The 13 Best Side Jobs for Nurses (2026)
Saving money on side jobs nurses does not have to be complicated. We rounded up the essentials so you can spend less and skip the guesswork.
Key Takeaways
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- Nurses account for 59% of all healthcare professionals.
Nurses account for 59% of all healthcare professionals. Despite post-pandemic wage increases and a reported nursing shortage, one in eight nurses works a second job.
There are various reasons for this, ranging from the need for additional income to a purposeful strategy for avoiding burnout. For example, even though 66% of nurses called their job rewarding, the same number said they struggle with burnout.
Whether you’re looking for extra money, need more flexible work arrangements, or want to make a transition out of bedside nursing, the side jobs listed below allow you to leverage your valuable nursing education, credentials and experience.
Table of Contents
Toggle#1. Per Diem Shifts
Because of the nursing shortage around the country, nurses may be able to pick up shifts at various facilities in their area without needing to be an employee of that particular facility.
There are several websites and/or apps where hospitals and other healthcare facilities can request nurses for per diem shifts. The hourly or shift rate is stated on each job posting. Once you sign-up and get verified through the website or app, you’re able to apply to and accept jobs.
How much it pays:$40+ per hour.Where to find jobs:Check out: allshifts.com, Nursa, ConnectRN and Clipboard Health.What’s required:Application and verification of active nursing license/credentials.In this format, you operate as an independent contractor. There’s no limit to how numerous hours you can work (aside from any pertinent regulations), but you also don’t qualify for any benefits.
However, you may be eligible for holiday pay or bonuses for working over 40 hours per week through a specific app or website.
Where to learn more: Find out more about working per diem shifts.
#2. Medical Focus Groups
Medical focus groups are convened by companies looking for feedback on topics or products related to their organizations. Focus groups can be arranged in numerous categories, but medically skilled staff may be highly sought after by pharmaceutical and healthcare companies.
Typically, the process involves filling out a basic questionnaire. If that survey shows you would be a good fit for a particular study, you’ll be contacted to proceed to the next stage (which is typically a 60-90 minute interview-style meeting with a representative from the company).
How much it pays:$100+ per study, though some pay more or less.Where to find jobs:Check out: ZoomRx.com, FocusInsite.com and healthcaresurveys.reckner.com.What’s required:Varies depending on the study or focus group.Past participants say that qualifying for focus groups can be difficult. The biggest complaint from most people is that you have to spend several minutes filling out a pre-screening form, only to be disqualified from the opportunity. In other words, be prepared to invest time in applying to multiple studies, as you won’t qualify for all of them.
Where to learn more: Refer to our list of the best sites for paid research studies to learn more.
#3. Health Writer
Numerous publishers of medical, health, diet, nutrition and fitness-related content seek out licensed professionals to write for their websites. Having a combination of solid writing skills and credentials within one of these niches can make you a very valuable commodity.
Publishers frequently use job sites like Upwork and Problogger to advertise opportunities for new writers. Editors may also put out open calls on Linkedin and Twitter/X looking for healthcare writers. Networking with previous co-workers or employers can also be a excellent way to find clients who need a health writer.
When researching for this article, we spoke with Janelle McSwiggin RN, who was able to fully replace her bedside nurse salary as a health writer. “There are some months where I make more as a writer than I did as a nurse. Certifications aren’t as key for writing as they are in nursing. You are more likely to get higher paying writing jobs as a nurse, though.”
How much it pays:According to ZipRecruiter, the current average salary for freelance writers is $23 per hour. However, that rate goes up quickly with experience and health writers can frequently command a premium.Where to find jobs:Focus on freelance marketplaces like Upwork and Problogger at first, then network on LinkedIn for better gigs when you have experience.What’s required:Topic area knowledge, credentials (to earn the best rates), and solid writing skills.“Overall, writing is an amazing side hustle for nurses,” McSwiggin said. “You can do it anywhere, any time, with limited startup. You just need a laptop and internet to get going. You can do it full-time, part-time, or as a side hustle, it’s really flexible.”
Where to learn more: Read our step-by-step guide on how to become a freelance writer.
#4. Medical Transcription
Medical transcription involves turning audio files into text files for doctors, hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Most companies expect you to type Final Thoughts
The bottom line: a little research on side jobs nurses goes a long way. Compare your options, watch for seasonal offers, and never pay full price when a better deal is one click away. Originally published at thewaystowealth.com.
Holly Humbert
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