What’s the Difference Between Academic Writing and Content Writing?

Nurses who write academic papers understand the best ways to research and use academic language. Nurse writers can present complex ideas in a simplified way. They are also skilled at writing healthcare content that meets the needs of specific clients.  Here is some information about the difference between academic writing and content writing and how nurse writers can help your company.

The Difference Between Academic Writing and Content Writing

There are different types of writing. One type of writing is academic writing. Academic writing is when you write to prove a point. Another type of writing is called content writing. Content writing is when you write to inform or entertain people. Academic writing usually focuses on one topic, while content writing can be about many different things. Academic writers research topics and then present their data. Content writing is the creation of original content to attract and engage readers. This can include blog posts, articles, social media posts, website copy, etc. If you’re looking to create – or help create – a successful online presence, it starts with quality content writing.

Why Nurses are Perfect for Academic Writing

Why would nurses be great academic writers? After all, nurses are usually associated with direct patient care? The answer is yes, but nursing is also a complex and demanding calling. Nursing requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Nurses must be able to communicate effectively with doctors, staff, patients, and their family members. They must be able to quickly gather and present information accurately. Nurses have the ability to pick apart large amounts of information to clear and concise facts. Nurses have a way of making their work both informative and interesting to read. These skills make nurses qualified to be academic writers.

5 Characteristics of Nurse Academic Writers

1. Formal styles show a writer’s expertise.

Think reports, school papers, or essays that usually follow strict rules. In order to give credibility to their ideas, writers often use formal language. Nurses, for example, undergo years of college education and professional development in order to become the best nurses they can be. As nurses continue to learn and grow, so too do their writing skills.

2. Evidence-based research support statements and key points.

Nurses take courses to learn about evidence-based research so they can give information to their peers and patients. Nurses are also expected to keep up with the latest news and practices. Although states have different requirements, nurses are usually required to keep up with continuing education credits. Nurse writers are detectives who always look for the truth.

3. Resourceful nurses can get creative in any aspect of their work

Whether it is trying to find creative ways to keep a patient distracted or how to simplify instructions so patients are more likely to be compliant. Nurses practice critical thinking skills and cite sources to support their work and conclusions. If there is a problem that needs a solution, they will look under every rock to find a solution.

4. Logical structure that produces clear and concise concepts

A common saying is, “if it isn’t documented, it wasn’t done.” All nurses have to document what happens over an 8, 12, or even 16-hour shift in a few sentences. Documentation is a practiced craft. Nurses are skilled at producing focused and essential documentation.

5. Free of errors

Whether nurses have Type A personalities, are perfectionists, or just want to take pride in what they do – nurses aim to succeed. Nurse writers pay close attention to details and ensure effective quality work. Nurse writers are advanced in crossing their “t’s” and dotting their “i’s.”

Why Nurses Make the Best Healthcare Content Writers

Why are nurse writers essential to healthcare content? For decades, nurses have been ranked as the most trusted profession. With over one-third (37%) of searches being health-related and 77% using a search engine before booking their next appointment, ranking on Google can be an excellent way for companies to attract and engage with their audience.

There are two types of writing: academic writing and content writing. Academic writing involves research and organization, while content writing focuses on audience demands, keywords, and SEO strategies. Content writing provides value to readers. The goal is to capture the attention of as many people as possible.

Nurses are constantly educating others. They often have to deliver information in a way that is easy to understand. Eventually, this comes naturally to them. Many nurses are skilled at communicating with people from all walks of life.

Nurses are effective communicators. They must be able to share information with different groups of people in a way that is clear and easy to understand. Nurses also have the ability to inspire and influence others in a way that makes them unique.

Types of services nurse writers can offer include:

• Academic writing
• Email Marketing 
• Webcopy
• Landing Pages
• Sales Pages
• Blog Articles
• ebooks
• White Papers
• Social Media Posts
• Journalism

Academic writing is for giving detailed information on a specific topic. Content writing is for informing or entertaining people. Both have their place in the world, but it’s important to know which type you’re working with so that you can write accordingly. If you need help crafting content that engages and informs your audience, the team at WriteRN can help. Visit our Content Writing Services page today for more information on how we can help you create content that stands out from the crowd.

Sources: Copypress; Nurse.org; Study.com; Stodzy Internet Marketing