I had the opportunity to attend another journalism conference recently and I learned about some emerging trends in the industry. One of them is mission-based journalism, which is a newer area of journalism that provides an opportunity for writers to bring awareness to important social issues, educate the public, and inspire change. For nurse freelance writers, it may offer a chance to bridge healthcare knowledge with our power of storytelling.
Nurses are often at the front lines of health and social care, and understand the challenges patients face within the healthcare system. Mission-based journalism provides a platform to highlight these issues, which can have an impact beyond clinical practice. In this blog, we'll explore how new and aspiring nurse writers can make their mark through mission-driven stories that inspire real change.
What is Mission-Based Journalism?
Mission-based journalism focuses on addressing issues of public interest that may receive limited attention in mainstream media such as nursing shortages, justice, inequality, and environmental sustainability.
For nurses, this type of journalism could align with your core values at the intersection of advocacy and patient care. Nurses are natural advocates, often standing up for their patients in healthcare settings. Mission-based journalism may be an exciting entry point into journalism if you are interested in writing about work that focuses on advocacy of various marginalized groups, like people who have been through the criminal justice system or around economic concerns among minority populations.
Mission-Based Organizations
Mission-based organizations may not always label themselves with this title, but you’ll likely recognize them if you do a google search of the organization and the work they do. Below are some examples of mission-based organizations:
The Economic Hardship Reporting Project focuses on highlighting the struggles of people facing economic hardship. Nurses often witness the effects of poverty on health and well-being, such as limited access to medical care and the impact of financial stress on mental health. With this experience, nurse writers can help the organization by shedding light on how economic insecurity leads to poor health outcomes and provide personal stories and expert insights that drive awareness and policy discussions.
The Pulitzer Center focuses on pressing global challenges, including the environment, global health, human rights, and artificial intelligence. Core themes such as financial transparency, governance, and gender, racial, and social justice intersect with the wide range of issues the Center covers. Nurse writers who understand the health implications of war and violence on populations could benefit from working with this organization.
The Marshall Project, which focuses on criminal justice, can benefit from nurse writers who have worked in correctional healthcare. They can share experiences from within the prison system and shed light on how inadequate healthcare, mental health crises, and substance abuse affect incarcerated individuals. Nurse writers can humanize these stories and bring a fresh perspective to writing these narratives.
For organizations like the Fuller Project, which reports on women’s issues, nurse writers bring expertise on topics like maternal health, reproductive rights, and gender-based violence. They can contribute stories that reveal how systemic healthcare challenges disproportionately affect women, especially in marginalized communities.
Lastly, The Trace, which focuses on gun violence, can leverage the experience of nurses who have treated gunshot or trauma victims or seen the emotional and physical trauma caused by gun violence. Nurse writers can provide compelling narratives that highlight the real-life consequences of gun violence on victims, families, and communities.
Finding Your Mission as a Nurse Writer
As a new or aspiring freelance nurse writer, you may be wondering how to find your “mission” in mission-based journalism. Start by thinking about the healthcare issues you’re most passionate about. What challenges have you seen repeatedly in your nursing career that you believe the public should know more about? Is it the mental health crisis, healthcare access in rural areas, or the disparities in treatment for chronic conditions like diabetes?
To begin, focus on a specific area that resonates with your nursing experience. If you’ve worked extensively with underserved populations, consider writing about healthcare equity. If your passion lies in patient education, explore public health outlets that focus on disease prevention and health literacy. The key is to find a topic that you care about deeply, and that aligns with your background as a nurse.
How to Get Started in Mission-Based Journalism
To break into mission-based journalism start by identifying publications that focus on public interest or social good. Outlets like Kaiser Health News or STAT News are often looking for stories with a purpose. Pitching to these outlets requires research, so be sure to understand their focus, read their published pieces, and craft pitches that align with their goals.
When crafting your first pitch, make sure your story has a clear purpose. Ask yourself: Why does this story matter? How does it serve the public? For example, if you want to write about the impact of chronic stress on nursing staff, highlight how the story brings attention to an overlooked issue and how it can lead to meaningful discussions about workplace wellness.
Challenges and Rewards of Mission-Based Journalism
Mission-based journalism is rewarding, but it can come with challenges. One common challenge is the funding model—many mission-driven outlets are nonprofits or rely on grants, which may offer lower pay compared to commercial journalism. There’s also the emotional toll of covering tough subjects like health disparities or systemic injustice, which can be difficult to process.
However, the rewards may outweigh the challenges. The personal fulfillment of seeing your work contribute to real change—whether that’s raising awareness of a health issue, advocating for policy change, or simply informing the public—can be incredibly satisfying. As a nurse, the reward of making a difference outside of clinical care can be a powerful motivator for many.
In Summary
Mission-based journalism offers new and aspiring nurse freelance writers a unique and meaningful way to extend their advocacy beyond the bedside. By telling stories that matter and contributing to the public good, nurse writers can use their voice to influence societal change. If you’re passionate about advocating for health equity and social justice issues, mission-based journalism is a path worth exploring.
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