing expertise in a different way? One that brings joy instead of stress? That’s exactly what happened for Melinda Dean, RN, a seasoned emergency department nurse who discovered freelance health writing through RN2writer’s programs. Her journey shows that you don’t have to abandon nursing entirely to find balance. You can combine clinical work with writing to create a more fulfilling life.
A Career Built on High Adrenaline
Melinda spent over 26 years in emergency and community health care. Starting out in EMS and working her way up to paramedic and ER nurse, she thrived in the fast-paced, high-pressure environment. But over time, the relentless stress began to take its toll. “It wears on you after a while, she explained on The RN2writer Show. Like many nurses, she felt burned out—mentally, physically, and emotionally. While she loved using her skills to help patients, she knew she needed an outlet that would let her keep using her 'nurse brain' without the crushing stress of the bedside.
Writing as a Path to Healing
The first spark of writing came unexpectedly. In 2019, after the loss of her husband of 33 years, Melinda joined a grief writing program. Each day she received a prompt, and each day she poured her thoughts onto the page. What surprised her wasn’t just the relief of expressing her grief. It was the quality of her writing. “I thought, holy smoke, that’s actually really good,” she recalls. The experience awakened a passion she never knew she had. For the first time, she began to think of herself not just as a nurse, but as a writer.
Discovering RN2writer
When burnout struck again, Melinda remembered an ebook she had once read: Design Your Dream Career as a Nurse Writer. This time, she followed through. She enrolled in the Nurse-to-Writer Bridge program, and later advanced to the core RN2writer course, Get Paid (Well!) to Write. The structured training gave her exactly what she needed—step-by-step guidance to break into the world of freelance writing. Importantly, she discovered that freelancing wasn’t about hard sales. Instead, it was about showing clients the value of her expertise. “It felt empowering,” she says. “I wasn’t trying to convince anyone. I was showing them that I’m a legitimate source who can write with authority.”
The Joy of Seeing Her Name in Print
By committing to the program, Melinda moved quickly. Within months, she had published her first article—and the moment was life-changing. “I cried the first time I had a clip published,” she says. “It was so validating. I realized: I can do this.” From there, assignments began to flow steadily. She’s written for respected outlets like PBS NextAvenue, where one of her stories was even chosen as the site’s featured article of the day. The sense of validation and pride that came with these milestones renewed her confidence and deepened her passion for writing.
Less Stress, More Balance
The biggest change has been in her stress level. “My stress has gone from ‘150’ down to almost nothing,” Melinda shares. While freelancing comes with its own learning curve, she finds no comparison to the pressure of clinical work. Writing has become a creative outlet that balances the intensity of nursing. Instead of feeling trapped at the bedside, she now enjoys the freedom to pursue topics that matter to her, ranging from health and wellness to finance and personal stories.
Redefining Success
For Melinda, success isn’t defined by income alone. While she does earn from her writing, her motivation is deeper. She values the passion, validation, and confidence that writing has given her. “What if I succeed?” she asks, flipping the common fear of failure on its head. For her, success means having the freedom to express herself, help others, and feel fulfilled. Money is welcome, but it isn’t the ultimate goal.
Advice for Other Nurses
Melinda’s message to other nurses is clear: you already have the skills to succeed. Every day, nurses educate patients, explain medications, and document care—all forms of writing. “If you can speak to patients, you can write,” she emphasizes. She encourages nurses not to underestimate themselves and to consider writing as a way to use their knowledge in a new, rewarding way. Her journey proves that you don’t need a degree in English to make an impact. You just need the belief that it’s possible.
Melinda Dean’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. By adding freelance writing as a side career, she transformed burnout into balance. Today, she continues working as a nurse while writing part-time, enjoying a life that is less stressful and far more fulfilling. For nurses everywhere who feel stuck, her journey is a reminder that your skills are versatile, your voice matters, and new possibilities are closer than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I be a nurse and a freelance writer at the same time?
Yes! Many nurses successfully write on the side while continuing to work in clinical practice. Writing part-time can reduce stress, provide creative fulfillment, and even supplement your income without requiring you to leave nursing.
Q: Do I need a writing degree to become a freelance health writer?
No. Nurses already have the expertise and communication skills needed. You educate patients daily, document care, and explain complex topics — those same skills translate into writing. Programs like RN2writer provide step-by-step guidance to help you start.
Q: How much time does freelance writing take each week?
It’s flexible. Some nurses spend just a few hours a week writing on the side, while others take on more assignments as their schedule allows. You can scale your writing workload up or down depending on your nursing shifts and personal goals.
Q: What types of writing can nurses do?
Nurses can write health articles, patient education materials, wellness blogs, health system web pages, and even content marketing for healthcare companies. Some also branch into lifestyle, finance, or human-interest writing.
Q: How does freelance writing help with nurse burnout?
Writing provides an outlet for creativity and reflection, while offering a way to use your nursing expertise without the high-pressure environment of bedside care. Many nurses, like Melinda, report a dramatic drop in stress after adding writing to their careers.
