22 Side Hustles That Are Perfect For Nurses ($25/Hour)

As nurses, you guys rock with your awesome medical skills and dedication to caring for others through those long shifts. 

Your medical know-how opens up some cool side gig opportunities that not everyone can do, like turning medical records into text or looking after kiddos and seniors.

So, let’s dive into the top side hustles for nurses that make the most of your medical background.

I’ve also got some ideas for side gigs that can help you earn extra cash without tapping into your medical expertise.

22 Best Side Hustles for Nurses

  1. First Aid and CPR Instructor 
  2. Medical Writer
  3. Concierge Nurse Service
  4. Psychotherapy Talk Show
  5. Become a Travel Nurse
  6. Free Space on AirBnB
  7. Become a Private Duty Nurse
  8. Start an Etsy Shop
  9. Become a Health Coach
  10. Tutoring Students
  11. Medical Focus Groups
  12. Medical Transcribers 
  13. Fitness Industry
  14. Legal Industry
  15. Elderly or Childcare
  16. Immunization Nurse
  17. Telehealth care
  18. Nursing Work
  19. Phlebotomist
  20. Healthcare Social Media Management
  21. Medical Resume Writing 
  22. Petcare

First Aid and CPR Instructor 

First Aid and CPR Instructor 

First up on my list of unique and rewarding side hustles for nurses is becoming a first aid and CPR instructor

With your medical background, you’re perfectly suited to teach these life-saving skills to others.

Some of the pros of this side hustle include the rewarding feeling of empowering people to save lives, the chance to work directly with students, and the flexibility to decide your schedule during your free time. 

On the flip side, you might face some cons, such as needing additional certifications and the challenge of finding clients in a smaller market.

If you’re passionate about teaching others essential skills, this is a fantastic option….

As a CPR and first aid instructor, you’ll give in-person lessons, guiding students through the steps they need to take in emergencies or when someone’s injured.

While you might have to follow set class schedules, you can still choose when to hold your classes within reasonable hours. 

You’ll likely need a first aid or CPR instructor certification, but if you love connecting with people, teaching these vital skills to groups of students can be incredibly fulfilling. 

So, why not explore this often-overlooked side hustle and make a real difference in people’s lives?

Medical Writer

If you’re into writing and have a knack for words, why not consider using your nursing background to create health-related content? 

Freelance writing can be a super rewarding side gig, and your medical expertise gives you an edge in the competitive world of content creation.

As a freelance health writer, you’ll enjoy the freedom to work whenever it suits you and decide how much work you want to tackle…

Plus, with your nursing experience, you’ll be able to write engaging and informative articles about health topics.

Of course, you’ll need to have some writing chops and might need to build up a portfolio to impress potential clients. 

This could mean starting a health blog or writing for free (or at a lower rate) until you have enough samples to showcase your skills. 

But don’t worry – with a little persistence, you’ll be well on your way to landing higher-paying healthcare writing gigs and making the most of your unique background!




Concierge Nurse Service

Are you a nurse looking for side hustles for nurses that allows you to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives? 

Consider starting a concierge nurse service. A concierge nurse service is a nurse agency that provides personal service and care to clients and patients…

The goal of these agencies is to give the elderly, those in the hospital, and group facilities the right care they need.

As a nurse, you have the skills and knowledge to make a real difference in the lives of those you serve…

You can provide one-on-one attention and care to those who need it most, ensuring that they receive the best possible care. 

Whether it’s helping an elderly person manage their medications or ensuring that residents of a group facility receive the care they need. A concierge nurse service offers you a unique opportunity to make a difference.

To start a concierge nurse service, you’ll need to research the market and find out what services are in high demand. 

You’ll also need to create a business plan and secure the necessary licenses and insurance…

But with the right preparation and dedication, you can turn your passion for nursing into a successful side hustle.

Psychotherapy Talk Show

Psychotherapy

Do you have a passion for helping people improve their mental health? 

If so, consider starting a psychotherapy talk show. It is the best side hustles for nurses.

A psychotherapy talk show focuses on helping people with a wide variety of mental illnesses and emotional difficulties. 

You can discuss topics like coping with daily life, the impact of trauma, medical diseases, loss of a loved one, and many other areas.

Starting a psychotherapy talk show offers you the opportunity to reach a large audience and make a difference in their lives. 

You can start a podcast and reach people all over the world or partner with a popular radio station in your area to leverage their existing audience. 

By sharing your knowledge and expertise, you can help people eliminate and control troubling symptoms, so they can function better and increase their well-being and healing.

To start a psychotherapy talk show, you’ll need to research the market and identify what topics are in high demand. 

You’ll also need to create a solid plan for your show, including the format, guests, and schedule.

Additionally, you may want to consider investing in high-quality equipment to ensure that your show sounds professional.

With the right preparation and dedication, you can turn your passion for helping people improve their mental health into a successful side hustle. 

So don’t wait any longer, start making a difference in people’s lives today!

Become a Travel Nurse

Fancy combining your love for travel and nursing? 

Becoming a travel nurse might just be the perfect side hustles for nurses! 

Travel nurses offer short-term services in places where extra medical help is needed. Giving you the chance to explore new locations and make a difference for patients who may not have access to enough healthcare resources.

Keep in mind that travel nursing involves on-site work, unlike some other side gigs I’ve mentioned.

You might be away from home for weeks at a time, so it’s not for everyone…

But if you’re up for the adventure and can work with this schedule, travel nursing can be super rewarding and comes with competitive pay.

To make your search for opportunities easier, you can check out apps like Nomad Health. Which will help you find travel nursing gigs that suit your preferences. 

Happy travels and happy nursing!




Free Space on AirBnb

If you’ve got some extra space lying around and want a nearly hands-free way to make some additional cash, Airbnb might be the perfect fit for you. 

You could earn thousands a year by renting out your home, apartment, or even just an extra room, particularly if you’re in a sought-after location.

Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind to make it a success on Airbnb. 

You’ll need to market your space, address tenant concerns, and ensure cleanliness between guests.

Plus, your space should be appealing, and you’ll need to be comfortable with others using your rooms or sharing common areas.

The best part? 

This side hustle can work beautifully alongside your role as a travel nurse…

While you’re away offering nursing services in different locations, you can rent out your space and earn money simultaneously. Sounds like a win-win to me!

Also Read: 97 Insanely Lucrative Side Hustles for 2023

Become a Private Duty Nurse

Private Duty Nurse

Are you a nurse looking for side hustles for nurses that allows you to provide one-on-one care to patients in need? 

Then, becoming a private duty nurse might be just what you’re looking for! 

As a private duty nurse, you’ll be responsible for taking care of the daily needs of patients who are homebound or in institutions like hospitals, nursing homes, or other facilities.

This role involves tasks like bathing, feeding, and maintaining personal hygiene for your patients.

Some private duty nurses even live with the patient’s family in their home, and may work long hours.

To become a private duty nurse, you’ll need to earn either a registered nursing (RN) degree or a licensed practical nurse (LPN) degree. 

With 2-3 years of relevant experience, registered nurses can then pursue their career as private duty nurses. Obtaining advanced certifications can also open up even more career opportunities.

Private duty nurses are usually hired by an individual or an agency, and they work at a patient’s private residence. 

They are paid by the individual, and the career scope of private nursing practice is expected to grow by 7% in the coming years due to the increased aging population and need for home care. 

In the US, registered private nurses can earn around $25+ per hour, or approximately $4,000 per month.

Start Your Etsy Shop

Do you have a creative side that you’re looking to explore? 

Then, starting an Etsy shop might be the perfect side hustle for you! 

Etsy has been around for over a decade, and it’s become increasingly popular for artists, entrepreneurs, and consumers.

The platform started as a place for crafters to sell their supplies and handmade goods, but now it’s a venue for small businesses of all kinds to sell their products. 

Whether you’re just starting your shop or looking to expand your reach, there are many different ways to succeed on Etsy. 

With tips and advice from experienced Etsy sellers, you’ll soon be on your way to success!

Become a Health Coach

Are you passionate about helping others live healthier lives? Health coaching might be the perfect side hustles for nurses! 

As a health coach, you can empower your clients to take charge of their wellbeing and support them on their health journeys.

The best part? 

You can offer your services right from your phone! 

Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are great places to market your health coaching services and connect with potential clients. 

Plus, if you want to expand your reach, you can also use platforms like Mindbody Business to make it even easier for people to find you.

To give yourself the best chance of finding work as a health coach, you may also want to consider getting a certification in health coaching. 

This will show potential clients that you’re an expert in your field and will give you the skills and confidence you need to help people make lasting lifestyle changes.

Depending on the type of coaching you offer, you might be able to work from home. 

But keep in mind that you’ll likely need to be available to clients during the hours they need advice.

So, get ready to inspire others and create a healthier world, one client at a time!




Tutoring Students

Are you keen to share the wisdom you gained during nursing school? 

Tutoring nursing students can be a fantastic way to pass on your knowledge and help budding nurses in your field. 

Plus, you might even be able to do it all from the comfort of your own home by offering virtual tutoring online.

Finding students to tutor can be a bit of a challenge….

But don’t worry – apps like Wyzant make it easy to connect with clients and simplify your search.

And if you’ve got a knack for breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand terms, this could be the perfect side hustle for you.

Just keep in mind that not everyone can explain difficult concepts in a way that students will grasp.

So, consider whether this is one of your strengths before diving in….

With your expertise and passion for nursing, you could be the perfect tutor to help the next generation of nurses succeed. Let’s get started!

Medical Focus Groups

Medical Focus Groups

Are you interested in earning some extra cash by participating in medical focus groups? 

These groups are used by marketers to test new products before they hit the market, and since medical professionals are often the best fit for these groups. 

They’re great side hustles for nurses like you!

While these gigs aren’t always available, they can pay quite well – anywhere from $105 to $140, depending on the group. 

To get started, I recommend signing up with User Interviews, the largest focus group platform out there. They’ll help connect you with opportunities that fit your schedule and interests.

So if you’re looking for a unique way to use your nursing expertise and earn some extra cash on the side, medical focus groups could be just the thing for you!

Medical Transcribers 

Did you know that nurses are perfectly suited for transcribing medical records? 

With your in-depth knowledge of medical terminology and patient care, you’re uniquely qualified to tackle this side hustle. 

And the best part? 

You can often work from home on a schedule that suits you!

To find transcription work, you can check out online sites like TranscribeAnywhere

Which can make it relatively easy to connect with potential clients…

Just be aware that the average pay might be a bit lower than some other nursing side hustles out there. 

So, if you’re after a job that pays $100K, you might need to keep looking.

That said, being a medical transcriptionist does require some specific skills, including strong attention to detail. 

And the ability to decipher what other medical professionals have said or written so you can create clear transcriptions. 

If you’re up for the challenge, this could be a fantastic side gig to add to your nursing skillset. Ready to get transcribing?

Fitness Industry

I mean… Your healthcare background gives you a huge advantage in this field. 

Consider becoming an online personal trainer. 

You can join agencies like Thumbtack or go the freelance route for even more earning potential. Start your journey to a new career today!




Legal Industry

Are you a nurse looking to make a move into the legal field? 

You’ll be happy to know that your healthcare background is highly valued in this industry as well. 

As a legal nurse consultant, you can help screen cases and advise during preparation for personal injury law firms. 

And if you become licensed by the AALNC, you can even be called as an expert witness in court! So don’t hesitate, start exploring this exciting career path today!

Child or Elderly Care

Consider offering child or elderly care as a side hustle! 

Your professional skills and caring nature make you an excellent candidate for this kind of work.

There are plenty of ways to approach this gig. You can use websites like Care.com to find private clients or join an agency to secure more regular work. 

Just keep in mind that caregiver jobs can be physically demanding, and you’ll typically need to travel to clients’ homes to provide services.

While pay for this kind of work can vary depending on the specific type of care you provide, it may not be as lucrative as some other nursing jobs. 

But for those who prioritize making a positive impact in their communities, the rewards of providing care can be priceless.

So, if you’re looking for a fulfilling way to use your nursing skills and make a difference in people’s lives, consider offering child or elderly care as a side hustle. 

You never know how much of an impact you could make!

Immunization Nurse

Consider becoming an immunization nurse! 

These nurses don’t just provide flu shots and other vaccines – they also monitor patients after they receive their vaccinations and provide medical care as needed.

Hospitals, colleges, and other inpatient facilities are all eager to attract RNs and LPNs, so they’re offering flexible part-time hours and competitive rates to do so. 

This means you can work around your schedule and earn some extra money on the side.

One great option to consider is OccuVax, a nationwide chain of vaccination clinics with locations all across the US (except for Hawaii, sorry Hawaiian nurses). 

While the hiring process can be a bit lengthy since they manually review each candidate, it’s definitely worth the effort – you can expect to make upwards of $20 per hour once you’re in!

So why not give immunization nursing a try and see how it goes? With your nursing skills and experience, you’re sure to be a hit with potential employers.




Telehealth Care

While there are certain limitations to what nurses can do when it comes to telemedicine, that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of this growing trend! 

With more and more patients seeking virtual care, there are plenty of opportunities for nurses to offer telehealth services, either on a part-time or full-time basis.

It’s important to keep in mind that registered nurses aren’t allowed to diagnose or treat conditions via telemedicine. 

However, there are still plenty of ways to get involved in this field…

You could communicate with patients online, offer information about symptoms to licensed practitioners, or provide other kinds of support to those seeking virtual care.

If you’re the type of person who enjoys connecting with others online and helping them learn more about their health, this could be an awesome side hustle for you. 

So, why not give it a try and see where it takes you? You might just discover a whole new way to use your nursing skills and make a positive impact on people’s lives.

Nursing Work
As an RN, you’re already in high demand, which means there are plenty of opportunities out there for you to pick up extra shifts on your own schedule.

Thanks to the rise of platforms like CareRev… 

it’s easier than ever to find per diem nursing work… All you need to do is fill out your profile and indicate when and where you’re available. 

Then, you can pick and choose which shifts you want to work – it’s that simple!

CareRev is the largest and most user-friendly per diem platform out there, so it’s a great place to start if you’re new to this kind of work. 

So why not give it a try and see how much extra money you can earn? With your nursing skills and experience, you’re sure to be a hit with potential employers.

Phlebotomist

Phlebotomist

Consider becoming a phlebotomist! 

As a nurse, you already have the knowledge and expertise needed to draw blood samples, so you can skip the 6-month training and certification process that others have to go through.

All you need to do is shadow a phlebotomist for a short period of time, and you’ll be ready to start earning money. You can expect to make anywhere from $18-25 per hour doing this kind of work, which is a pretty sweet deal.

Big diagnostics lab chains like Labcorp are always on the lookout for more phlebotomists, so there are plenty of opportunities out there for you. 

As long as you present yourself well and have good bedside manners, you’re sure to be a hit with potential employers.

So why not give phlebotomy a try and see how it goes? It’s a great way to use your nursing skills in a new and exciting way, all while earning some extra money on the side.

Health Care Social Media Management

Social media management for healthcare companies is a great side hustles for nurses who are savvy with social media. 

Marketing firms prefer to hire social media managers with a nursing background for their healthcare accounts, as nurses bring a unique perspective to healthcare marketing. 

Hubspot offers a free social media management certification course that can help you get started.

Once you complete the course, it’s just a matter of sending out some resumes for part-time positions.

Nurse Resume Writing 

RN resume writing is another side hustle that can utilize your nursing background…

Some nurses may not be confident in articulating their experience and skills on paper, so they are looking to hire someone like you to write them a winning resume. 

If you have any experience as an LPN or RN, you already have all the prerequisites for this side hustle.

Pet Care 

Pet Care 

Dog walking and pet care can be a surprising side hustle for nurses, as some dog walkers make double as much as an RN. 

You’d be surprised how picky pet owners are about who walks their four-legged friends. 

The good news is that people tend to trust nurses, so you have a great chance at booking those first few gigs. 

Platforms like MixyPaws and TimeToPet are a great place to start.

Final Thoughts

Alright folks, let’s wrap up this talk about side hustles for nurses… 

Let me tell you, there are so many options out there for you to choose from, it’s like a big buffet of side hustles and you just gotta pick your favorite dish.

Whether you want to flex your muscles as an online personal trainer, or put your nursing knowledge to use as a legal consultant, there’s something for everyone. 

And let’s not forget about all the creative options too, like starting an Etsy shop or offering virtual health coaching. The possibilities are endless!

But seriously, when choosing your side hustle, make sure it aligns with your skills, interests, and financial goals. And don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. You never know, your side hustle might just turn into your main gig one day.

So, go forth and explore all the delicious options out there. And remember, starting a side hustle is like a big adventure, so have fun and enjoy the ride!

More From Buildapreneur:

FAQs

How to make $300,000 as a nurse?

Making $300,000 as a nurse is definitely achievable with the right career path and strategy. 

Here’s what you can do to reach this earning potential:

  • Start your own business: Starting your own business as a nurse, such as a private duty nursing service or a telemedicine company, can offer you more control over your income and the potential to earn higher salaries.
  • Advance your education: Consider obtaining advanced degrees or certifications in your field to increase your earning potential and open up higher-paying positions.
  • Specialize: Specializing in a certain area of nursing, such as oncology or critical care, can lead to higher salaries and more job opportunities.
  • Work in a high-paying industry: Industries like healthcare consulting or pharmaceutical sales often offer higher salaries for nurses with the right experience and education.
  • Network and seek out opportunities: Networking with others in your field and actively seeking out new opportunities can help you stay on track and reach your financial goals.

Remember, reaching a salary of $300,000 as a nurse will take time and effort, but with dedication and the right strategy, it can definitely be achieved. 

So, keep these steps in mind and start working towards your financial goals today!

How many hours should you put into a side hustle?

 It all depends on your full-time job, personal obligations, and the demands of your side hustle…

A good starting point is to dedicate a few hours per week, and gradually increase as you get more comfortable and confident. 

Remember, it’s important to strike a balance between your side hustle and other responsibilities to avoid burnout. 

Consider the earning potential and how much time it takes to make a reasonable profit before committing too many hours.

What skills are most important for a telehealth nurse?

Being a telehealth nurse requires a unique set of skills, both technical and interpersonal…

Excellent communication and empathy are key to building strong virtual relationships with your patients.

You’ll also need to be comfortable using the software used to connect with them…

Being organized and able to multitask will also come in handy, as you may be handling multiple patients at once.

Affiliate Disclaimer: I may (and probably do) receive affiliate commissions from any products I recommend or links I put on this page. My opinions are my own but they are truthful and I do my best to recommend products that I have vetted and/or purchased myself.