By Teresa Burgess, MS, RN

According to the United States Census Bureau, the number of people holding two or more jobs has increased over the last twenty years. More than any other field, those in healthcare look for extra income outside their regular jobs.

Financial pressures and a high-stress work environment may have you looking for low-stress income opportunities. If you love nursing but want to avoid burnout or a career change, consider exploring side hustles tailored for nurses. As a nurse, you already have sought-after skills that translate into many areas of potential employment.

Why Nurses Seek Side Hustles

Rising living costs, inflation, and economic uncertainty drive the need for more income streams. Navigating these financial pressures can be especially challenging for nurses. Many nurses seek more manageable side hustles when dealing with healthcare’s high-stress assignments, limited resources, and long shifts. With some creative juices, you can explore fun ways to supplement your income without risking burnout.

Creative Side Hustle Ideas for Nurses

Pursuing a profitable side gig can significantly increase your earning potential beyond your primary nursing job. While balancing a demanding nursing career with a side hustle may feel challenging, the right opportunities can help you bring in flexible extra income and expand your skill set. Here are a few ideas.

-Telehealth consulting: This side hustle is one that nurses can do on their days off or in the evenings. Telehealth roles may include remote patient monitoring, telephonic triage, telehealth case management, and eConsult nursing.

-Education: Mentoring and tutoring nursing students or teaching classes on specific healthcare subjects may provide extra money. Nurses can also tutor undergraduate health and science classes. Consider leading prenatal or breastfeeding classes. Another great option is teaching CPR or first aid by obtaining instructor certification through the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. Graduate degree holders may find extra work as adjunct nursing instructors on a part-time or contract basis.

-Medical transcription: This job involves transcribing healthcare providers’ voice recordings into electronic reports and ensuring accurate medical records. As a nurse, your knowledge of medical terminology and confidentiality regulations makes you well-suited for this role.

-Health or life coaching: Healthcare workers can make extra income by assisting clients in setting health goals, developing personalized meal or exercise plans, and offering ongoing mental health support. Coaching sessions occur in person or online, making it convenient for busy nurses to fit into their schedules. Along with being profitable, it’s a fulfilling way to make a difference in people’s lives.

-Freelance health writing: Nurses can earn flexible extra income through freelance medical writing. Along with expertise, nurses are well-suited to creating content like articles and blogs for healthcare websites, pharmaceutical companies, and educational institutions. Start by building a portfolio, pitching to clients, and growing your reputation as a reliable medical writer. The flexible hours make it easy to work on projects during days off or between shifts.

-Camp nurse: Camp nurses are care providers at nature camps, retreats, and other outdoor venues. They administer medications, offer basic medical treatment, and give counsel on when attendees need to seek further medical attention. Camp nurses handle patient care, maintain medical records, manage supplies, coordinate patient transfers for advanced care when necessary, and oversee ancillary staff.

-Nurse blogger/influencer: Nurse influencers use social media to share their knowledge and promote health and wellness. Nursing influencers raise public awareness of their profession while communicating important information. One note of caution is that you’ll need to watch out for potential HIPAA violations, so don’t share images or videos of patients without authorization. Becoming a successful blogger/influencer takes time and requires you to reach out to companies, form partnerships, and follow social media algorithms.

-Medical aesthetics: More people are exploring nonsurgical options to enhance their appearance and boost their self-confidence. This need creates opportunities for trained nurses to take on side jobs providing treatments like Botox, laser procedures, or chemical peels. The aesthetics field makes a great part-time job and has grown exponentially in recent years.

-Immunization nurse: Vaccination clinics, community health organizations, and local health centers hire nurses to administer immunizations. Whether working in an immunization clinic, pharmacy, or mobile vaccine unit, these nurses promote public health.

Side Hustles Outside of the Healthcare Field

If you’re looking for a side hustle that will boost your finances but is not in healthcare, consider exploring other part-time options like the following:

-Online chatting in customer service

-Dog walking or pet sitting

-Childcare

-Making money with affiliate links on Pinterest or other social media platforms

-Podcasting

-Taking medical surveys (e.g.,MedSurvey Community or M3 Global Research

-Instacart shopping

-Food delivery with Uber Eats, Postmates, or DoorDash

-Recording voiceovers

-Proofreading

-Starting an eBay or OfferUp business flipping thrift store items for cash

-Renting out an extra bedroom or apartment on Airbnb

-Another option is to create a “handmade” business. If you have a talent for crafting or DIY projects, try making and selling crafts on Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, or at craft fairs. This type of business involves producing and selling items like bath bombs, soaps, candles, jewelry, lotions, or sewn items like face masks, surgical hair covers, and scrubs.

The possibilities are endless. But beware of multilevel marketing schemes and coaching programs that try to convince you to invest in their “foolproof” systems or salon, real estate, or tax services that require expensive education, licensing, or certification.

Balancing a Side Hustle with Your Nursing Career

Adding a side hustle to your nursing career can make achieving a work-life balance challenging. The goal is to choose a low-stress side hustle with income-producing opportunities that work with your primary nursing role. Here are some tips for success:

-Delegate tasks whenever possible to lighten your workload.

-Network and build a supportive community with colleagues who are juggling multiple roles.

-Set aside time for activities that you enjoy.

-Make sure to allocate time for rest and self-care to avoid burning out.

Finding the Right Fit for Your Skills and Lifestyle

While providing flexible income for nurses, every potential side hustle has pros and cons. They all require time management and creative skills. A nurse’s work-life balance is crucial.

Social media, technology, and creative minds have led to scores of ways healthcare workers can earn extra income. A side hustle doesn’t need to come at the expense of your physical or mental health. As you research and evaluate side hustles for nurses, make sure they align with your individual strengths and available time and find opportunities that match your skills, interests, and goals —and only pursue extra income opportunities that prioritize and protect your well-being.