21 Best High-Paying Side Hustles For Nurses To Make Cash

As a nurse, you have a skill set that’s in high demand. But we all know that extra money is hard to come by, and you can only do so much with the shifts you’re given.

Enter the world of side hustles – a way to make money outside your regular nursing job and fill up your bank account.

And the good news? There are plenty of high-paying side hustles that are perfect for nurses.

In this blog post, I’ll explore top-earning side hustles for nurses who want to use their skills and experience.

Quick Picks: Side Hustles For Nurses

Best Overall Side Hustle – Proofreading
Best Passive Income Side Hustle – Blogging
Easiest Side Hustle For Beginners – Freelance Writing

Flexible Online Jobs

1. Proofreader

If you’re a nurse, you’ve already got a sharp eye for details and could use your attention to become a proofreader.

You can read blog content, magazine articles, books, and medical documents to ensure they’re grammatically sound and error-free.

The best part? This gig is super flexible; you can create your own hours around nursing shifts.

Whether you’re cozied up at home or chilling at your favorite spot, you can proofread whenever it fits into your day.

Wondering how to get started? Check the free workshop from Proofread Anywhere to get your side hustle started.

They’re awesome at helping newcomers kickstart their proofreading businesses and give you all the insider details to launch.

2. Blogger

Blogging is a fun side gig that became my full-time job, so I know nurses like you can profit from this side hustle.

Blogging can be a great way to share your nursing adventures and connect with people worldwide while making money.

Think of it like this – your blog could be a cozy corner where you can chat about everything nursing – from those crazy night shifts to the heartwarming moments with patients.

Your stories are powerful. They can motivate nursing students and resonate with other nurses.

Once you build an audience, you can earn through ads and affiliate links with products and services that fit your values.

And hey, if you’re just stepping into the blogging world, don’t sweat it. My FREE Start Your Blog Bootcamp is the perfect spot to kickstart your blogging adventure.

3. Self Publishing

If you’re a registered nurse with stories to tell or lessons to share, why not step into self-publishing?

It’s a brilliant way to turn your rich experiences and nursing insights into books that can guide, educate, and inspire.

Here’s what you could cover:

Nursing education – from the basics to advanced topics.
Experience caring for patients – sharing heartfelt stories and best practices.
Specialized nursing fields – explore the depths of your niche.
Career advice for nurses – guiding others on their professional paths.

Self-publishing is more than just putting words on paper. It’s about crafting a narrative that resonates with others in your profession.

So consider writing and publishing a book on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or other platforms to reach new readers.

4. Freelance Writer

And if you’re interested in blogging or publishing a book, maybe writing is your passion- if so, you could become a freelance writer.

You could write for blogs, magazines, journals, and more- and being a freelance health writer is an ideal option for anyone in the nursing profession.

As a freelance health writer, you can juggle your career in nursing and write insightful articles on your own schedule.

So, if you’ve got a knack for words and a treasure trove of nursing knowledge, freelance writing might be the perfect side hustle.

Dive into my FREE Freelance Write From Home eBook to get the full scoop on making it as a freelance writer.

5. YouTube Channel

Diving into the world of YouTube can be a fantastic nursing side hustle. Imagine using your free time to create a nursing-focused channel.

You could bring a wealth of knowledge, crafting videos on everything from healthcare services to your personal experiences in nursing school.

Channels like Nurse Nacole, boasting over 40,000 subscribers, are proof of the potential in this field and how you can make money from videos.

Plus, you could be a guiding light for those seeking advice from a health coach and need a trusted person with authority.

If you’d like to learn more about creating a money-making YouTube channel, Mastering YouTube offers all the tips and tricks to kickstart your journey to YouTube success.

6. Transcriptionist

Medical transcription is another side hustle that can benefit from your nursing background.

As a medical transcriptionist, you’ll convert medical audio files into written documents, helping medical providers maintain accurate records.

This side hustle requires strong attention to detail and familiarity with medical terminology, which you possess as a nurse.

The beauty of this gig? It plays right into the strengths you’ve honed as a nurse, like your razor-sharp attention to detail and your familiarity with medical jargon.

Transcribe Anywhere is a course to learn how to transcribe content and how to use the programs for your work.

7. Online Course Creator

Ever thought about taking your expertise in nursing education and patient care online? Creating and selling courses on platforms like Teachable could be your next big move.

Whether crafting detailed courses about nursing techniques or offering insights into effective patient communication, a whole world of possibilities awaits you.

By becoming an online course creator, you’re not just sharing knowledge; you’re shaping the future of healthcare.

Your courses can potentially enhance patient outcomes by educating upcoming registered nurses or even guiding patients themselves.

8. Medical Podcast

Starting your own medical podcast can be an exciting way to talk about different healthcare topics and give your personal insights on healthcare.

You could discuss everything from nursing education to medical care and other basic medical needs of patients inbetween your regular nursing shifts.

You can even include guests like other medical professionals to get more details for your listeners.

Besides being an informative resource, your podcast can be monetized through sponsorships, turning it into a rewarding and engaging side hustle.

9. Become A VA

Offering virtual assistant (VA) services to healthcare companies is another side hustle that can benefit from your medical background and clinical expertise.

As a VA, you can provide administrative support, manage schedules, and coordinate communication for busy healthcare providers and other paying clients.

Your nursing knowledge and experience can help you excel in this role, and your experience can set you up for success in other industries.

The convenience of remote work and setting your own schedule can make becoming a VA a lucrative side job that employs your nursing skills.

10. Open An Ecommerce Shop

Opening an eCommerce shop is a fantastic idea for tapping into your nursing expertise in a fun, entrepreneurial way.

You could be selling nursing-related goodies – from cute scrubs that make shifts a bit brighter to handy nursing accessories that every nurse wishes they had.

Setting up your online store is a breeze with platforms like Shopify, which has ready templates and gets your site up in no time.

It takes the fuss out of the tech side, so you can focus on the fun part – choosing products, setting up your shop’s look, and getting your brand out there.

And here’s where it gets exciting: with a bit of savvy marketing and promotion, your little nursing eCommerce shop could turn into quite the bustling business.

11. Medical Surveys

Participating in paid medical surveys is a quick and easy side hustle that allows you to share your nursing insights and opinions for extra cash.

Companies like InCrowd offer paid surveys for nursing professionals, providing an opportunity to earn money while influencing the development of medical devices, treatments, clinical trials, and services.

Just a few minutes of your time can contribute significantly to the healthcare industry while earning you some additional income.

IRL Side Hustles In Nursing

12. Elderly Care

With your nursing background, you’re already a pro at caring for patients, which makes you a perfect fit for helping out older folks at home.

You could make someone’s day brighter by assisting them with their daily routines, managing their meds, getting their groceries, or just being there for a friendly chat.

There are several options for doing a side hustle in elderly care. You could partner with senior care agencies or freelance online to find elderly patients.

Either way, you’re not just earning some extra cash on the side; you’re making a huge difference in the lives of older adults.

13. Travel Nurse

 

If you’re a registered nurse and fancy some adventure, how about trying your hand as a travel nurse?

It’s not your everyday full-time job – think of it more like a mobile nurse or a door-to-door nurse but with way cooler destinations.

You get to go to different places, filling in with a nursing shortage, and every stop is a chance to make a real difference.

The best part? The pay is pretty awesome, averaging around $2,203 per week. And it’s not just about the money; it’s about the experience, too.

You’ll find yourself in various healthcare settings, each with unique challenges and learning opportunities. Plus, you’re helping improve patient outcomes everywhere you go.

14. Telehealth Nurse

Being a telehealth nurse is one of those nursing jobs where you can stop the commute and work right from your cozy home.

It’s a brilliant side hustle if you want to shift gears. You still get to use all your nursing skills in a more digital, tech-savvy way.

As a telehealth nurse, your day might involve giving the following nursing services:

Giving virtual consultations.
Educating patients over video calls.
Coordinating care through texts and phone calls.
Answer health questions, connect them to doctors, or inform them about their test results.

Plus, it’s perfect for registered nurses who want a change from the usual routine or are keen to dive into the growing field of digital healthcare.

15. CPR/First Aid Instructor

Teaching CPR and first aid courses is a great side hustle, especially if you want to mix things up from the usual nursing jobs.

As a CPR/First Aid Instructor, you become a lifesaver educator, teaching essential skills and proper first aid techniques to new medical professionals and community members.

Your classes could range from teaching basic first aid to guiding people through the intricacies of CPR; you can offer other courses as well that fit your skills.

Beyond the classroom, you’re also contributing to a safer community where more people are equipped to provide help when it’s most needed.

16. Sleep Consultant

As a sleep consultant, you enter a niche yet incredibly important area of health and wellness that many people struggle with.

In this role, your nursing experience becomes a key asset in addressing one of the most common yet overlooked aspects of health: sleep.

You’ll spend time understanding individual sleep challenges, educating clients on healthy sleep habits, and developing personalized sleep strategies tailored to their needs.

It’s a role that goes beyond just advising; it involves being a coach and a guide, helping people transform their sleep patterns, which can significantly improve their overall quality of life.

17. Tutor Nursing Students

Becoming a tutor for students is an excellent side hustle for those who want to help shape the future of healthcare.

You can work around your schedule as a nursing tutor, providing invaluable assistance in medical coding, pharmacology, anatomy, and nursing theory.

This role involves more than just helping students pass their exams; it’s about imparting knowledge and skills crucial for their future careers in nursing.

Platforms like Hey Tutor are great places to start, connecting you with students who can benefit greatly from your expertise and experience.

18. Lactation Consultant

As a lactation consultant, you’ve got a special role, stepping in as a maternal care provider to help new moms during one of the most important times in their lives.

You’re there as a guide, a supporter, and sometimes even a confidant, helping these moms navigate the often overwhelming world of infant care.

You’ll be using your nursing expertise to tailor advice for each unique situation, addressing their challenges and concerns with breastfeeding.

But it’s not just the technical stuff; you’re also there to offer emotional support, where new moms feel they can turn to you for guidance and reassurance.

19. Immunization Nurse

As an immunization nurse, you’re crucial in safeguarding public health. Your job involves administering vaccinations and immunizations to prevent serious and contagious diseases.

By offering these vital healthcare services to the community, you’re contributing to your community’s overall health and well-being.

Working as an immunization nurse is more than just a side gig; it’s a meaningful way to apply your nursing skills for the greater good.

20. Phlebotomist

If you’re a nurse looking for a side hustle that allows you to utilize your skills while earning extra income, consider becoming a phlebotomist.

Phlebotomy is a specialized field of nursing that offers a valuable source of additional income while directly contributing to patient care.

As a phlebotomist, your primary responsibility is drawing blood from patients for various purposes, such as medical testing, transfusions, donations, and research.

21. Birth Assitant/Doula

Supporting expectant mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum as a birth assistant or doula is more than just a side hustle – it’s a journey of care and compassion.

Your role is about providing tailored support, reassurance, and guidance, ensuring that mothers have a safe and positive childbirth experience that aligns with their expectations.

Your nursing skills become the guiding light for new families, offering support that can’t be measured in dollars. It’s a role where your heart and expertise come together to create beautiful beginnings.

FAQs

How much do nurses make per year?

Nurse salaries can be a bit of a mixed bag, and it’s all tied to a few key factors. First, there’s the type of nursing gig you’re in, and then there’s where you’re doing it.

Now, when it comes to per diem nurses, they’re in a unique boat. They don’t always pull in the same steady paycheck as full-time folks.

Instead, they often earn competitive pay ranging from around $20 to $40 or even higher. Of course, the final number depends on where you’re working and your nursing specialty.

How can nurses make extra money?

Nurses have several ways to increase their income using their nursing education with a side job. Here are some different nursing side jobs:

Per Diem Nursing: Taking on per diem or PRN shifts alongside their regular job offers flexibility and extra earnings.
Travel Nursing: Exploring travel nursing opportunities can be a lucrative way to earn more while experiencing different locations.
Specialized Nursing Roles: Exploring niche roles such as immunization nurses, telehealth nurses, or maternal care providers can bring additional income.
Additional Shifts: Many healthcare facilities offer opportunities for nurses to work extra shifts, boosting their income.
Agency Nursing: Joining nursing agencies provides access to temporary assignments and travel nursing positions with higher pay rates.
Home Healthcare: Providing in-home healthcare services can be another way to earn additional money.

What are good side hustles for nurses?

Here are some excellent side hustle side hustles for nurses to make money in addition to their full-time jobs:

Medical Writing: Writing healthcare-related content, such as articles, blog posts, or educational materials, enables nurses to share their insights and earn from their expertise.
Health Coaching: Using nursing knowledge to become a health coach can involve guiding individuals toward improved physical and mental well-being.
Tutoring: Assisting nursing students or healthcare professionals in their studies and exam preparations can be financially and personally rewarding.
Online Education: Developing and teaching online courses in nursing-related subjects is a way to share knowledge and earn income.
Medical Transcription: Transcribing medical records and documents from audio recordings offers a unique way to use medical expertise for extra money.
Investments: Diversifying income through investments like stocks, real estate, or other financial instruments can help nurses build long-term wealth.

Final Thoughts

As a nurse, you have a world of opportunities for side hustles that bring in extra income and promote professional growth.

Whether searching for flexible remote jobs or those closely aligned with your nursing expertise, the key is finding the fit that suits your skills, interests, and schedule.

Take your time to look into the side hustle options we’ve explored in this blog post, and consider proofreading or writing about your nursing career to earn extra income.

Remember, the journey towards maximizing your earning potential can be as fulfilling as the destination itself- pick a side hustle you’ll enjoy!