Most (if not all) nurses don't wear superhero capes, but you should—you deserve it! No matter if you're working in a hospital, in a private clinic, or at a school, your skills are invaluable and contribute to making people's lives better day after day. Not many people can say that about their jobs.
You deserve to be paid fairly for your work—but we know that sometimes, even a full-time job may not be enough, and picking up more and more overtime may lead to burnout.
What can you do to earn extra money and not lose your sanity? It's easy—pick up a side hustle and work on your own terms. With a side gig, you can earn as much as you want by working when you have the time and energy to do so.
What are some of the best side hustles for nurses? We'll tell you all about it below.
Why Should Nurses Get a Side Hustle?
Nurses and other healthcare workers generally enjoy a degree of job security that many other people can only dream of. There are never enough nurses to fulfill all the various jobs that you can do, from working in a hospital to assisting senior patients in their homes.
Still, picking up a side hustle is not a bad idea, even if you feel like finding a new full-time job will never be a problem. There's no easier way to make extra money in your profession, and having more than one stream of income gives you a layer of security that no single job can ever provide.
However, nurses who want to increase their income are often faced with a dilemma: there's almost no way that you can reliably pick up a second job (nor should you be forced to). We know that as a nurse, you're used to working long hours and alternating shifts.
A second job may be difficult to fit into your schedule, not to mention the mental and physical toll it takes on you when you already work so much.
This is why side hustles are the answer here. You can do what you feel like, when you know you have the time, and get paid for it. What's more, a lot of these jobs can be done from home, and some of them result in passive income—which is even better. Making money while you're sleeping is so good.
The fact that you have such a specialized and in-demand background only puts you in a better position. Instead of spending time on jobs that don't require extra qualifications, such as DoorDash or Uber, you can jump right into the things that pay well.
So, what can you do as a nurse? A better question is, what can't you do? No worries—we'll show you the best options so you can make good money and stay sane.
23 Side Hustles for Nurses
Side hustles for nurses range from jobs that you can do on your couch to gigs that will take you not just out of the house, but even out of the city. Which pay best, and which are the easiest to pair with your busy schedule?
Our comprehensive guide will give you the best 23 options you should look into.
1. Write ebooks
As a nurse, you've got so much knowledge to share that you surely have enough material to fill a whole book. Well, why not try an ebook, which you can get paid for quickly and easily through Whop?
Your experience could help others get into the profession, with tips on how to stay afloat. Or, if you're looking to reach a wider audience, you could focus on funny or dramatic stories from your time in the ward. You can also write books related to health and fitness, study guides, and so much more.
Writing an ebook is much quicker than it might seem—it's not a "Game of Thrones" type of time commitment. The average non-fiction ebook typically ranges from around 2,000 to 20,000 words, which translates to anywhere between 5 and 80 pages. The best thing about ebooks is that they're a great source of passive income—you can write in your own free time, put it up, and let it collect sales!
2. Offer telehealth consultations
Telehealth consultations were already a thing pre-pandemic, but various lockdowns made them much more common. Even though we're no longer stuck at home, many of us appreciate the ease and comfort of talking with a healthcare professional over the phone. For you, as a nurse, this means an increase in opportunities for telehealth nursing.
You can host your own consultations with patients, and be in control of your schedule. This can work as a full-time job or a side gig—it's up to you.
You'll need a license first so make sure to check all the legal requirements in your area, but once you're up and running, you can earn an average salary of $83,000.
3. Offer private tutoring for nursing students
The money involved in private tutoring is sometimes overlooked or taken for granted. However, parents are always extremely keen to help their college-aged kids get into a good school, and students are often looking for some extra support. With very little additional training, you can simply pass on what you already know for a sweet, sweet hourly rate.
The best thing about tutoring is that it's an entirely flexible gig. We know you're busy—your students likely know it, too. You can tutor from the comfort of your own home or in person and do as much or as little as your packed schedule allows.
An easy way to get started is Whop. You can set up your own whop hub in a few minutes and let students book private calls with you within a set timeframe. You can even sell downloadable PDF worksheets, online courses, and ebooks from that same whop hub.
4. Share your experiences on social media
You don't need to live a glamorous life and spend all your time at the beach with a cocktail in hand to become a content creator. These days, people appreciate learning about real-world experiences, and we know you've got a lot of those. Creating online content on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube is a surefire way to reach a large audience that wants to hear more about nursing.
Similar to an ebook, you can pass on your nursing experiences—perhaps as words of warning, advice, or entertaining stories (just make sure you don't upload content of patients without authorization!).
There's a lot of flexibility in this type of work, and you don't even need to reveal yourself to the public. Perhaps you don't want to use your own face or voice in your online content, or you don't want to create content from scratch—look into faceless reels as a solution to that predicament.
5. Administer vaccines
Nurses really are the backbone of our healthcare system. This manifests itself in many ways, such as when it comes to vaccinating the wider population. This is, of course, crucial—thanks to your work, kids have all their shots, everyone gets their COVID-19 boosters, and travelers are safe from exotic illnesses.
Alongside your main job, you can administer vaccines at a clinic or local health center. Importantly, there is usually the possibility of flexible working hours. Check for these side gigs with your local pharmacies, private clinics, or community health centers.
6. Start a nurse community
Nursing is a tough job—we know. At the end of the day, many people just want to vent to someone who gets it, or trade experiences with someone in the field—but that's not always easy. You can be a force for change here and start your own online community, 100% dedicated to nursing. Once your community is up and running, you can engage with other nurses looking to trade experiences, or even with nursing students looking to develop their skills.
The best part of it all is that you can make a passive income by running a community. You can monetize it, adding a subscription fee and making it exclusive. If you want, you can combine this with writing ebooks or selling other digital products to make even more money.
Once you've decided to create a nursing community, you don't have to build it from scratch! The stages are simple: decide on your platform, customize some features, and then start inviting members.
7. Offer nutrition advice
Offering nutritional advice is one option with huge potential—an incredible $5.61 trillion is invested in the health and wellness industry every year, and it's projected to keep growing.
With your nursing expertise, why not get involved? Your nutritional advice could focus on special dietary needs such as the low FODMAP diet or a meal plan for diabetics, how to lose weight, or how to eat healthy on a budget. You can tailor your services to match different ages, genders, and body types.
As a nurse, you can offer nutrition advice through one-on-one calls; by setting up an exclusive community; by writing ebooks; or even selling downloadable meal plans. Or, do a combination of all of these and create multiple streams of income.
8. Work as a home health nurse
As a nurse, your skills aren't restricted to a private clinic or hospital. Many in your local community will require at-home support. This includes:
- providing medication
- giving consultations
- checking vital signs
- monitoring infants
Demand is growing, and there is an opportunity for closer bonds with your patients compared to working in a clinical setting. Make sure you've sorted your license for home healthcare first, and then the opportunities for delivering care will grow and grow. You can search for these gigs on websites like Amedisys.
9. Coach on CPR and First Aid
So many organizations need training on health and safety procedures. Often, they will look to outsource this training, to make sure it's as expert as possible—and that's where you come in. You can work as a freelance CPR and First Aid coach for various companies, schools, and more.
You'll need to get some qualifications and equipment first, but there are lots of advantages to this type of work: complete control over your schedule, for starters. Plus clients will continuously need to refresh their training, so there could be a constant stream of income.
10. Work as a medical writer
Many nurses have excellent writing skills that never really get to flourish during their daily work. But did you know many online health publications are looking for freelance writers? This can be a super fulfilling and flexible way to make some extra money.
There are several ways to get into the medical writing game:
- start your own blog to build up your own archive of content
- put your people skills to use by conducting interviews and publishing them online
- pitch an article on your specialty to one of your favorite health publications
Why not take a look at existing blogs, websites, and newspapers, to see what styles and topics are currently popular? Then, you can develop your own niche within the industry. Likely you'll find that many of the skills you've developed in nursing will transfer to writing.
11. Become a medical transcriptionist
Another way to make money from your writing skills is by typing up medical reports. This involves listening to recordings from medical professionals and transcribing them, or proofreading existing reports.
Your nursing expertise will be highly valued when it comes to maintaining accuracy in medical terminology and patient information. Some of the more popular platforms for these gigs include Rev.com, TranscribeMe, and Scribie.
12. Become a clinical research nurse
Perhaps you have some academic ambitions that stretch even further than all the studying you've already had to do. Well, there are opportunities to flex this brainy muscle. You can conduct research into how to improve nursing practice, by contributing to studies within hospitals and laboratories.
There will likely be some extra studying involved, but in the long run, it creates a potential for a higher income. Look for opportunities within hospitals, clinics, and universities. Earning advanced certifications, such as Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) or Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP), can give you an edge.
13. Create nursing study guides
Studying healthcare is one of the most demanding subjects out there. Since you've already successfully passed this stage, you can help students manage their stress with a study guide.
Some of the things your study guide could include are:
- to-do lists
- weekly and monthly goals
- modules and chapters organized by topics, such as anatomy, pharmacology, patient care, etc.
- interactive quizzes and practice tests
- NCLEX exam help
- timed assessments
- infographics and diagrams
- customizable study planners and trackers
Selling a digital product such as this is a great way to quickly earn some extra pocket money. You can make one base template and then edit it to fit various needs, netting you more cash for less work.
14. Work as a school nurse
Every school needs a nurse, and so does every nursery—the clue's in the name! You can pick up extra shifts at schools, nurseries, or even colleges and be available if one of the kids needs some help.
Your duties will include assessing and treating minor injuries and illnesses, administering medication, and conducting regular health screenings. Search for gigs like this on school district websites, online job boards, or within professional associations like the NASN.
15. Make health trackers for nurses
It's not only students who need help with keeping on top of everything. As it can be such a taxing and time-consuming job, a health tracker can help nurses take care of themselves along with everyone else. This could include:
- Meal preps
- Weight and heart monitoring
- Workout routines
- To-do lists
You can even invert this and make health trackers for nurses to print out and use in a hospital setting, noting down important information on each patient. Some of the most popular tools for this include Excel, Notion, and Canva.
16. Help clients as a caregiver for the elderly
As a home health nurse, you could focus on caring for the elderly in your local community. Daily check-ups can provide invaluable support. Your tasks may include assisting with administering medication and managing medical equipment.
Elderly caregivers also often help their patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing or feeding. You'll also need a bit of brawn, as patients often require mobility assistance.
It might be simple or mundane for you, but it can mean a lot to elderly people who are maybe stuck at home. The more personal and friendly aspect of this nursing is another advantage compared to clinical work.
17. Start a nursing newsletter
Did you know that over 4.73 billion people will be using email globally by 2026? (That's just one of the many useful newsletter statistics you should check out.)
Starting a nursing newsletter can be a good way to make some money on the side, completely on your terms. If you have a skill for writing and want to share your expertise with colleagues, students, or friends and family, why not make the most of this mammoth market?
In your newsletter, you can talk about the various facets of nursing, and you can make it more attractive by adding more content. Your newsletter can serve as a funnel to get people to buy your other creations, such as ebooks, study guides, or access to private communities.
18. Pick up extra work as a per diem nurse (PRN)
This involves working short freelance shifts at hospitals, nursing homes, or local health centers when it's particularly busy. There are lots of potential advantages:
- more flexible routine
- high hourly pay rate of $33 on average
- more variety in the type of work
- only work at times and places convenient for you
Of course, nothing is perfect, and neither is this gig. Having to work in different locations can get tiring, and as an extra nurse, you won't enjoy the same benefits as full-time staff. You can find these types of jobs on websites like Indeed or Aya Healthcare.
19. Start a nursing podcast
Over the last few years, podcasts went from this thing only full-time content creators spent time on to something so much more approachable.
As someone with a lifetime of crazy, inspirational, or educational stories to share, you're the perfect person to start your own podcast. It won't happen overnight, but eventually, you'll build yourself a good source of revenue from ads, live events, subscription exclusives, and more.
20. Participate in medical surveys
When it comes to side hustles that require very little effort, medical surveys seem like a no-brainer. Some of these can be completed in just a few minutes. Higher-paying ones might take a few hours, but of course, you can arrange them around your own free time.
Just make sure to check that the organization is reliable before diving in. Some popular names to look into include M3 Global Research, InCrowd, and Sermo.
21. Assist disabled patients
Many disabled people in your local community will need assistance with ADLs, as well as the medical side of things, including phlebotomy, taking vitals, and administering medication. As a nurse, you're the ideal candidate for jobs like this. While some patients require 24/7 help, you can find people who are fine with a more flexible schedule.
If you have experience in working with patients with special requirements, such as Alzheimer's, dementia, or autism, you may be able to command higher hourly rates.
22. Work as a camp nurse
Are you sick of working in clinics? Perhaps you're just keen for a change of scenery, but you don't want to fork out on a holiday. Well, nature camps and retreats usually need a nurse on call, so here's how you can keep working and still enjoy a little getaway.
You can find these types of jobs on Camp Nurse Jobs or on Indeed. This work will often be seasonal, and you may be stationed far from any hospital. But then again, perhaps that's exactly what you're looking for.
The downside? Many clinics or hospitals may not want to let you go for a whole month or two every year, so a full-time job becomes tricky.
23. Become a mobile phlebotomist
Mobile phlebotomy is another specialist skill that you can turn into a side gig without allowing it to take over your entire life. Long story short, you'll be taking blood from patients, but may also be asked to collect urine samples or mouth swabs. You'll mostly visit your patients in their homes, but you may also visit various workplaces.
There is some training involved to get a license, but once you're up and running, you can decide your own routine and charge your own hourly rate. There are even services dedicated to connecting nurses with patients, such as TravaLabs.
What is the Best Side Hustle for a Nurse?
Now that you've seen our list of the best side hustles for nurses, you probably already have a few favorite picks. But, from these 23 jobs, which one gives you the best money for the least amount of work?
It's simple: anything that gets you to earn passive income and lets you work on your own terms is "the best." The exact type of gig is up to you here, and to make it even better, it should align with your skills and interests.
Let's compare a job like picking up extra shifts as an elderly caregiver—which, admittedly, can pay very well—to a side hustle that you create for yourself, such as writing nursing ebooks.
The former forces you to leave the house and perform one of the most difficult jobs out there. Meanwhile, writing ebooks can be done whenever you find a free moment, and once an ebook is written, it can make you money indefinitely.
The ideal side hustle for someone as busy as you is one where you can set your own hours and be your own boss. Fortunately, with your expertise, there are lots of options, from creating courses to making health trackers to offering one-on-one health coaching sessions.
Start Your Side Hustle With Whop
Finding your ideal side hustle is just one piece of the puzzle—the next step is to find a platform that can help you make it the least time-consuming gig in the universe. You're in luck—Whop is exactly that platform.
With Whop, everything is made simpler and quicker. Signing up takes a few minutes, and once you've made your own whop hub, you can pick from a selection of pre-made apps (aka features) that make it much easier for you to get your products and services out there.
First, you create your whop, aka your online space. Then, you select the apps (features) that you want to use. You can use the Chat app to talk to patients, the Events app and Video app to set up health coaching sessions or CPR lessons, and the Files app upload files like ebooks and planners. Then you simply create paid products and link apps to that product.
The best part? Whop takes care of the background details so you can focus on your business. You don't have to worry about sending people emails or making sure they have access—Whop takes care of that. When someone buys a product, Whop delivers it. You can instead spend your valuable time scaling your side business or relaxing after a long shift.
You already work hard enough on a daily basis. Pick a side gig that works for you, not one where you have to work for someone else.
