Consider These Side Hustles for Nurses
Nursing roles typically offer good salaries, but sudden expenses can sometimes require quick access to additional funds. Options such as early paycheck access, dipping into savings, or utilizing financial tools tailored for short-term financial needs can aid in managing immediate expenses, allowing you to focus on other priorities. Once your financial situation is stable, engaging in a side job can be an excellent way to boost your income, unleash your creativity, or even move beyond direct patient care. Ventures such as leasing unused gear or selling homemade crafts can help manage your expenses while indulging your interests. There are countless possibilities when selecting a side job. Below are some side job ideas particularly suited for nurses.
1. Freelance nurse writer Nurses with strong communication abilities can excel in freelance writing about health or professional topics. Many organizations seek nursing expertise for their digital content. Nurse freelance writers can craft content for various platforms, such as:
Website content: Develop pages for a company’s site. Web magazines: Submit articles pertinent to nursing. Email marketing: Craft promotional content in line with the client’s objectives for their email lists. Blogging: Create posts for the company you represent as part of their marketing strategy. Social media writer: Develop engaging posts supporting client branding efforts.
Getting started involves building a network. Create a free portfolio on Clippings.me, then join platforms like Upwork to find clients. Set a competitive rate initially to attract clients and build your reputation, then gradually increase your rates. Freelance writing can be both a profitable and enjoyable endeavor for nurses.
2. Telehealth nurse This role gained prominence during the pandemic, providing quality care to patients via video, phone, or email. As per the American Hospital Association, 76% of U.S. hospitals engage with patients through digital means. If you prefer working from home with a flexible schedule, this could be ideal for you. Starting requires 3-5 years of bedside or RN experience, a background check, and a valid RN license. A reliable internet connection, current computer equipment, and strong computer skills are also essential.
3. Part-time caregiver As a part-time caregiver, you’ll handle various patient needs, such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, assisting with exercise, and household tasks like laundry. Part-time caregivers typically earn about $16 per hour, providing a great chance to utilize your nursing skills for extra earnings. Working 20 hours weekly as a caregiver can add approximately $1,385 monthly to your income.
4. CPR instructor Utilizing your CPR teaching certification can yield almost double the earnings of a part-time caregiver. If you’re not certified, collaborate with an employer or agency to find facilities needing CPR training, or start your own CPR training service, setting your rates and schedule. This requires managing your own marketing and networking efforts but offers the flexibility to work as much or as little as desired.
5. Healthcare documentation specialist This role involves converting voice recordings from doctors and healthcare professionals into written documents. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that speech recognition technology aids transcription. There’s significant demand for this work, with platforms like Fiverr and GoTranscript offering free access to assignments. Strong grammar and a reliable internet connection are crucial, but furthering your education with an associate degree or certificate in anatomy or medical terminology can enhance your prospects.
Nurses have many excellent avenues for earning additional income, many of which also expand their knowledge or engagement beyond clinical practice.
