We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Hay, BSN, RN and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, how do you think about risk?
I guess I’ve always been a bit of a risk taker when it comes to building my ideal personal life – dropping out of college initially (only to later find a school more suited to my career needs), moving across the country on a whim, and cutting things out of life that no longer align with my ever changing goals. It seems my risk-taking nature translated to owning my business. I took a huge leap of faith when I left behind my career (and engrained identity) as a bedside oncology nurse to start a career as a freelance medical writer, after chronic health issues would no longer permit such physically demanding work. I knew I had a lot of medical knowledge to share with a willing audience, I just wasn’t sure how to get there. Fast forward a few years and hours of determination at my laptop, I now own a successful incorporated company with a large, varied client base. More importantly, my risk paid off by giving me immense career satisfaction; I was able to reach and educate healthcare patients/providers, just in a new way. It took a lot of determination to end up where I did (and I know there’s much more ahead to conquer), but I’d do it all over again without question.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Starting my career as a medical writer initially came out of necessity more than desire. I had dedicated my entire nursing career to caring for adults and children with cancer and it was truly my passion. Unfortunately, my body had other plans. Chronic health issues eventually made it impossible to continue such long physically demanding shifts. After being an experienced nurse in my field, I was petrified to be so green again at something new. Thanks to the relentless encouragement from my husband, I ventured into the world of medical writing and haven’t looked back.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Balboa park is always a must see, the architecture alone is worth it, plus there’s something for everyone. Guests always enjoy Little Italy, great food and lots of people watching. And (of course), the beach!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe much of my success to the mentorship provided by other nurse writers who were in business long before I stumbled onto their scene. Nurses don’t eat their young, at least not in the writing world. There were several people who were so generous with their time and guidance, proving that ‘a rising tide can lift all boats.’

Website: www.ahaynursing.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahaynursing/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahaynursing/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ahaynursing/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahaynursing/
Other: Online portfolio: https://ahaynursing.contently.com/

Image Credits
American Medical Writers Association (AMWA)