Nurse. Writer. Nurse writer? Write RN? As I began thinking about what name to give my freelance writer business, I played around with the words I knew would attract my clients and tell them what services I offer. I saw many examples from other writers using the terms above in a catchy business title, but I wanted something personal. I wanted a name that meant something to me, a name that told a story. That’s when The ICU Nurse Writes was born.
Beginnings
My nursing career started in a tertiary hospital’s cardiac/medical intensive care unit (ICU). What does this mean to my non-medical followers? The sickest cardiac and multi-organ failure patients in the hospital (and surrounding area) came to our unit.
When I first started in nursing, I was young. Like, barely legal drinking age young. I was also a newlywed. Why does this matter? Well, friends, I had energy. I knew how to relax on my days off. I was fresh and excited. In those days, the more critical the patient, the better. I loved taking care of a patient who was sicker than sick, on a ventilator, and multiple continuous IV medications that required high-level care.
Caring for acutely ill patients meant I needed to collaborate frequently with physicians and other care providers, advocate for my patients, problem-solve complex issues, educate family, and provide kind, empathetic care as my patients fought through their medical crises.
However, sometimes my patients wouldn’t make it out of ICU. In these cases, I found ways to connect with the patients’ families, guide them through the process of loss, and then ensure a peaceful and dignified death of their loved one. Being part of such an intimate part of someone’s life was an honor and a privilege.
It was a challenging but fulfilling job.
What the ICU Gave Me
When I cared for patients, I saw firsthand how disease processes affect not only people’s bodies but also their minds and spirit. I saw the consequences of chronic conditions left untreated. I taught patients and families about medical equipment and hospital processes, how to manage newly diagnosed diseases with medications and lifestyle changes, and gained a deep understanding of people.
In the ICU, I rarely saw the best side of people. Patients were in severe pain or discomfort, families were dealing with life-shattering illnesses or the death of loved ones, and overworked hospital personnel could be downright crabby. I learned to meet people where they are, have grace, moderate conflict, and assert myself.
A shy introvert in the regular world became a strong, empowered, knowledgeable care provider in the ICU.
Why the ICU Nurse Writes
Working as an ICU nurse changed me in ways none of my other positions since have. It molded me into the person I am today.
After having my daughters, the intensity of the experience of tragedy, death, and loss in the ICU became too much. I no longer had the energy and hunger for adrenaline I once did. (I got enough of that at home chasing my twin toddlers around!)
Nowadays, I am choosing to be physically and emotionally present for my growing family, but I still crave helping people navigate through life’s medical challenges. Writing gives me a creative outlet and feeds my collaborative spirit and desire to better patients’ lives. So now you know why this ICU nurse became a freelance health and wellness writer.
When you see The ICU Nurse Writes LLC, I hope you see a person with a passion for:
- Patient education and empowerment
- Improving the lives of others
- Patient Advocacy
- Empathy
I hope you can also see how this fostered me to:
- have a deep knowledge of the medical profession and disease processes
- be a collaborative team player
- be an expert communicator and multitasker
- have excellent attention to detail
If you are looking for a dedicated, hardworking freelance writer with a wealth of medical knowledge who is easy to work with, click on Work With Me to get started.
