Ways Nurses Can Use Their Skills to Earn Extra Income (2024)

As a nurse, finding additional sources of income can be a common goal. In fact, a survey revealed that 50% of American nurses have a side hustle. Whether you’re looking to boost your budget, expand your skills, or explore different fields, there are plenty of side hustles available for registered nurses. Here are 15 side hustle ideas that can help you leverage your nursing experience and earn some extra income.

1. Adjunct nursing instructor: Teach intro-level classes at nursing colleges on a semester-by-semester basis. Reach out to local nursing schools or online programs to inquire about open positions.

2. Camp nurse: Provide on-site medical care at seasonal gatherings such as summer camps for kids or business retreats for adults. This role allows you to step outside the traditional healthcare setting.

3. Child care worker: Use your nursing credentials to stand out as a babysitter or nanny. Offer your services to friends and family, or sign up with organizations like Sittercity and Care.com to connect with parents in need.

4. Clinical research nurse: Assist in coordinating clinical research trials by recruiting patients, administering treatment, collecting data, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Look for opportunities at healthcare facilities or through networking with other nurses.

5. Consultant: Share your expertise in the healthcare industry by providing insights and guidance to organizations seeking to improve their operations. Your nursing background can be valuable in various settings, from healthcare organizations to film and TV productions.

6. CPR/first aid instructor: Offer training in life-saving procedures to local businesses and organizations. Your clinical experience makes you a trusted resource for teaching these essential skills.

7. Health coach: Work one-on-one with clients to help them achieve their health goals. Consider obtaining a health coaching certification to enhance your services and specialize in areas like fitness coaching or lactation consulting.

8. Health writer: Utilize your writing skills to freelance for health websites, blogs, and publications. As a subject matter expert, you can review health-related content for accuracy and credibility.

9. Home care nurse: Provide healthcare services to patients in their homes, offering assistance with daily activities and medical treatments. This role is especially common among elderly individuals and those with long-term illnesses.

10. Immunization nurse: Administer vaccinations part-time in hospitals, clinics, or pharmacies. This role is in high demand during flu season and may also involve on-site vaccination services for workplaces and schools.

11. Medical transcriber: Decode medical terminology in audio or video recordings to create written documents. Your nursing education equips you with the knowledge needed to accurately transcribe medical content.

12. Medical survey taker: Earn extra income by participating in paid medical surveys from home. Websites like ZoomRx and MedSurvey seek healthcare providers to share their insights through surveys.

13. Per diem nurse: Fill in as supplemental staff at hospitals on short notice to respond to increased patient traffic. Per diem nurses often receive higher wages due to the last-minute nature of the shifts.

14. Telehealth nurse: Provide remote healthcare services to patients via video conferencing. This role allows you to continue your nursing career from home and assist patients who may have limited access to in-person care.

15. Tutor: Share your expertise by tutoring nursing students preparing for exams like the NCLEX-RN. Offer one-on-one or group tutoring services to help future nurses succeed.

In conclusion, nurses have a wide range of side hustle options available to them, allowing them to leverage their skills and experience in various ways. Whether you choose to teach, provide care, conduct research, or offer consulting services, there are opportunities to earn extra income while making a difference in different fields. Consider exploring these side hustle ideas to find the best fit for your interests and goals as a nurse.