Freelance Writing for Nurses: What You Actually Need to Start (and What You Don’t)

Alexandria Nyembwe
Aug 9
3 min read

If you’re anything like me, you’ve Googled what it takes to become a freelance writer and ended up overwhelmed. You've checked the websites and portfolios of fellow writers, and peeped the social media and branding efforts of a few writers. It can feel like too much to take in at once.

There’s a flood of advice online. Some say you need a portfolio. Others claim you need a website, a lead magnet, or a niche before you can pitch clients. When you’re a nurse who’s already working full-time, it’s easy to close your laptop and say, “maybe later.”

But you don’t need all that to start. What you do need is a way to show people you can write. That could be one sample article. You also need a way for people to find you—a LinkedIn profile works just fine.

Let’s break this down a little more.

What You Actually Need to Start

1. A Sample (or Two)

You don’t need 10 polished clips in a professional portfolio. You need one or two samples that show you know how to communicate clearly. Choose a topic you know well, like hypertension, diabetes, or shift work fatigue. Write it in a way that makes sense to someone outside of healthcare.

Your sample can live on Medium, LinkedIn, or a simple Google Doc. The format doesn’t matter as much as the clarity and tone of your writing.

2. A Way to Be Found

LinkedIn is a great place to start. Make sure your headline says you’re a nurse and a writer. You don’t need a full website until you're ready to scale. Even a simple post like, “I’m a nurse expanding into health writing. Here’s my first sample” can get you noticed.

3. A Willingness to Share

This part is tough for many of us (or maybe it's just me). It’s scary to put yourself out there. But that first step—telling people you’re open to writing opportunities—makes a difference. Share your sample in nurse Facebook groups, LinkedIn, Threads, or writing communities. Let your people know what you’re trying. You never know who’s reading and needs help with content.

What You Can Skip (for Now)

A Logo or Branding Package

That stuff is nice to have once you've written a few articles and decided that you want to really put time into a writing business. For now, focus on building your confidence and writing voice. Clients care more about whether you can meet a deadline and write clearly than whether you have a fancy Canva logo.

A Website

Websites are helpful, but not essential at the beginning. Unless a client specifically asks for one (which is rare), you’re better off investing time into your writing sample and networking.

A Specific Niche

Your niche will become clearer over time. If you’re passionate about mental health, chronic illness, or nursing education, great. If you don’t know yet, that’s okay. Try a few types of writing and see what feels right.

Common Mindset Blocks

I'm guilty of feeding myself negative self talk. It can be challenging to learn something new, like starting a writing business. Some of these statements may sound familiar:

“I’m not a ‘real’ writer.” If you’ve educated patients, written notes, or drafted policies, you’ve been writing. Now you’re just learning to write for a different audience.
“No one will take me seriously.” Your experience as a nurse gives you credibility. You understand health in a way that most content creators and journalists do not.
“I don’t know what to charge.” Start by asking fellow nurse writers what they charge. Or use project-based pricing until you get more confident. You don’t need perfect rates on day one.

Final Thoughts

This process does not require building a perfect business overnight. But it does require that you give yourself permission to start small and grow. Nurses make great writers because we’re observant, clear communicators, and experts at breaking down complex ideas. Your voice matters in this space. Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Start with what you have.

Key Takeaways: