Jen Hughes

From Nursing to Nonfiction Author

Life is good, but it’s not without its share of struggles. Even in a Christian marriage, there will be difficulties and challenges, however, with Christ we learn how He can get the glory when we face and overcome them. In this episode, Jen Hughes shares her career journey and how she has been balancing her time as a Christian author with growing her family, the journey of being a firefighter’s wife, and advancing in her demanding career as a practicing nurse. She also explains how setting priorities can help us focus on the majors in our lives and as we pursue heavenly and earthly success.

Jen has been a pediatric nurse for the last 35-plus years and is married to a retired fire veteran chief. Their life raising their two daughters was focused on their career. They moved several times with her husband's career, which at times was challenging but worth it. Her journey as a firefighter’s wife inspired her book, Weathering The Firestorm, which draws from their life together as two first responders trying to raise their daughters in a christian home. Jen is an award-winning author who inspires her readers to escape into adventure with words of faith, love, and hope.

If you sincerely desire to tap into your hidden and God-given potential but struggle to find the right balance between family, career, and purpose, this episode is for you!

Now let’s jump in!

Key Highlights from the Episode

[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Jen Hughes

[01:51] Jen’s career background and how it inspired her to write a book

[04:07] How Jen and her husband balanced demanding careers and family

[06:59] What inspired Jen to open a pediatric day-care, and why she sold the business

[08:24] Identifying the needs around us and being able to respond

[10:37] Jen’s move from California to South Carolina

[12:15] A quick announcement

[13:50] The transition to S. Carolina and how they processed that as a couple

[16:20] How Jen, a full-time nurse, turned into an author

[20:46] The importance of going to a conference if you want to write a book

[21:54] Jen’s advice to someone hesitant to take a leap

[22:44] Jen’s next leap of faith in her career path

[23:52] How Jen balances her nursing career and writing books

[25:37] How to reach out, connect, and learn more about Jen

[26:51] Ending the show and call to action

Notable Quotes

Even in a Christian marriage, there are difficulties and struggles.
Prioritize your life, family, and what is important to you.
God is watching over you and will help you find the pathway you need to go on.
If you’re just doing the same thing every day in the same place, you’re not fully living the potential you could.
If you trust God, it is going to be okay.