In recent years, the landscape of the nursing profession has been evolving at a rapid pace. Today’s nurses are no longer confined to traditional healthcare facilities. Thanks to advancements in technology, nurses are taking their medical knowledge and nursing skills to the digital realm, opening doors to an array of remote nursing jobs.
There’s a shift happening in the world of healthcare services, and the rise of telehealth nurses is a testament to that. This progression has enabled registered nurses to apply their expertise beyond their day job and adapt to the changing needs of patient care.
Nursing Side Hustle: An Unexpected Pairing
Now, you might be wondering, “Why are we talking about side hustles for nurses?” Great question! See, most nurses didn’t think of nursing as a career that could go hand in hand with a side hustle. After all, it’s a demanding profession that requires commitment and dedication.
However, the paradigm is shifting. Nurses are discovering that their nursing background can open up opportunities for earning extra income, and these ventures often offer a flexible schedule that complements their full time job.
Imagine this: After clocking out from your nursing shifts at the hospital, you log onto your computer, where you tutor nursing students online, helping them ace their exams. Or perhaps you become a freelance health writer, sharing your insights and experiences with a broader audience.
Cash in Your Free Time
Having a side hustle allows you to make use of your free time and earn some extra cash. According to a survey by Bankrate, nearly half of all working Americans have a side job, including healthcare professionals. Why should nurses be any exception?
In addition to earning extra money, a side job can also be a source of professional satisfaction. A nursing side hustle can provide an opportunity to use your nursing education in novel ways, connecting with a diverse range of people and situations. It also offers a chance to control your own hours and maintain a more manageable work-life balance.
In the sections to follow, we’ll delve into some of the most promising remote side hustles for nurses, ranging from becoming a telehealth nurse to starting your own blog. We’ll provide practical advice, share tips and examples, and guide you on how to make the most out of your nursing career.
Stay tuned as we explore these exciting opportunities that can bring a fresh perspective to your career, and who knows, might even become your favorite part of the week!
#1 Becoming a Telehealth Nurse: A Digital Leap in Patient Care
Ever heard of a telehealth nurse? If not, it’s high time to familiarize yourself with this role. As the nursing field evolves, technology is creating a unique opportunity for nurses to expand their reach beyond the walls of traditional healthcare facilities.
Telehealth nursing is an innovative subfield where registered nurses provide healthcare services over the phone or through a digital platform. You could be guiding a patient through a tricky medication schedule or helping manage chronic conditions from miles away. This can be an exciting nursing side hustle or even a full-time role.
Jumping into Telehealth: Getting Started
Now that you’re intrigued, let’s talk about how to kickstart your career as a telehealth nurse. Here are some simple steps:
1. Build on your nursing background: Before you take the digital leap, make sure you have the solid clinical knowledge needed to advise patients remotely. Being a registered nurse is often a prerequisite.
2. Learn the ropes of telecommunication: Familiarize yourself with the necessary software and communication platforms. Online courses or tutorials can be of great help here.
3. Get certified: While not always necessary, certification can boost your credibility. The American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing offers a course for aspiring telehealth nurses.
4. Find the right platform: There are several online platforms and healthcare services that hire telehealth nurses. Do your research and find the one that suits your needs the best.
Income Expectations: Is It Worth It?
The million-dollar question is, of course, how much can you earn from this nursing side hustle? Telehealth nursing, like most nursing jobs, can provide a substantial income. According to ZipRecruiter, as of 2023, telehealth nurses in the U.S. earn an average of $83,034 per year, with some making up to $109,000.
It’s important to note that your earnings will depend on various factors, including your experience level and the amount of time you’re willing to commit. Still, with the increasing demand for telehealth services, the potential to earn extra cash is definitely promising.
In the next sections, we’ll explore more side hustles for nurses that you can consider. So, keep reading and start envisioning the exciting possibilities that can add a vibrant dimension to your nursing experience.
#2 The Heart of the Matter: Becoming a CPR Instructor
Perhaps one of the most rewarding side hustles for nurses is becoming a CPR/first aid instructor. Not only is it a fulfilling way to use your nursing skills, but it’s also an opportunity to empower others with lifesaving knowledge. And hey, it doesn’t hurt that it brings in some extra income, too!
Certification: Your Ticket to Teach
To teach CPR, you need to be certified. Fortunately, the process is pretty straightforward. Here’s a simple guide on how to become a certified CPR instructor:
1. Start with a CPR class: Before you can teach CPR, you need to know it like the back of your hand. If it’s been a while since your last class, consider taking a refresher course.
2. Choose a certification program: There are several organizations that offer CPR instructor courses, such as the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Red Cross. Make sure to choose a reputable one.
3. Complete the course: These courses typically include a mix of in-person and online training. You’ll learn not only CPR techniques but also how to effectively teach others.
4. Pass the exam: At the end of the course, you’ll need to pass an exam to get certified. Don’t worry, with your nursing school background, you’ve got this!
Finding the Right Fit: Partner Organizations
Once you’re a certified CPR instructor, you can collaborate with various organizations to conduct classes. These can range from schools and sports clubs to businesses and non-profit organizations. Some hospitals and healthcare facilities also host CPR classes for their staff and the public.
Show Me the Money: Earning Potential for Healthcare Professionals
As a CPR instructor, you have the freedom to set your own schedule and rates, which can significantly boost your income. According to PayScale, as of 2023, CPR instructors earn an average of $20.37 per hour. However, it’s not uncommon for experienced instructors to charge $50 or more per student for a class.
Remember, as a CPR instructor, you’re not just earning extra cash. You’re equipping people with vital skills that could potentially save a life. And that, dear nurses, is priceless.
Up next, we’re going to delve into another lucrative side job that allows you to flex your writing muscle. Spoiler alert: it’s all about health! Keep reading.
#3 Putting Pen to Paper: The Freelance Health Writer
Now, let’s shift gears a bit. Not all side hustles for nurses require medical equipment or hands-on patient care. If you have a knack for writing and a desire to share your expertise in a creative way, then becoming a freelance health writer could be the perfect fit.
The Write Stuff: An Introduction to Freelance Writing
Freelance writing in the healthcare field allows you to leverage your medical knowledge to create engaging content. You might write articles for medical journals, blog posts for health and wellness websites, or patient education materials for healthcare facilities.
Best of all, as a freelance writer, you get to set your own hours and work from anywhere. You can squeeze in a few hours of writing before your nursing shift, or unwind with some writing after a long day of patient care. It’s all about creating a schedule that works for you.
Finding Your Niche: Scoring Writing Gigs
So, how do you find writing gigs? There are several online platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and ProBlogger where you can find freelance writing jobs. You can also reach out directly to healthcare blogs or medical publications that accept guest posts.
Networking can also be an effective way to find writing gigs. Connect with other healthcare pros, freelance writers, and editors on LinkedIn or other social media platforms. And don’t forget to let your nursing colleagues know about your writing services. You never know where your next job might come from!
Making Cents (and Dollars) of It: Earning Potential
Now, let’s talk numbers. As a freelance health writer, your earning potential can vary greatly depending on your experience, the complexity of the topic, and the client’s budget. However, according to the Editorial Freelancers Association, freelance writers can typically expect to earn anywhere from $0.20 to $1.00 per word.
This means that a 1,000-word article could net you between $200 and $1,000. Not bad for a side hustle, right? And remember, as you gain more experience and establish yourself in the field, you’ll have the opportunity to charge higher rates.
So, if you’ve got the passion for writing and the knowledge to back it up, why not give freelance health writing a try? It’s a great way to express your thoughts, share your insights, and make some extra cash along the way. Up next, we’re going back to school. Well, sort of! Keep reading to find out more.
#4 The Virtual Classroom: Teach or Tutor Nursing Students Online
Have you ever considered taking on the role of a teacher? With your nursing school background, you’re uniquely qualified to guide the next generation of healthcare pros. Plus, online teaching and tutoring offer flexibility and convenience, making it an ideal side hustle for nurses.
Knowledge at Your Fingertips: Platforms for Teaching and Tutoring
In today’s digital age, there are several platforms for teaching and tutoring nursing students online. Websites like Chegg Tutors, Wyzant, and Tutor.com connect educators with students in need of extra help. You could be answering questions about pharmacology one day and explaining patient care protocols the next.
In addition to these platforms, consider teaching or developing an online course on websites like Udemy or Coursera. This could be a great opportunity to delve into a topic you’re particularly passionate about and share your expertise with a wider audience.
The ABCs of Online Tutoring: Essential Skills
Online tutoring requires more than just nursing knowledge. Here are a few key skills you’ll need:
1. Communication: Clear, concise communication is essential, especially when you’re not in the same physical location as your students.
2. Patience: Some concepts can be tough to grasp. Being patient and providing explanations in different ways can make a world of difference.
3. Tech-savviness: Comfort with technology is a must. You should be able to navigate the online platform, use video conferencing tools, and troubleshoot minor tech issues.
An Educated Guess: Earning Potential
As for earning potential, online tutors make an average of $20 per hour according to PayScale, but rates can vary based on your expertise and the subject matter. More specialized areas of nursing might command higher rates.
Remember, online tutoring is not just about making extra income. It’s an opportunity to shape the future of nursing. You’ll be helping to create more knowledgeable, confident nurses who will go on to provide excellent patient care.
Are you ready to embrace the role of an educator? If so, this could be the perfect side hustle for you. But we’ve got more options up our sleeve! Stay tuned.
#5 Pick Up the Shift: Exploring Per Diem Work
We get it. Sometimes, you might need an extra gig that’s a bit closer to your day job. If that’s the case, picking up per diem shifts could be the perfect side hustle for nurses like you.
On the Clock: Understanding Per Diem Work
Per diem, a term that comes from Latin, literally translates to “per day.” In the nursing profession, per diem nurses are essentially on-call nurses who work on an as-needed basis. It can be a great way to add variety to nursing, as you might find yourself working in different healthcare facilities or departments.
Another bonus? Per diem nurses typically make their own schedule, meaning you can work as much or as little as you’d like. So, whether you have a few hours to spare each week or an entire free day, per diem work can fit into your lifestyle.
Shift into Gear: Finding Opportunities
There are several ways to find per diem nursing shifts. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities have internal per diem pools. Check out their career pages or reach out to their HR department for opportunities.
Alternatively, staffing agencies can be a goldmine for per diem work. Websites like NurseFly, Flexwise Health, and ShiftKey are designed to connect nurses with per diem shifts. They also often provide an easy-to-use platform where you can manage your shifts and get paid.
Dollars and Sense: Average Hourly Rate
The average hourly rate for per diem nurses varies significantly depending on the region, the specialty, and the healthcare facility. However, on average, per diem nurses tend to make more than their full-time counterparts. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2022, the average wage for a registered nurse is about $35.24 per hour. Per diem nurses, however, often earn a premium on top of this. It’s not uncommon for per diem nurses to make over $40 per hour.
So, if you’re looking for a way to earn extra cash while sticking to what you know best, picking up per diem shifts could be the ideal side hustle for you. Just imagine — extra money, new experiences, and the ability to choose your own hours. Sounds like a win-win, right?
But hold onto your scrubs, because we’ve got more side hustles for nurses to explore. Next up, we’re diving into the world of medical transcription. Keep reading to find out more.
#6 Type Away: Uncover the Role of a Medical Transcriptionist
Are you a fast typist? Do you have a keen eye for detail? Then you may want to consider becoming a medical transcriptionist. This role involves listening to voice recordings of physicians and other healthcare pros and converting them into written reports. It’s a side job that doesn’t stray too far from the medical field, which can be appealing for many nurses.
Hit the Books: Certification and Training Needed
While there are medical transcriptionists who learned on the job, many healthcare facilities prefer to hire those with certifications. The good news is, obtaining a certification doesn’t have to be a long, arduous process.
There are several online courses that can help you develop the necessary skills and knowledge. Many of these courses can be completed in under a year. Upon completion, you’ll be awarded a certificate that you can present to potential employers.
One highly respected certification is from the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI). They offer the Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS) credential, which is ideal for those starting their medical transcription career.
Earnings in Sight: Potential Earnings
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical transcriptionists was $33,380 in 2020. However, as a side gig, your earnings will depend on how many hours you’re able to devote to the job.
It’s worth noting that medical transcription work can often be done from home on your own schedule, which makes it a flexible side hustle for nurses. So, you might find yourself transcribing medical records in your PJs in the early morning before your regular nursing job, or in the evening while winding down from a day of patient care.
So, ready to embrace your inner typist and enter the world of medical transcription? It could be a great way to leverage your medical knowledge and earn some extra income. But if you’re looking for something a little different, stick around. We have a whole host of other side hustles for nurses. Stay tuned!
#7 Stepping into Wellness: Becoming a Certified Health Coach
If you enjoy motivating and guiding people on their journey to better health, becoming a certified health coach could be fantastic side hustles for nurses. Health coaching involves helping clients set and achieve health goals, whether they want to lose weight, manage chronic conditions, or adopt healthier lifestyles.
Charting the Course: How to Become a Certified Health Coach
To become a health coach, you’ll need to undergo a certification program that equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to support your clients effectively. Several organizations, like the National Society of Health Coaches (NSHC) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE), offer certification programs specifically tailored for healthcare pros.
These programs cover a variety of topics, from health promotion and disease prevention to behavior change and motivational interviewing. The duration of these programs varies but can generally be completed within six months to a year, allowing you to balance it with nursing or other nursing jobs.
The Right Fit: Possible Clients
Your clients as a health coach could range from individuals looking to improve their wellness to corporations seeking a wellness program for their employees. With your nursing background, you have an added advantage as you understand medical conditions, treatments, and patient care, which can be hugely beneficial to your clients.
Bank on Wellness: Earning Potential
How much can you make as a health coach? Well, the earning potential can vary widely depending on your client base, rates, and hours. According to Payscale, as of 2022, health coaches earn an average of $20.61 per hour. However, experienced health coaches with a robust client base can charge significantly more, especially for corporate or group sessions.
To make the most of this side hustle, consider setting your own hours and schedule to balance with your regular nursing shifts. You could offer early morning sessions for clients before your day job, or conduct group sessions over the weekend.
In summary, if you love encouraging others to lead healthier lives, health coaching could be a fulfilling and lucrative side hustle for nurses. But if you’re craving more options, don’t worry—we’ve got plenty more to share. Stay tuned!
#8 Nursing Narratives: Embrace Your Inner Nurse Blogger
If you’ve got a knack for words and enjoy sharing your experiences or expertise, becoming a nurse blogger might be your perfect side hustle. Blogging allows you to set your own hours, work from any location (even in your pajamas), and connect with other nursing professionals or those interested in the nursing profession. The best part? You can leverage your nursing background to create meaningful, relatable content.
Getting Started: Blogging Basics
Starting your own blog isn’t as complex as it sounds. First, you’ll need to select a blogging platform—WordPress and Blogger are both user-friendly options. Next, choose a unique, catchy name for your blog. This could be something that reflects your personality, or it could be directly related to nursing.
You’ll then want to select a hosting provider and set up your blog. There are plenty of tutorials available online to help you get started, or you can hire a freelance web developer to assist you. Once your blog is set up, it’s time to start creating content!
Write What You Know: Possible Topics to Cover
With your nursing background, there’s a wealth of topics you could cover in your blog. You could share your experiences as a nurse, offer tips for nursing students, discuss the challenges and triumphs of the nursing profession, or explore healthcare topics that interest you. Remember, authenticity is key in blogging. Write about what you love and what you know.
Earn from Your Words: Monetization Strategies
So, how can you make extra cash from your blog? There are a few common monetization strategies for bloggers.
1. Advertisements: Once your blog garners a fair amount of traffic, you can use Google AdSense or similar programs to run ads on your site. You’ll earn money based on the number of views or clicks these ads receive.
2. Sponsored Posts: Companies may pay you to write a post about their product or service, especially if it’s relevant to your audience. Always disclose these partnerships to maintain transparency with your readers.
3. Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services related to nursing or healthcare, and earn a commission for each sale made through your unique referral link.
4. Selling Products or Services: Use your blog as a platform to sell your own products or services. This could be an ebook, online course, consulting services, or even nurse-themed merchandise.
Starting a blog isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, and it requires consistent effort. However, it offers a creative outlet and the potential to earn some extra income. Plus, there’s nothing like the sense of community you’ll build with your readers and other nurses in the blogging world. And who knows? Your blog might even become one of your favorite nursing side hustles. Stay tuned for more hustle ideas!
#9 Medical Coding: Crack the Code for Extra Income
Alright, time for a career side step into a field that many nurses might not have considered: medical coding. It may sound technical, but stay with me here. If you have an eye for detail, and are interested in a role that contributes to the effective functioning of healthcare services, you might find medical coding an exciting side hustle opportunity. This role could provide a flexible schedule, letting you set your own hours—perfect for those who want to balance it with a full-time nursing job.
The ABCs of Medical Coding
So, what’s medical coding all about? Simply put, medical coders translate healthcare services into universal medical alphanumeric codes. They read medical records—such as doctor’s notes, lab and radiologic results—and convert them into these codes for billing purposes. It’s a critical role that helps healthcare facilities function smoothly.
Get Certified and Ready to Code
As a registered nurse, you already have a firm foundation in the medical field, which will make the transition into medical coding smoother. To start, you’d need to acquire a certification in medical coding. A popular choice is the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
There are plenty of online courses available that help prepare for the CPC exam and offer a comprehensive overview of coding concepts, coding guidelines, and real-world coding cases. Once certified, you can start applying for remote coding jobs on platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, or specialized healthcare job portals.
Potential Earnings: Is it Worth It?
According to the AAPC, the average salary for a CPC in the United States as of 2021 was around $57,201 per year. As a side hustle, your earnings would depend on the number of hours you can dedicate to coding and the compensation model of your employer—some pay per record, while others pay hourly.
Medical coding may not be a traditional side hustle for nurses, but it offers an interesting way to apply your medical knowledge in a different setting. Plus, working from the comfort of your own home while making some extra money? Sounds like a win-win situation to me. Keep an eye out for our next suggested side hustle. Who knows, it might be the perfect fit for you!
#10 Travel Nursing: The Open Road is Calling
Let’s switch gears a bit. Are you ready to inject a little adventure into your nursing career? Then travel nursing might be the side hustle you’ve been dreaming of. As a travel nurse, you can take on temporary nursing positions in various locations, depending on where healthcare facilities have short-term needs. This could be the perfect side hustle for nurses who enjoy new experiences and wouldn’t mind adding a little travel to their lives.
Getting Started as a Travel Nurse
In essence, travel nursing is like being a freelance nurse—you pick the assignments you want. To get started, you’ll need a degree in nursing and a valid registered nurse (RN) license. Some travel nursing agencies may also require a minimum amount of clinical experience, often about one to two years.
There are numerous travel nursing agencies out there, each offering different packages. Therefore, it’s crucial to do some research and ask the right questions. You’ll want to understand what’s included, such as housing, travel expenses, and any other benefits.
Payouts and Perks
Now to the juicy part: the pay range and benefits. Travel nursing is often more lucrative than a regular nursing job, with the average salary in 2021 being $1,700 to $2,500 per week, according to NurseFly. The exact amount depends on factors like specialty, location, and the urgency of the need. Some agencies even provide housing, or a housing stipend, medical and dental benefits, and retirement plans. Not to mention the invaluable experiences and unique nursing skills you’ll gain along the way!
#11 Immunization Nurse: Be on the Frontlines of Public Health
Immunization nurses, as the name suggests, specialize in administering vaccines. They’re key players during flu season and, as we’ve seen recently, crucial during global pandemics. This role could be a great side job for nurses wanting to help a broad range of patients and contribute to community health.
How to Get Involved
To become an immunization nurse, you’ll need to be a registered nurse (RN). Additional qualifications or certifications might be required depending on your location and the specific role. Often, you’ll find job openings in healthcare facilities, community centers, schools, and even corporate environments.
The Payoff for Preventive Care
While the salary can vary widely depending on location and experience, according to Payscale, the median salary for an RN working in immunizations was about $63,393 as of 2021. The rewarding nature of this job—helping to protect people from diseases—is another form of payment that shouldn’t be overlooked.
So, whether you’re yearning for adventure as a travel nurse or want to contribute to preventative care as an immunization nurse, these side hustles offer ways to use your nursing skills in exciting new contexts. Stay tuned for more side hustle ideas in our next section!
#12 Part-Time Caregiving: A Heart-to-Heart Side Hustle
Part-time caregiving can be a rewarding way to make extra cash while applying your nursing skills in a one-on-one setting. As a part-time caregiver, your responsibilities may include assisting with personal care tasks, providing companionship, and supporting medication management.
Finding Part-time Caregiver Jobs
There are many ways to find part-time caregiver jobs. Websites like Care.com, Indeed, and Craigslist often have listings for these roles. You can also network with other nursing professionals or tap into local community resources.
Part-Time Caregiver Pay
According to PayScale, as of 2021, the average hourly rate for a caregiver was about $12.00, but with your nursing background, you could potentially earn more.
#13 Nurse Clinical Adjunct Instructor: Teach the Next Generation of Nurses
If you have a passion for education and the desire to shape the future of the nursing profession, consider becoming a nurse clinical adjunct instructor. In this role, you would teach clinical courses to nursing students, providing them with the practical skills they need.
Qualifications for Nurse Instructors
Requirements can vary, but you’ll typically need an advanced degree in nursing, such as a Master’s or Doctorate, along with several years of clinical experience. It’s also beneficial to have a background in teaching or tutoring students.
Adjunct Instructor Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that as of 2020, the median annual wage for postsecondary nursing instructors and teachers was $74,600. However, because this role is often part-time, your actual earnings may vary.
#14 Starting a YouTube Channel: Lights, Camera, Action!
Creating a YouTube channel can be a fun and creative way to share your knowledge and experience as a nurse while also earning some extra money.
Content Ideas for Your Channel
You could share tips for nursing students, explain complex medical topics in a straightforward way, or provide advice for other nurses on managing their shifts or navigating their nursing careers.
YouTube Monetization
As for making money, once you meet YouTube’s requirements, you can apply for the YouTube Partner Program. This allows you to earn money through ad revenue, channel memberships, and YouTube Premium revenue.
#15 Medical Podcasting: Speak to the World
Podcasting can be a great way to reach a wider audience and establish yourself as a thought leader in the nursing field.
Podcast Topics
Your topics could range from discussions on healthcare policy, interviews with other healthcare pros, or a deep dive into different nursing specializations.
Monetizing Your Podcast
There are several ways to make money from your podcast, including sponsorships, listener donations, or offering bonus content for a fee. You can also use your podcast to promote other services you offer, such as health coaching or online courses.
Rounding Off Your Shift
From telehealth nursing to writing health articles, instructing CPR classes to starting a YouTube channel, the nursing world is brimming with potential side hustles that allow you to leverage your skills, passion, and experience. And let’s not forget the unique opportunities that come with being a travel nurse, immunization nurse, medical transcriptionist, or nurse blogger!
Each of these side hustles presents a unique way for you to diversify your income, adapt to the changing landscape of healthcare, and continue to make a difference in people’s lives, even outside your regular nursing shifts.
Remember, whether you’re a registered nurse with years of experience or a nursing student just beginning your journey, these side hustles can be tailored to suit your lifestyle, your career stage, and your goals.
So why not take a chance? Give one (or two, or three!) of these side hustles a shot, and you might just find an enriching and rewarding way to supplement your income. And, who knows? It might even lead to a whole new career avenue you’d never considered before.
I would love to hear about your experiences if you’ve tried any of these side hustles or if you have other great ideas for nursing side hustles that we haven’t covered here. Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments section below, or feel free to share this article with your nursing friends and colleagues. After all, sharing is caring, right?
Good luck, and here’s to you making the most of your nursing experience in every way possible!
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