Are you a nurse looking for some side gigs to make extra money in leisure time? Here are the 8 best side jobs for nurses to earn extra income in 2023.
Are you a nurse looking to earn some extra money doing something side by side your job? Maybe you’re saving up for a vacation or trying to pay off some debt. Whatever your reason is, there are plenty of side jobs out there for nurses like you that can help you reach your financial goals.
In this blog, we’ll explore 8 of the best side jobs for nurses to earn extra income. We’ve done the research and gathered information on each job, including the time commitment and required skills.
Whether you’re interested in starting your own business, working from home, or picking up a few extra shifts at a local clinic, there’s something for everyone on our list. We’ll also provide tips on how to get started and resources for finding job opportunities.
So, let’s start!
What Side Business Can A Nurse Do?
As a nurse, you already have a unique set of skills that can translate into a variety of side jobs. From telemedicine to medical writing, there are great opportunities for nurses to use their expertise outside of their regular work hours.
Moreover, you can also offer tutoring or coaching services to nursing students or other healthcare professionals. If you have excellent typing and listening skills then you can also offer medical transcription services to healthcare providers.
Top 8 Best Side Hustles for Nurses to Generate Extra Income
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Freelance Medical Writing:
Freelance medical writing can be a great side hustle for nurses who want to generate extra income. As a nurse, you have unique expertise and experience in the healthcare field that can be valuable to pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, healthcare providers, and other organizations that need to communicate about medical topics.
Here are some steps you can take to get started:
Develop your Writing Skills: Good writing skills are essential for freelance medical writing. Take courses, read books and articles about writing, and practice writing regularly.
Identify your Niche: Determine what type of medical writing you want to do. Do you want to focus on writing about nursing topics or medical research? Do you want to write for patients, healthcare providers, or pharmaceutical companies?
Build your Portfolio: Create a portfolio of writing samples to showcase your skills and experience. You can start by creating content for your own blog or social media accounts, or by volunteering to write for healthcare organizations or professional associations.
Find Clients: Reach out to potential clients who need medical writing services, such as pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, healthcare providers, and publishers. You can also find freelance writing opportunities on job boards and freelance platforms such as Upwork and People Per Hour.
Set your Rates: Determine your hourly rate or project fee based on your experience and the level of expertise required for the project.
Manage your Time: Freelance medical writing requires excellent time management skills. Make sure to prioritize your work, set realistic deadlines, and communicate effectively with your clients.
Remember, freelance medical writing can be a great way to generate extra income, but it’s important to balance it with your nursing work and other responsibilities. Be sure to check with your employer to ensure that freelance work is allowed and does not violate any policies or agreements.
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Telehealth Nursing:
Telehealth nursing is another great side hustle for nurses to generate extra income. Telehealth nursing involves providing healthcare services remotely, such as through video conferencing, phone calls, and messaging platforms.
With the increasing demand for remote healthcare services, there are many opportunities for nurses to work as telehealth nurses and provide their services to patients from the comfort of their own homes.
Telehealth nursing can be a flexible and convenient option for nurses who are looking to boost their income. Nurses can work part-time or on a per-diem basis and can choose their own schedules.
Moreover, telehealth nursing allows nurses to work from anywhere with an internet connection, which can be particularly beneficial for nurses who live in rural or remote areas.
However, it’s important to note that telehealth nursing requires specialized skills and training, as well as access to technology and a reliable internet connection.
Nurses should also ensure that they have the necessary qualifications and equipment before pursuing telehealth nursing as a side hustle.
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Transcription
Transcriptionist is another good side job that nurses should opt for to make some extra bugs. As a nurse, you already have a solid foundation of medical knowledge and terminology, which can make you well-suited for transcription work in the healthcare industry.
Medical transcription involves listening to audio recordings made by healthcare professionals, such as doctors or nurses, and typing up the content into written reports. These reports can include patient history, physical exam findings, diagnoses, and treatment plans.
Transcription work is often done remotely, which makes it a convenient side hustle that you can do from home. Moreover, you can typically set your own hours, which can be especially helpful if you’re looking to work around a full-time nursing job.
While medical transcription can require some specialized training, there are many online courses and resources available to help you develop the necessary skills. Some transcription companies may also offer on-the-job training.
Overall, medical transcription can be a good side hustle option for nurses who are looking to earn extra income while leveraging their medical knowledge and expertise.
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Medical Billing and Coding:
Medical billing and coding involves translating medical procedures and diagnoses into codes for insurance companies and healthcare providers to use for billing and record-keeping purposes.
As a nurse you can use your medical knowledge and experience to become proficient in medical billing and coding and offer your services to healthcare facilities and providers.
Medical billing and coding is a growing industry, and there is a demand for skilled professionals. The job can be done remotely and on a flexible schedule, making it a great option for nurses who are looking for extra income but cannot commit to a traditional part-time job.
Moreover, medical billing and coding requires attention to detail and organization, skills that many nurses already possess.
However, it’s important to note that becoming proficient in medical billing and coding takes time and effort. Nurses may need to complete a training program or certification course to gain the necessary skills and knowledge. It’s also important to stay up to date on changes to medical coding guidelines and regulations.
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Blogger
Blogging can be a great side hustle for anyone, including nurses. However, whether or not it is a good side hustle for a particular individual depends on various factors, such as their interests, skills, and availability.
As a nurse, you have a unique perspective and experience that could be valuable to others. You could potentially create a blog focused on healthcare, nursing, or wellness topics, sharing your insights and knowledge with your audience.
However, blogging requires dedication, consistency, and time management skills. It’s important to consider if you have the time and energy to commit to regularly creating and publishing content.
Additionally, it’s important to note that blogging may not immediately generate income. It takes time to build an audience, and monetizing a blog can require additional effort, such as creating digital products, affiliate marketing, or sponsored content. It’s essential to have realistic expectations and be willing to put in the work to see results.
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Online Surveys:
Online surveys can be a decent side hustle for nurses to generate extra income. Online surveys are a popular way for companies and organizations to collect feedback and opinions from a large number of people quickly and easily. Many survey companies pay participants for completing surveys, which can be a simple and easy way to earn extra income.
As a nurse, you may have a unique perspective that could be valuable to companies conducting surveys related to healthcare or medical products. In addition, completing online surveys can be a flexible side hustle that can be done from home or during free time at work.
However, you should keep in mind that online surveys may not provide a significant amount of income and may not be a reliable source of income. Some surveys may also be time-consuming and may not pay very much.
Therefore, it’s important to research and evaluate survey companies before participating to ensure that they are legitimate and worth your time.
Here are a few things to consider when getting started with online surveys:
Research Legitimate Survey Websites: There are many websites that offer paid surveys, but not all of them are legitimate. Make sure to do your research and read reviews before signing up for any website.
Sign Up for Multiple Websites: Signing up for multiple survey websites can increase your chances of getting more survey opportunities and earning more money.
Set Aside Time for Surveys: While online surveys can be done at any time, it’s important to set aside specific times to complete them. This can help you stay organized and ensure you have enough time to complete each survey.
Be Consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to completing online surveys. Make sure to check for new survey opportunities regularly and complete them as soon as possible.
Cash Out: Most survey websites have a minimum payout threshold that must be met before you can cash out your earnings. Make sure to keep track of your earnings and cash out as soon as you meet the threshold.
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Podcast Host
Nurses have unique perspectives on healthcare, and a podcast can provide a platform to share those perspectives with a wider audience.
Starting a podcast can also be relatively low-cost, with minimal equipment required. Nurses can use their smartphones, laptops, and basic audio equipment to record their podcasts.
In addition to providing an outlet for creative expression, podcasting can also generate income through sponsorships, advertising, and other revenue streams. As a nurse, you can create a podcast that focuses on nursing-related topics, health and wellness, or even personal development.
However, it’s important to note that starting a successful podcast requires time, dedication, and effort. It may take some time to build an audience and attract sponsors, so it’s important to approach podcasting as a long-term project and not expect immediate financial rewards.
Podcast hosting can be a great side hustle for nurses who have a passion for sharing their knowledge and experiences with others, and who are willing to put in the time and effort required to make their podcast a success.
Some of the things that you should know before becoming a podcast host include:
Identify your Niche: Start by figuring out what area you want to focus on. As a nurse, you have a lot of knowledge and experience that can be valuable to others. You could focus on health and wellness topics, nursing education, career development, or a specific healthcare specialty.
Choose your Format: Consider what type of podcast format you want to use. Will it be an interview-style show, a solo podcast, or a mix of both? Will you have guests or co-hosts? Think about what will work best for you and your target audience.
Plan your Content: Once you have a niche and format in mind, start brainstorming topics and creating an editorial calendar. You can also reach out to potential guests and schedule interviews.
Invest in Equipment: You’ll need a good microphone and headphones to record your podcast. You can also invest in software or a platform to help with editing and distribution.
Build your Audience: Start promoting your podcast through social media, email marketing, and other channels. Encourage listeners to leave reviews and share your podcast with others.
Monetize your Podcast: You can monetize your podcast through sponsorships, ads, or by creating and selling your own products or services. You can also consider setting up a Patreon or other crowdfunding platform to allow your listeners to support your podcast directly.
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Proofreading
As a nurse, you have a good understanding of medical terminology and scientific writing, which can be an advantage when proofreading medical documents and academic papers in the healthcare field.
Proofreading can be done remotely and on a flexible schedule, making it a convenient side hustle for nurses who have busy schedules. Additionally, the demand for proofreaders is growing as more businesses and individuals need high-quality content for their websites, marketing materials, and academic publications.
To get started as a proofreader, you can take courses or workshops to learn the skills needed and gain experience by working on small projects for friends or family members. You can also consider joining online platforms that connect freelance proofreaders with clients, such as Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.
However, it is important to note that proofreading is not a regulated profession, so it may not be suitable for all nurses. Depending on your location and employment contract, you may need to check with your employer or licensing board to ensure that there are no conflicts of interest or ethical concerns regarding offering proofreading services as a side hustle.
Here are some of the things you should know if you are considering proofreading as a side hustle:
Flexibility: Proofreading is a job that can be done remotely and at any time of the day, making it a great option for nurses who may have irregular schedules or want to work from home.
Extra Income: Nursing can be a demanding profession, and many nurses may need or want extra income. Proofreading can be a way to supplement their income without adding additional physical strain.
Transferable Skills: Nurses have strong communication and critical thinking skills, which can be valuable in proofreading. They are used to analyzing complex information and making quick decisions, which can be useful in identifying errors in written work.
Personal Interest: Many nurses enjoy reading and writing in their spare time. Proofreading allows them to pursue this interest while also earning extra income.
That being said, it’s important to note that becoming a professional proofreader typically requires some training and experience. Nurses who are interested in pursuing proofreading as a side job may want to consider taking courses or working with a mentor to improve their skills and build their portfolio. Additionally, it’s important to manage time effectively to balance nursing work and proofreading work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I start my own business as a nurse?
Yes, you can start your own business as a nurse. There are a variety of businesses that nurses can start, depending on their interests and expertise. For instance, you can start your own home health care business. Moreover, you can become an independent consultant or provide medical transcription services.
Do nurses have time for side hustles?
Nurses usually work long hours, often 12-hour shifts, and their schedules can be irregular, with some working weekends and holidays. Additionally, the demands of patient care can be physically and mentally taxing, leaving nurses with limited energy and time for other pursuits.
However, it’s not impossible for nurses to have a side hustle. Nurses can find ways to fit side hustles into their busy schedules, such as working on their side hustle during their days off or after their shifts. Some nurses may also choose to pursue side hustles that are related to their nursing profession.