25 Best Side Hustles for Nurses to Earn Extra Income (2026)

Trying to make the most of side hustles nurses earn? You are in the right place. Below we break it down in plain English, with practical tips you can actually use.

Key Takeaways

• 25 Best Side Hustles for Nurses to Earn Extra Income Drawing from my experience at the bedside, I've discovered these nursing side gigs stri...
• Written by Ben Huber Last Updated: March 29, 2024 Reviewed by Jeff Proctor Home Side Hustles Some of the links on DollarSprout point to prod...
• If you choose to make a purchase through one, we may earn a commission, which supports the ongoing maintenance and improvement of our site a...

25 Best Side Hustles for Nurses to Earn Extra Income

Drawing from my experience at the bedside, I've discovered these nursing side gigs strike a good balance between earning potential and the desire to try something new.

Written by Ben Huber Last Updated: March 29, 2024 Reviewed by Jeff Proctor

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In the bustling world of healthcare, nurses stand as unsung heroes, dedicating their lives to caring for others with unparalleled empathy and skill. Yet, even as we navigate the demanding rhythms of our profession, numerous of us seek to diversify our income and pursue passions outside the hospital walls.

As a Registered Nurse (RN) who began full-time work at a modest $36,000 per year (the U.S. median is a tick over $82,000), I empathize with those looking to make an extra buck.[1]

While I’m thankful to have earned a respectable income, the reality of life’s expenses, my student loans, and the desire for a financially secure future drove me to look for additional income streams.

Recognizing the diverse interests of such a large profession, I’ve curated a list of side hustles for nurses that blend well with our skill sets and schedules.

Included are healthcare-related options, leveraging our expertise and passion for helping others, alongside non-healthcare-related pursuits that allow for creative expression, personal development, and the joy of trying something new.

Want to get outside the hospital, office, or clinic? Skip to non-nursing side hustles.

Healthcare-Related Side Hustles for Nurses

These side gigs provide nurses the chance to leverage their expertise in ways that are both flexible and rewarding, complementing their full-time roles with additional opportunities.

1. Telehealth Nurse

Telehealth nurses provide medical care and consultation through digital platforms, allowing patients to receive healthcare services without the need to visit a facility in person.

As a nurse in this field, you’ll use video calls, messaging, and other online tools to offer advice, monitor health conditions, and guide patients through their treatment plans.

This approach not only expands access to healthcare but also opens up flexible job opportunities for nurses looking to work from home or explore a different facet of nursing outside the traditional clinical environment.

• Pros: Flexible scheduling, remote work, rapidly growing field
• Cons: Less personal, income can be variable
• Expected Earnings: Between $25 and $40 per hour. Exact earnings will depend on factors like experience, the employer, and specific services provided.

Telehealth support jobs are available in hospitals, telehealth companies, and health insurance organizations. Job boards like FlexJobs, Indeed, and LinkedIn are valuable resources for finding these positions.

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2. Health Coach

Health coaching is a fulfilling way for nurses to apply their healthcare knowledge by guiding individuals towards healthier lifestyle choices. In this role, you’ll work one-on-one with clients to develop personalized health plans that may include nutrition, exercise, and wellness strategies.

Paige Proctor , wife of DollarSprout co-founder Jeff Proctor , earns an extra $2,000 to $3,000 per month with 1-on-1 diabetes coaching, providing a real-life example of how healthcare practitioners can make money outside their traditional 9 to 5s.

By utilizing motivational interviewing and goal-setting techniques, you’ll help clients achieve their health objectives, making this an impactful way to extend your nursing skills beyond traditional settings and into the realm of preventive health and wellness.

• Pros: Personal impact on individuals’ health, flexible scheduling, growing demand for wellness services
• Cons: Certification may be required, and building a client base takes time
• Expected Earnings: Between $20 and $100 per hour, depending on qualifications, the coaching platform or business model you choose, and the clientele you serve.

To become a health coach, obtaining certification from programs accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF) or similar organizations is a common path. These programs cover coaching fundamentals, how to build a client base, ethics, and business skills.

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Related: How to Start a Personal Trainer Side Hustle (Up to $75,000 per Year)

3. CPR & Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor

Becoming a CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor allows nurses to teach life-saving skills to both healthcare professionals and the general public.

This role involves conducting training sessions on how to properly perform CPR and use automated external defibrillators (AEDs), as well as providing basic first aid until professional medical help arrives.

It’s a way for nurses to extend their impact beyond patient care, contributing to the preparedness and safety of their community.

• Pros: Contributes to community safety, flexible scheduling, rewarding teaching experience
• Cons: Certification process required, variable demand depending on location
• Expected Earnings: Between $25 and $50 per hour. Earnings vary based on location, type of classes offered, and whether you’re affiliated with an organization or working independently.

CPR and BLS instructor positions can frequently be found through local community centers, hospitals, and health organizations. Professional networks, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions are also good places to offer your services.

Additionally, national organizations such as the American Heart Association and the Red Cross provide instructor training and certification pathways, as well as opportunities to connect with individuals seeking these essential skills.

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4. Freelance Health Writer

Freelance health writing allows nurses to channel their medical knowledge into informative content for a wide audience, including healthcare websites, blogs, patient education materials, and medical journals.

By translating complex health information into accessible and engaging language, nurses can play a pivotal role in educating the public, advocating for health awareness, and supporting informed decision-making.

This side hustle not only leverages a nurse’s expertise in healthcare but also offers a creative outlet and the opportunity to impact health literacy on a broad scale.

• Pros: Flexible schedule, creative expression, and contributes to public health education
• Cons: Inconsistent workload, building a client base may take time
• Expected Earnings: Earnings can vary widely, from $0.10 to $1 per word, depending on the publication and the complexity of the topic.

To get started, create a portfolio that showcases your writing skills and healthcare knowledge. Platforms like LinkedIn and Upwork can be valuable for finding freelance writing opportunities.

If you’re looking to refine your writing skills or learn how to market your expertise effectively, consider taking a freelance writing course. Programs like these can provide tailored guidance on pitching, creating high-quality content, and navigating the freelance writing industry.

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Final Thoughts

Before you check out, double-check side hustles nurses earn against current offers and any coupons you can stack. Small habits like this add up to real savings over a year.

Originally published at dollarsprout.com.