Earning a little extra cash can lead to big gains toward securing your financial freedom.
The nursing field has skyrocketed in recent years and is poised for continuous growth. Although nursing jobs pay comparatively well in the US, earning additional income is always a plus.
Having a supplemental income stream or side hustle can make a substantial impact on your finances. Approximately half of all working Americans have a side hustle outside of their primary jobs. This means roughly 60 million people are working a side gig, and most of them are doing so to try to make ends meet.
At Trusted, we know that nurses are skilled, talented, and resourceful. And these nursing skills translate incredibly well to other opportunities and roles. If you’ve been wondering how to make extra money as a nurse, we’ve got you covered!
Keep reading to find out what the best side hustles for nurses are, what skills to capitalize on, and our top tips to turn these ideas into reality. Just think of what you could do with a little (or a lot) of extra money! Now, let's dig into the leading side jobs for registered nurses.
Transferable Skills of Nurses
You’ve developed an incredibly valuable skill set during your time as a nurse. And these in-demand skills transfer to other roles seamlessly! Don’t believe us? Here are some examples of things you do on a daily basis as a nurse (probably without even thinking about it!) that are highly desired and set you up to succeed in a wide range of side gigs for nurses.
Communication
As a nurse, you’ve developed excellent communication skills. Being able to skillfully communicate with a wide range of patients, physicians, and team members has undoubtedly saved lives! Nurses have unparalleled communication abilities that allow them to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds, and be successful in just about any side hustle.
Problem-solving
Problems will always need to be solved, no matter where your career takes you. And nurses excel at this. No problem is too big or too small for a nurse to tackle. Nurses are intelligent, savvy, and resourceful- and they know to ask for help when needed. Being able to solve problems both independently and as a team are highly desired traits.
Attention to detail
Nurses are experts at picking up on subtle changes and small details that can make a huge difference. Your insight, awareness, and critical eye makes you a top candidate for many nursing side jobs! Use your skills to expand into a wide range of opportunities that can create additional income and lead to professional growth.
Adaptability
Being able to adapt to an unexpected change in routine, pattern, or schedule is tough! If you’ve spent even a day as a nurse, you know how quickly even the most well thought out plans can change. A day not going as planned is the norm as a nurse, not the exception. The ability to adapt is huge, and it comes naturally for nurses.
Side Hustles For Registered Nurses
Whatever your financial situation may be, there’s a side gig out there for you. Below are 8 of the best nursing side hustle opportunities that can help boost your bottom line (especially if you’re looking to retire wealthier than a doctor)!
Paid Medical Surveys
One of the easiest ways to earn extra cash and use your clinical expertise is completing paid medical market surveys. Options include online surveys, online focus groups, telephone studies, and in-person focus groups.
Nurses’ opinions are highly valued and imperative for medical device, diagnostic, drug, pharmaceutical, and healthcare technology companies. Healthcare panels are always seeking new members to join their database of respondents.
How to get started today (requirements vary):
- Sign up to receive emails to complete surveys (credentials are verified)
- Once you receive an acceptance email, thoroughly complete your profile
- Survey emails will identify the topic, estimated time to complete, and amount of compensation offered
- Surveys will be relevant to your title and specific areas of expertise
- Receive payment by check or PayPal
Below are a few reputable survey companies to consider:
Immunization Nurse
Administering flu shots as an immunization nurse is another great way to earn additional income.
Immunization nurses work in a variety of locations. They can choose to work part-time, seasonally, or on an as-needed basis. COVID-19 has led to additional approaches for giving immunizations, which opens up even more nursing job opportunities. This includes drive-through clinics, curbside clinics, mobile outreach units, and home visits. Immunization nursing pay ranges from $20.00 to $45.00 per hour or more.
How to get started today (requirements vary):
Must have a RN or LVN/LPN license in nursing, a CPR certification, and at least one year of healthcare experience administering vaccinations.
- Have excellent customer service, computer, written, and verbal communication skills
- Check for available jobs on nursing job sites, schools, doctor’s offices, and specialty clinics (ex. CVS, Kroger, Walmart)
Freelance Health Writer
Nurses who enjoy sharing their clinical insights and expertise through writing may find that becoming a freelance health writer is the perfect side hustle. Many companies seek out nurse writers for their invaluable knowledge, skills, and experience.
Writing clients often need fresh content for a variety of mediums:
- Ongoing website content
- Company blogs
- Nursing and educational curriculum
- Online journal articles
- Email marketing campaigns
- Patient-focused brochures
- Online magazine content
Freelance health writers also have the flexibility to set their own hours, determine their pay rates, choose their clients, and work from anywhere.
How to get started today:
- Determine your nursing specialty area
- Set up an email address and Paypal account
- Create great writing samples
- Guest post on health and healthcare websites
- Create a website and post your articles there
- Set up a free writing portfolio on Contently
- Network with other nurse writers (ex. Facebook, LinkedIn)
- Find nurse writer jobs (ex. Freelance Writing Gigs, Indeed, Scripted, Upwork)
Telehealth Nurse
Telehealth nursing is an evolving role that typically consists of providing healthcare services through video conferencing and online communication tools. Telehealth nurses use these technologies to evaluate patients remotely and help them manage their health, illness, or injury.
According to the American Medical Association (AMA), telehealth (along with dozens of other remote nursing jobs) growth has accelerated by 53% since 2017. The AMA is working to ensure that this growth continues, as it improves access to quality care and results in more efficient health care systems and better patient outcomes.
This surge in telehealth and telemedicine creates plentiful job opportunities for nurses.
How to get started today (requirements vary):
Nurses must have three to five years of RN experience, an unrestricted RN license (may require a compact multi-state license), and a clean background check.
- Have strong computer skills and a high-speed internet connection
- Apply for positions on popular nurse job boards (ex. Indeed, Flexjobs, Nurse.com)
Sell Your Scrubs and Nurse Gear
As a nurse, you likely have a collection of scrubs, jackets, books, and equipment that you no longer need or use. Instead of letting these items gather dust, why not turn them into an opportunity to earn extra money? Selling gently used nursing gear is not only a great way to declutter your home but also helps other nurses and healthcare professionals save money. Here’s how to make the most out of selling your scrubs and nurse gear:
Preferred Platforms for Selling:
eBay: A popular choice for a wide range of items, eBay offers the ability to auction your items or sell them at a fixed price. It's particularly good for unique or high-demand items.
Poshmark: This fashion-focused platform is excellent for selling designer scrubs and high-quality nurse gear. It has a social aspect, allowing you to build a following.
Mercari: A user-friendly app that simplifies the selling process. Mercari is suitable for various items, including nursing gear.
Facebook Marketplace: Ideal for selling locally, Facebook Marketplace can help you avoid shipping costs and sell directly to fellow nurses in your community.
Tips for Setting Your Prices
- Research similar items on your chosen platform to get an idea of the going rates.
- Consider the condition, brand, and demand for your items. Rare or high-end brands can often fetch a higher price.
- Start with a slightly higher price than the minimum you're willing to accept. This gives you some room to negotiate with potential buyers.
Platforms to Avoid
Avoid platforms with high fees that might eat into your profits unnecessarily. Each platform charges differently, so choose one that offers the best net gain.
Be cautious of platforms with poor protections for sellers. Look for platforms that offer secure payments and protect you from scams.
Best Practices for Selling Online
- Take Clear Photos: Good, clear photos are crucial. Take pictures of your items in natural light from multiple angles. Show any signs of wear or unique features.
- Write Detailed Descriptions: Include the brand, size, color, condition, and any other relevant details. Use keywords that potential buyers might use when searching for items like yours.
- Be Honest: If there are any signs of wear or defects, mention them in the description. Honesty builds trust and helps avoid disputes.
- Respond Promptly: Be active and respond to inquiries promptly. Good communication can be the deciding factor for buyers choosing between listings.
By following these tips and choosing the right platform, you can successfully sell your scrubs and nurse gear, making extra money while helping others in your profession. This not only supports the nursing community but also promotes sustainability by giving your gear a second life.
Adjunct Nursing Faculty/Professor
The increased need for nurses means the need for knowledgeable and passionate faculty readying nursing students to action. Do you find reward in working with others and helping shaping not only the mentality of future nurses, but also core training? Adjunct faculty teaching could be a great side venture for you, even if only for an academic semester or quarter. Many Associate Science of Nursing and Bachelor Science of Nursing academic programs require their instructors to hold a minimum of a BSN, and in some states, a minimum set amount of time holding/practicing with the RN license in order to be qualified to teach.
How to get started today:
- Reach out to faculty connections from your nursing education- do you know if they know of any positions, or might they know of anyone looking for a teaching assistant?
- Document any research and/or scholarly publications you participated in during your academic tenure to become a nurse.
- Browse open positions through LinkedIn, Indeed, and other job hunting sites. Make sure to pay attention to the needs/details of the position.
Universal Side Gigs to Increase Income
Looking for ways to supplement your income isn't limited to any one profession; it's a universal pursuit. Whether you're a nurse with a hectic schedule or someone from a completely different field, the gig economy offers a wide array of opportunities to generate extra cash. These side gigs, ranging from leveraging your living space to engaging in pet care, require no specialized skills unique to healthcare, making them perfect for anyone ready to dive into something new. Dive into the diverse options below to find out how you can enhance your income, embrace new experiences, and enjoy the flexibility these opportunities bring to your life.
Rent out Your Space
Do you have a spare bedroom, basement apartment, or loft over the garage? If so, this could be a viable money-making opportunity. Airbnb is an online marketplace that connects property owners with travelers.
How to get started today:
- Submit information about your available space, location, and size
- List your area for free on the site
- Decide how you want to host
- Once your listing is live, guests can start contacting you
You will get paid within 24 hours of a guest arriving at your property. Many people around the globe earn their primary income just by renting out their extra space every month.
Pet Sitting/Dog Walking as a Side Gig
Feeling stress or burnout from your day job? The mood-lifting power of pets combined with an additional income stream could be your side gig solution.
Along with helping you earn some quick cash, providing pet sitting or dog walking services may also positively benefit your mental health. Science has shown being around dogs and cats can lower your heart rate and reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
Over 48 million households in the United States have dogs as pets. That’s a lot of dogs that need love and attention.
In-home and overnight pet sitting is done at the client’s house or the sitter’s home. Usually, the sitter stays at the client’s house to feed, water, walk, play with, and watch over the pets each night.
Dog walking involves going to a client’s home for short walks, feeding and watering pets, and providing love and playtime. After all, what’s more fun than playing with furry friends?
How to get started today:
- Advertise services to your neighborhood, Facebook groups, and family and friends
Here are some websites for pet sitters and people looking for pet care:
Finding the Time For Your Side Hustle
Now that you’ve got some ideas for side jobs, use your excellent time management skills to bring these dreams into reality. We know that you can wisely plan your time to fit it all in, and it's often easier than you think!
Many nursing side jobs have flexible hours. Working even a few additional hours a week can lead to extra spending money, a padded savings account, and long-term financial gain. You enjoy the ability to be completely in control of your schedule if you pursue surveys, writing, and selling scrubs and gear. These side hustles are also often done from the comfort of your own home.
Telehealth and immunization nursing schedules are flexible as well and typically offer shorter working hours than a traditional 12-hour bedside shift. Imagine how quick a 4, 6, or 8-hour shift will feel in comparison! Telehealth nursing can often be done from home, saving valuable time otherwise spent commuting.
Nursing offers unparalleled career and scheduling flexibility. You have the option to work full-time, part-time, or PRN - as staff or as a travel nurse! You can also work non-traditional hours, leaving more time to pursue your side hustle, passions, or other interests. Nursing schedule flexibility offers plenty of opportunities to fit in a side hustle here or there.
Final Thoughts on Side Hustles for Nurses
In the world of nursing, embracing a side hustle can be a brilliant strategy for nurses to augment their income while also expanding their skill set, exploring new career paths, or even channeling their creativity. Unlike traditional staff nurses, travel nurses often enjoy more control over their calendar throughout the year, granting them unique opportunities to pursue side hustles that align with their passions and professional goals. This flexibility not only allows for additional income streams, but also offers a fulfilling way to utilize their diverse skills and interests.
Travel nursing through Trusted Health could be the gateway to exploring new places and experiences while also to discovering rewarding side hustles that complement your nursing career. It's an exceptional chance to blend the excitement of travel with the fulfillment of professional growth and personal development.
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