EP341: My Journey As A Nurse Writer with Allyssa Dolphin, RN MSN (A Plan Produce Profit Success Story)

In this inspiring episode of The Savvy Scribe Podcast, Janine welcomes Alyssa, a fellow nurse and member of the Savvy Nurse Writer community. Alyssa shares how she transitioned from bedside nursing and teaching to becoming a successful freelance writer—all while raising a toddler and growing her family.

Her story is full of honest reflection, real-life challenges, and powerful mindset shifts. Whether you’re just getting started or wondering if freelancing is really possible for you, Alyssa’s journey proves it’s more than possible—it’s worth it.

About the Guest

Allyssa Dolphin, RN MSN has been a registered nurse for eight years with experience in OB, NICU, pediatrics, and nursing education. After the birth of her son, she realized how much she was missing while working full-time as a nursing instructor an hour from home. Though she had been doing contract writing work creating NCLEX-style questions, she didn’t realize there was a name for what she was doing—until she discovered The Savvy Scribe Podcast.

As she listened to episodes during her commute, she began implementing what she learned—pitching, searching for writing opportunities, and connecting on LinkedIn. She landed her first contract, and even though it came with challenges, it confirmed that freelance writing was a real and rewarding path.

Since joining the Plan, Produce, Profit membership, she’s grown in confidence, taken on more clients, and replaced half her previous teaching income—all while working part-time from home and spending more time with her growing family.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode About Building a Freelance Writing Business

Alyssa walks us through her journey from nurse to writer, how she balanced work and motherhood, and how she overcame the doubts and fears so many nurses feel when starting something new.

Key Takeaways

• The transition from nurse to writer: Alyssa shares how she discovered freelance writing after years in OB, NICU, and nursing education.

• Treating it like a business: She explains how shifting her mindset from “side gig” to “business” helped her replace her teaching income.

• Real-life balance: Alyssa gives us a look at her daily life as a part-time stay-at-home mom and full-time writer—complete with nap-time writing sessions and toddler cameos.

• The power of tracking income: Once she started tracking her projects and income, Alyssa realized she was making real money—and that gave her the confidence to keep going.

• Letting go of the wrong clients: Alyssa shares how dropping one draining client opened the door for better ones and gave her business new energy.

• Membership insights: She highlights how the Plan, Produce, Profit membership gave her clarity, support, and confidence through resources like templates, the writing skills course, and coaching calls.

• Advice for new writers: Just start. Reach out. Take the first step. The worst they can say is no.

• Looking ahead to 2026: Alyssa plans to finish the PPP course, revamp her website, and continue growing intentionally while balancing business and family life.

Follow Allyssa on socials!

LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/allyssa-dolphin-562a3b134
Website – https://www.coffeeandcareplansrn.com/ 

Follow Janine on socials!
Instagram – @savvynursewriter
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/writernjanine/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/savvynursewriter
Join the Savvy Nurse Writer Facebook Group for more writing and business tips!

More related episodes to help become a nurse writer:

• EP328: Why High-Value Clients Are the Game Changer for Nurse Writers
• EP288: Setting and Achieving Skills Goals for Nurse Writers
• EP297: Becoming a Thought Leader as a Nurse Writer: How to Leverage Your Expertise
• EP219: Conquering Imposter Syndrome as a Nurse Writer — A Plan, Produce, Profit Success Story
• EP213: From Passion to Profit — The Inspiring Journey of Wendy Sutas (A Plan, Produce, Profit Success Story)