Information overload!

When we type in just about any health-related topic, an endless list of resources will pull up. Medical research is growing and evolving more than ever before; it’s hard to keep up, especially with A.I. innovations!   Although grateful for access to vast data, it overwhelms me.  As I already have a very detailed brain, I frequently remind myself of the acronym K.I.S.S.—Keep It Simple Silly (or Stephanie).  My greatest challenge is narrowing down all the data while staying on target with the theme.  Following “rabbit trails” of data can be exciting and mind-opening, but hours can fly by.  I also use a timer for greater efficiency and accountability, and it’s been a game-changer for keeping me on my toes.

Reputable Sources

The National Institutes of Health, PubMed, and other globally accepted websites are best for fact collecting.  I google search on the topic, then choose from the trusted sources.  Some websites also have easy ways to copy/paste the citation.  I love that each article has its own resources, leading to further valuable data.  However, I check in with myself to stay directed while following the rabbit trails.

Just Write.  Edit Later.

My default proofreader brain likes to edit and polish each sentence as I write, but that approach backfires as I become less productive and overwhelmed with the details.  Now, I give myself permission to write in passive voice, use incomplete sentences, or use other wording to get my thoughts down and have a good written flow.  Then I go back and convert to active voice and fine-tune.  It relieves much of the stress and pressure to complete the overall content first and then go back to edit.  I love Grammarly; it helps me identify passive voice and other proofreading errors.  As research authors often write in passive voice, converting the collected data to active voice also assists in rewriting/summarizing the data sources to prevent plagiarism.

Self-learning

Learning, growing, and sharing will always be a beautiful, lifelong journey.  Nurses have an insider view toward healthcare writing as we regularly communicate with people about their health.  As a seasoned nurse and a now health writer, I realize more than ever before how much I don’tknow in the grand universe and how much more there is to discover.  I’m humbled, grateful, and excited to have the opportunity to explore our world, find new information, and inspire others through it.