In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and community member, Maria Jasanya. Based in Brooklyn, Maria is a nurse educator and medical writer who has mastered the art of balancing a traditional nursing career with multiple income streams.

She shares her journey from wanting to be a nurse since elementary school to becoming a nurse residency coordinator, adjunct professor, and prolific freelance writer. We dive deep into how a curious mind and a willingness to say “yes” to new opportunities can lead to a fulfilling and diversified professional life.

About Maria Jasanya

Maria Jasanya, MSN, RNC, CNM, CLC, CNE, is a Nurse Educator, Adjunct Nursing Faculty, Certified Nurse Midwife and Nurse Freelance Medical Writer with extensive experience in nursing education, maternal–child health, and professional development. She obtained her BSN from CUNY Hunter College in 2007, MSN from SUNY Downstate Medical Center in 2012 and a post-MSN certificate from SUNY Stony Brook in 2019.

Maria is passionate about mentoring nurses, advancing nursing education, self and patient advocacy and improving maternal and newborn health outcomes by applying evidence-based research. She has devoted herself to be a lifelong learner and encourages nurses to do the same!

Key Takeaways

The Power of Multiple Income Streams: We discuss how Maria manages her primary role as a nurse residency coordinator alongside being an adjunct professor at three different nursing colleges and a frequent contributor to major medical databases.
The Art and Science of Writing: Maria explains how she transitioned into medical writing through our connection on LinkedIn. She now contributes to platforms like EBSCO’s Dynamic Health and Relias, specializing in updating references, fact-checking, and writing nursing and continuing education content.
Speaking into Existence: After taking a chance on her first podcast guest appearance, Maria discovered a new passion for speaking and now proactively uses LinkedIn to book future engagements.

Advice for Nurses Seeking Change

Follow Your Passion: Maria emphasizes that you shouldn’t chase money; instead, chase your passion, and the multiple income streams will naturally follow.
Ignore the “Marketable” Myth: You don’t have to work in high-acuity areas like the ICU just to be marketable; there are endless opportunities in settings like school health, correctional nursing, and neuro rehab.
Start Small and Take Risks: Growth happens when you are willing to be uncomfortable. Whether it’s a small $25 project or a new credential like SEO, every step helps build your professional repertoire.

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If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!