We recently connected with Carole Jakucs and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Carole thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?

The path to becoming a professional health writer came through my work as a professional registered nurse. As a long-time RN, my passion has always been teaching others about their health and how to support their wellness. Part of my work history in nursing included working at a university in the student health services department.

This job grew into added roles such as being promoted to clinical nurse supervisor which required additional work such as, writing and public speaking about health, wellness and health services to students and the public.

I always knew I loved to write and received high grades for my writing while in college; however, writing and public speaking about healthcare in my university job, spawned another passion for me, which was and still is, writing and speaking about healthcare.

From that point on, I got the writing bug. My first job as a health journalist resulted from my outreach to a popular statewide publication in California to their health editor. My pitch was accepted and my first published piece came soon thereafter. Now, I have well over 200 published articles in a variety of consumer health, nursing and medical publications.

The road to becoming a board-certified diabetes nurse educator (also known as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist or CDCES for short) was a result of my field practicum in my Master of Science in Nursing program. This role involved working with an advanced clinical nurse educator at a hospital. She asked me to create an educational program for the hospital. I created and presented my program to a committee. My program was well accepted as one of the committee members offered me a job as a diabetes nurse educator.

I still practice as an RN in a diabetes nurse educator role today, while also continuing my work as a freelance health and nursing journalist. Also, I’m currently writing a book on diabetes self-care and self-management. I continue to integrate my two passions into one.

Carole, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

When I put on my professional writer’s hat and write about health and wellness, diabetes self-care, health services and the nursing profession, I speak from a solid foundation in these areas by having both the advanced education and professional experience.

As a health and nursing journalist and writer, I translate medical jargon and scientific language into easy-to-understand concepts for people who are not medical or science professionals.

Thus, for my writing business and clients, if they are looking for well-written, evidence-based articles, web pages or brochures, or trying to sell a product, a health service or a hospital service line that appeals to a broad swath of readers and customers, I can do it.

Further, when I’m writing for a professional medical publication and a medical and, or nursing audience, I speak their language, understand the science and am skilled in this area of writing too.

Regarding my private diabetes wellness and lifestyle coaching business and clients, my talents lie in having the ability to connect with people to help them identify and create health and lifestyle goals. I achieve this by clarifying evidence-based information for them with skilled teaching, active listening and encourage their goals for behavior change for a healthier lifestyle by utilizing a practice called motivational interviewing.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building and maintaining a sterling reputation is of the utmost importance. As a journalist and writer, I strive to provide quality, accurate work products and deliver them on time on or before my client’s deadline. In the writing industry, this is essential in order to get repeat business and build your reputation in the field.

In my work as a diabetes educator and lifestyle coach, it is imperative to teach only evidence-based strategies for health, wellness and self-care, while also ensuring you connect with clients and individualize each session to meet the specific needs of each patient and client.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Yes, training and knowledge in your chosen field are key, but other characteristics and skills are needed too. They are:
• Dependability: Clients and patients need to know they can count on you to do the job.
• Honesty: Customers, clients and patients need to know you are honest with them about what you are selling, teaching or providing, from the fees you charge to the content you are teaching and more).
• Engagement: Showing you care by not only your words, but also your actions and follow through.
• Sincerity: Be your authentic self. There is nothing worse than hiring someone or seeing a lifestyle coach or medical professional who is not being themselves and not connecting with their customers, clients, or patients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.diabeteswellnessbycarole.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diabetesnurse.carole
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiabetesNurse.Carole/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-jakucs-msn-rn-phn-cdces/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DiabetesNurseCarole
• Other: Speakers Bureau: https://ptspeakers.com/speaker/carole-jakucs/

  Writer’s Portfolio: https://muckrack.com/carole-jakucs/portfolio