EP352: Creating Multiple Income Streams: Beyond Client Writing with Athena Brownson
In this episode, Athena breaks down how to create scalable side income streams, overcome the traps of hustle culture, and protect your energy.
Just start. Reach out. Take the first step. The worst they can say is no.
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.
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.
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:
Thanks for Listening!
Thanks for joining us for today’s episode of The Savvy Scribe Podcast! If you enjoyed the show, we’d love it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review on iTunes—your feedback helps us reach even more aspiring nurse writers like you.
Want to stay connected and in the loop? Be sure to visit our website, follow us on Instagram, and join the conversation on Facebook!
Ready to explore freelance writing as your next PRN job—or even as a full-time career? Come join the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook, and check out our signature Plan, Produce, Profit course to kickstart your journey today!
In this episode, Athena breaks down how to create scalable side income streams, overcome the traps of hustle culture, and protect your energy.
What does work life balance actually mean when you’re a nurse, a writer, and a business owner? Janine shares a decade of hard-won lessons on redefining work life balance, beating distraction, and getting words on the page even when motivation doesn’t show up.
Maria Jasanya joins me to discuss building multiple income streams through nurse education, freelance medical writing, and public speaking. Learn how she leverages clinical expertise to create a diverse career beyond the hospital.
Stop treating your limits like an emotional negotiation. Learn why setting boundaries is actually about building essential business infrastructure that prevents burnout and protects your energy as a nurse entrepreneur.