From Nurse to Novelist: Lessons on Mental Resilience and Creativity

Transitioning from a 21-year nursing career to becoming a novelist and running a copywriting business may seem unusual. Yet, these roles share a common thread: the ability to connect deeply with others. In this post, I’ll explore how my experiences as a psychiatric nurse inform my creative writing and business endeavors while offering lessons on resilience and finding purpose.

1. Nursing and the Power of Narrative

As a nurse, I learned the importance of listening to patients’ stories. In psychiatric nursing, these stories reveal the emotional and psychological experiences that shape individuals’ lives. Whether verbal or written, storytelling can foster healing and connection (White et al., 2019).

This skill translates seamlessly into writing novels and copy. Both require understanding the audience’s emotions, motivations, and challenges, creating content that resonates deeply with them.

2. Resilience Through Creative Outlets

Nursing can be emotionally draining, particularly in mental health settings. Writing is a form of self-care, which aligns with research that shows that expressive writing reduces stress and improves mental health outcomes (Pennebaker & Smyth, 2016). Writing fiction, for instance, allows me to explore complex emotions and scenarios, offering both catharsis and personal insight.

In my practice, I also encourage patients to explore writing. The “future self” letter activity is an example that blends therapeutic reflection with creativity, offering teens a tangible way to envision hope and change.

3. Finding Purpose in Words

Whether helping a patient through a crisis or writing compelling copy, my work is rooted in purpose. A shared goal across these disciplines is to inspire action—seeking treatment, purchasing a product, or engaging with a story.

Research emphasizes purpose and mental well-being (Kumar et al., 2018). Writing, both for myself and my clients, is how I channel my sense of purpose into tangible outcomes, ensuring that each project is meaningful and impactful.

Conclusion

The journey from nurse to novelist has been one of personal and professional growth, showing that resilience and creativity can be nurtured across seemingly unrelated fields. Whether navigating a career transition or seeking new ways to channel your passion, remember that storytelling is universal, and every experience adds depth to the narrative you share.

References

• Kumar, A., Singh, P., & Kaur, H. (2018). Meaning in life and mental well-being: Exploring the mediating role of resilience. Journal of Positive Psychology, 13(6), 573–579. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2017.1345689

• Pennebaker, J. W., & Smyth, J. M. (2016). Opening up by writing it down: How expressive writing improves health and eases emotional pain (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.

• White, J., Verhoef, M. J., & Paterson, C. (2019). The role of narrative in therapeutic settings. Health Care Analysis, 27(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10728-018-0358-7