In recent years, side hustles have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. They offer a way for a person with an entrepreneurial spirit to earn extra income, build skills, and explore new passions outside one’s primary career.
Nurses, in particular, are known for their tireless work ethic and commitment to helping others. However, with the stress of bureaucracy and the physical demands that working in a hospital can place on a nurse, nurses are more and more interested in finding side hustles instead of taking on more shifts/overtime.
Fortunately, nurses can pursue numerous flexible, lucrative nursing side hustles, from per diem shifts to cosmetic injectors to clinical trial nursing.
This article will explore some of the best side hustle opportunities for nurses looking to expand their horizons and increase their earning potential. Whether you’re a seasoned nurse or just starting your career, there’s sure to be a side hustle that fits your interests and schedule.
Per Diem Shifts
A per diem shift is a shift that a nurse can take on a flexible, as-needed basis. Per diem nurses are not employed full-time but are called upon to work when additional staffing is needed. As a side hustle, per diem shifts, allow nurses to earn extra money using existing skills without committing to a full-time schedule.
First Aid and CPR Instructor
As healthcare professionals, nurses are highly trained in life-saving techniques and equipped to teach others how to respond to emergencies. CPR and first aid courses are always in high demand, and there is always a need for qualified instructors. As a result, a nurse who becomes a CPR instructor can expect a steady stream of income on their terms, setting their hours. Finally, teaching CPR and first aid can be a rewarding experience as it allows nurses to educate and empower others to save lives.
Cosmetic Injector/Med Spa Nurse
Becoming a cosmetic injector or opening a med spa is an excellent option for nurses seeking a flexible, lucrative side hustle. With the growth of the med spa industry, there is a high demand for qualified injectors who can provide services such as Botox or dermal fillers. As a nurse, you have a solid medical background and training that can make you an ideal candidate for this type of work. Additionally, working in this field allows you to set your hours and work around your primary nursing job or other commitments. As one of the top side hustles for nurses, working as a cosmetic injector or at a med spa can be a lucrative way to supplement your income while offering a valuable service to clients seeking aesthetic enhancements.
Medical Transcriptionist
Taking on medical transcription can be an excellent nursing side hustle. Medical transcriptionists play a crucial role in the healthcare industry, as they are responsible for transcribing medical reports and patient information accurately. This job can often be done remotely, which provides the flexibility to work from home, allowing you to balance other responsibilities, such as family or a full-time nursing job. Additionally, transcriptionist work typically involves setting your own hours, allowing you to work around your primary nursing schedule. As a side hustle, medical transcription can offer an excellent source of supplementary income while allowing you to maintain your work-life balance.
Teach or Tutor Nursing Students
As a nurse, you have the skills and knowledge to help nursing students navigate their coursework, clinical placements, and board exams. You can help students struggling with complex concepts or provide additional support to those who need it. It also provides a valuable opportunity for professional development, as tutoring enables you to hone your communication, leadership, and teaching skills. Overall, this is an excellent option for nurses looking to earn extra income while positively impacting the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Provide Telehealth Care
Telehealthcare involves providing healthcare services remotely through video or telephone consultations. This includes health coaching, remote patient monitoring, and medication management. Telehealth care is becoming increasingly popular due to its convenience, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. It can also be an excellent side hustle for nurses, allowing them to work remotely and set their schedules.
Travel Nurse
Travel nursing is a unique opportunity for nurses who enjoy adventure and are looking for a change of pace. As a travel nurse, you’ll work temporarily in different healthcare facilities nationwide, filling in during staff shortages or providing specialized care. You’ll have the chance to explore new places, meet new people, and gain experience in various healthcare settings. Travel nursing offers excellent pay and benefits, including bonuses, travel reimbursement, and housing allowances. However, it’s important to note that travel nursing can be challenging and requires high flexibility and adaptability. If you’re a nurse who enjoys adventure, is adaptable, and wants to earn a higher income, then travel nursing could be an excellent side hustle.
Lactation Consultant
Nurses deeply understand anatomy, physiology, and nutrition, which are critical in helping new mothers breastfeed their babies successfully. Nurses also naturally connect with patients and provide compassionate care, which is essential in a lactation consultation. They can help new mothers troubleshoot common issues like latching problems, sore nipples, and low milk supply, and offer advice on breastfeeding positions, pumping, and storing breast milk. Additionally, nurses have experience working in healthcare settings and can collaborate with physicians, midwives, and other healthcare providers to ensure that new mothers receive comprehensive care.
Freelance Health Writer
Nurses make excellent health writers due to their extensive medical knowledge and experience working in healthcare settings. Health writers typically work for healthcare organizations, medical publishers, and pharmaceutical companies, creating content that communicates complex medical information to the general public clearly, concisely, and engagingly. Nurses’ familiarity with medical terminology, scientific research, and healthcare trends makes them well-suited to convey accurate and informative health-related information to a diverse audience. Furthermore, their ability to communicate with patients and healthcare professionals allows them to write with empathy and understanding.
How to choose the best side hustles for you as a nurse
Here’s a short guide on how to choose the best side hustle as a nurse:
- Consider your interests and skills: Choose a side hustle that aligns with your interests and strengths. For instance, if you enjoy teaching, consider tutoring nursing students, or if you’re skilled in writing, consider freelance health writing.
- Assess your availability: Determine how much time you can devote to a side hustle and whether it fits in with your primary nursing job and other responsibilities.
- Look for flexibility: Consider side hustles that offer flexibility regarding hours, location, and work arrangements. This can include options like per diem shifts or telehealth care.
- Research the demand and earning potential: Research the market and assess the need for various side hustles. Consider the earning possibility and whether it aligns with your financial goals.
- Explore opportunities in your local community: Consider opportunities in your local community, such as camp nursing or immunization nursing.
- Evaluate your professional goals: Choose a side hustle that aligns with your long-term career goals and can provide professional growth and development opportunities.
Choosing the best side hustle as a nurse involves assessing your skills, availability, and professional goals and finding opportunities that provide flexibility and align with your interests and financial needs.
