33 of the Best Side Jobs for Nurses to Earn Extra Income

If you’re a nurse looking to make some extra money on the side, you’re in luck. There are many great side jobs for nurses that can help you earn extra cash.

Whether you’re looking for a part-time job or just a way to make some extra money in your spare time, plenty of options in healthcare are available.

So, what are the best side jobs for nurses? We’ve got plenty of choices for you below.

The Best Side Jobs for Nurses to Make Extra Money

1. Caregiver

If you’re looking for a side job that involves a lot of personal interaction, becoming a caregiver or home health nurse could be a great option. As a caregiver, you would assist elderly or disabled individuals. This could include anything from helping them with their daily activities to providing transportation to doctor’s appointments.

The details will vary depending on the job, but many caregiver roles involve visiting patients at their homes.

Caregiving is a rewarding job, and it’s also one that can be quite flexible. You can generally choose your hours, and many caregivers can work around their full-time job schedules.

Of course, the pay will vary depending on the specific job, but it’s typically very reasonable. And if you’re looking for a way to give back and make a difference in someone’s life, this could be the perfect option.

2. Online Surveys

Taking online surveys could be the perfect option if you’re looking for a simple way to make some extra money. There are several companies that offer paid survey opportunities, including:

• Swagbucks
• InboxDollars
• Rakuten Insights
• Survey Junkie
• Branded Surveys

Most surveys only take a few minutes to complete, and you can generally do them whenever convenient. They’re an easy way to make some extra money in your spare time, making surveys one of the most popular side gigs for nurses.

And as a medical professional, you may be eligible for some surveys that are not open to the general public. In many cases, these surveys will pay much better rates. Some of these opportunities for healthcare professionals will be available through the general survey sites and apps. Still, for others, you’ll need to use platforms like Respondent and Focus Group Health.

3. Immunization Nurse

If you’re a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), you may be able to find work as an immunization nurse. These nurses provide vaccinations to patients of all ages and educate the public about the importance of vaccinations.

The work can be very flexible, as many immunization clinics are open evenings and weekends. Flu season and the months leading up to the school year are generally the best times for immunization nurses to find seasonal work.

These healthcare positions typically pay at least $20 – $25 per hour and more in some locations. While it’s not what you would make as a full-time RN or LPN, it’s not bad for a side job.

4. Telehealth Nurse

Telehealth nurses provide patient care and services via video conferencing. Some of these jobs may also use other similar names like “remote nurse” or “virtual nurse,” but they’re basically the same thing. You could work from the convenience of your own home, which is perfect for a side hustle or second job.

While there are a variety of telehealth nursing jobs available, this is one of the best opportunities specifically for Registered Nurses, as many positions are open only to RNs. And like many other industries, the number of remote nursing jobs has increased over the past few years.

As a telehealth nurse, you would be responsible for providing care and services to patients who are located remotely. This could include anything from answering questions about their health to providing information about their medications. It’s basically the same as a traditional nursing job, except you’ll communicate with patients via video conferencing instead of in person.

Not only is it convenient, but this side gig allows you to use your skills and healthcare experience, and the pay can be very good. Overall, it’s an ideal way to use your free time outside of your full-time job.

5. Sell Printables

Printables like planners, calendars, and checklists are extremely popular. As a nurse, you could create printables that are health-focused, or you could make something completely unrelated to your full-time job.

The great thing about selling printables is that they’re easy to create, and you only need to create them once. After you’ve made the printable, it can be sold over and over again without any additional work on your part (passive income).

Designing printables isn’t that hard, thanks to programs like Canva. And you can always hire someone on Fiverr to create it for you if you don’t want to do it yourself.

There are a few different ways to sell printables. The most common is through an Etsy shop. You can also sell them on your own website or blog.

6. Travel Nurse

Travel nursing is a great way to see the country and get paid to do what you love. As a travel nurse, you would work for a staffing agency (usually) and be assigned to different hospitals or clinics around the country.

The assignments typically last a few weeks or months, so this job requires a great deal of lifestyle flexibility, and it won’t be a good fit for everyone.

This is an excellent option if you’re looking for some adventure and want to get paid well for it. The pay for travel nurses can be very good, and many positions also come with benefits like free housing and airfare.

7. Phlebotomy Nurse

Phlebotomy nurses are responsible for collecting blood samples from patients. This job can be done in a hospital or blood donation center.

The work is generally very flexible, as phlebotomy nurses can often choose their hours. And if you’re working in a blood donation center, you may even be able to set your schedule.

This is a great option for nurses looking for a side job that won’t interfere with their full-time job. The pay is ok, but maybe not as high as what you make from your full-time nursing job.

One of the downsides is that the work is somewhat repetitive. Instead of working will all different types of patients, you’re basically doing the same thing all the time.

8. Per Diem Nurse

If you’re looking for a side job that’s more flexible than a traditional part-time job, per diem nursing could be a good option. As a per diem nurse or per diem nurse practitioner, you would work as needed.

This means that you would only work when there is a need for nurses. For example, if a hospital is short-staffed or has an unusually high patient load, they may call on per diem nurses to help.

This type of nursing job can be very unpredictable, so it’s not a good fit for everyone. But if you’re looking for something flexible and pays well, it’s worth considering.

9. Medical Billing and Coding

Medical billing and coding are ideal for making extra cash from home. As a medical biller and coder, you would be responsible for coding medical records and submitting claims to insurance companies.

This job can be done entirely from home (usually), so it’s very flexible. And while the pay is not as high as some other nursing jobs on this list, it’s still a decent side income.

While you won’t technically use your nursing skills as a medical biller or coder, you can use your medical knowledge. Understanding terms unknown to the average person will give you an advantage. Some medical coding jobs require a certification that takes about one year to complete.

10. Nurse Educator

Another way to use your nursing and medical knowledge and clinical experience is to work as a nurse educator. Nurse educators typically work in hospitals or clinics, but they can also work for nursing schools and nursing programs.

As a nurse educator, your job would be to teach other nurses (or students) about various topics in nursing. There are many opportunities surrounding continuing education. This could include things like infection control, patient safety, and more.

This is a great option for nurses looking to share their knowledge and expertise with others. And while the pay is not as high as some other jobs on this list, it’s still a decent side income.

11. Doula

If you’re not familiar with the term, a doula is a person who provides support to families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

Doulas are not medical professionals, but they provide emotional and physical support to families. A nursing background isn’t required to work as a doula, but having a foundation of medical knowledge will undoubtedly help you.

This can be a very rewarding job, but it’s not for everyone. It can be emotionally and physically demanding, so it’s essential to make sure you’re up for the challenge.

This role is ideal for mothers, as you can relate to your patients. You also need to be comfortable with being on call 24/7, as your patients could need you at any time.

This is an excellent option for nurses looking for a change of pace. And while the pay is not always great, it can be very rewarding.

12. Sell Your Scrubs and Gear

If you’re looking for a way to make some extra cash, selling your scrubs and unused gear is a legit option. Most nurses have a bunch of scrubs that they never wear. And while you could donate them to a thrift store, you’ll make money if you sell them online or locally. There are a few different ways to do this. You could sell them on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist.

It won’t make you rich, but it’s an easy way to make some extra cash. And who knows, maybe someone will find your old scrubs and use them to start their nursing career!

13. Transcriptionist

Since you have experience in the medical field, you may be able to find work as a medical transcriptionist. In this job, you would listen to audio recordings of doctor’s appointments or other medical procedures and transcribe them into written reports.

Of course, for medical transcription work, you’ll need to be able to type fast and accurately, but typing skills can be improved relatively easily with a little bit of practice.

The work is highly flexible, and you can work from home as an independent contractor, which makes it perfect for a nursing side hustle. And because it doesn’t require any direct patient interaction, it’s a great option if you’re looking for something that’s low-stress.

See our list of the best transcription jobs if you’re interested in this opportunity.

14. First Aid or CPR Instructor

If you’re looking for a way to give back to your community, you could become a first aid or CPR instructor. You would be responsible for teaching people how to perform basic life-saving techniques.

The American Red Cross offers online CPR training and certification, which is ideal if you’re looking for this type of work.

This job is perfect for nurses who want to share their knowledge and expertise with others. And while the pay is not always great, it can be very rewarding.

15. Camp Nurse

If you love spending time outdoors, this may be your perfect side job. Camp nurses work at summer camps and are responsible for the health and safety of the campers.

As a camp nurse, you would be responsible for administering medication, treating minor injuries, and more.

This job is ideal for nurses looking for a change of pace. And while the pay is not always great, it can be a lot of fun.

Of course, working as a camp nurse is a seasonal job, as most camps operate during the summer. It may not fit your full-time work schedule, but it’s worth considering in the right situation.

16. Childcare Provider

If you love working with kids, this may be your perfect side job. It’s not technically a nursing job, but parents and those hiring childcare workers would love to have someone with nursing experience in case your expertise is ever needed.

There are a lot of different ways to get involved in this field. You could become a nanny or work at a local daycare center.

This job is perfect for nurses who want to work with kids but don’t want the stress of a traditional nursing job.

17. Tutor

If you’re looking for a way to make some extra money, tutoring may be the perfect option. As a tutor, you would be responsible for helping students with their homework or preparing them for exams.

While you can provide assistance and tutoring on various subjects, the best opportunity to use your experience would be tutoring current nursing school students. The nursing student may need help with coursework or tests you’ve already completed.

You could offer your services through an agency or go out independently and find clients.

18. Teacher/Professor

If you’re looking for a way to put your healthcare experience to good use, you could become a teacher or professor. There are a lot of opportunities at both the high school and college levels.

As a teacher, you would be responsible for instructing students on the subject of nursing. And as a professor, you would be responsible for conducting research and teaching at the collegiate level.

Many colleges and universities offer part-time opportunities for adjunct professors, so you may be able to make it fit around your work schedule. Teaching provides a nice change of pace that many people enjoy.

19. Health Coach

If you’re interested in helping people improve their health and wellness, becoming a health coach could be a great side job. As a health coach, you would work with individuals or groups to help them achieve their health goals. This could include anything from assisting them to eat better to exercising more.

Health coaching is a rapidly growing industry, and many opportunities are available. You can work with clients in person or even online via video conferencing. And like many other side jobs, the hours are generally very flexible.

The pay for this job can vary depending on your experience and location, but it’s typically quite reasonable. And if you’re passionate about helping others improve their health, it can be a very rewarding job.

20. Blogger

You can blog about anything that interests you. But if you’re a nurse, there’s a good chance that you could find an audience for a nursing-related or health-focused blog. The blog could serve as a fun outlet that’s a total change of pace from your full-time job. It’s one of the best side hustles for nurses.

There are many ways to make money as a blogger (see How to Make Money Blogging for Beginners). You could sell advertising, promote products and services through affiliate marketing, sell your own products, or publish sponsored content. The income potential is unlimited, so it’s possible that your blog could turn into a full-time business.

This opportunity is much different than most of the others we have looked at so far because it involves building your own business. You won’t start making money immediately (most blogs take six months or more before they earn anything significant), but the long-term payoff can be huge if you’re willing to be patient.

Although blogging is a legit online business, you don’t need to spend much money at all to start a blog. All you really need is a domain name and web hosting, which you can get for less than $100 for the entire first year (we recommend Bluehost).

If you’re interested in blogging, please see How to Start a Blog, which will walk you through the simple steps.

21. YouTuber

YouTube has become one of the most popular websites in the world, and many people are making part-time or full-time income by creating videos. You could start your own YouTube channel if you’re a nurse with a unique perspective or experience.

The great thing about being a YouTuber is that you can make videos about anything that interests you. So if you want to focus on nursing topics, that’s certainly an option. But you’re not limited to just nursing-related content.

There are many ways to make money as a YouTuber. The most common is through advertising, the YouTube Partner Program. But you can also find your own sponsors or promote products and services as an affiliate.

Similar to blogging, it takes some time and patience to build a successful YouTube channel. Building your audience will probably take several months to a year, but with consistent effort, you can start making an excellent income in your spare time.

22. Podcast Host

If you’re interested in creating content but don’t want to be in front of a camera, podcasting could be an excellent option. Podcasts have become increasingly popular over the past few years, and many people are making a good living by hosting them.

Podcasting is similar to blogging and video creation in that it’s all about creating content around a specific topic. But instead of writing articles or filming videos, you’ll be recording audio episodes. And like blogging and YouTube, there are many ways to make money through podcasting.

You could sell advertising, find sponsors, or promote products and services as an affiliate. You could also create your own products or services to sell to your audience. The key is to build an engaged audience of listeners interested in what you have to say.

23. Online Course Creator

If you’re interested in starting an online business but blogging doesn’t really appeal to you, maybe you should consider creating online courses. The courses could be health and medical-related, or you could create courses on something totally different.

Creating an online course requires some upfront work. But once it’s made, it can be a great source of passive income. And if you continue to promote it and add new students regularly, it could turn into a full-time business.

To get started, you only need an idea for a course and a platform to host it on. We recommend using Teachable because it’s easy to set up and has everything you need to launch your course successfully. Plus, it gives you full control over the course and your marketing plan.

If you’re looking for something easier to launch and are not concerned with control, you might prefer to sell your course through Skillshare or Udemy. These popular platforms will put your course in front of a large audience, but they’ll take a cut from every sale. You’ll also give up control over other details like pricing and marketing.

24. Influencer

If you’re active on social media, you could start making money by becoming an influencer. An influencer is someone who has a large and engaged following on social media and who promotes products or services to their followers.

You could focus specifically on nursing or health-related content to take advantage of your nursing experience or other content that interests you. And if you already have a large following, it can be a very lucrative way to make money.

To become an influencer, you must build your social media following. Once you have a sizeable audience, you can start working with brands and promoting their products and services. You can charge brands for simply featuring them on your social media channels or earn a commission per sale you generate.

25. Freelance Writer

If you’re looking for a flexible side job that you can do from anywhere, freelance writing may be a good option for you. As a freelance writer, you would be responsible for creating content for clients. This could include anything from blog posts to e-books.

There are a lot of freelance writers out there, but clients who need qualified writers with nursing or medical backgrounds are likely to have a harder time finding good writers. As a result, you could earn a really nice side income by incorporating your healthcare knowledge and experience with freelance writing.

There are many different ways to get started with this. You could find clients through online sites like Upwork and Fiverr, or network with other businesses through LinkedIn.

One of the best things about freelance writing is that many clients need ongoing work. This is especially true for blogs and online publications. They constantly need new content, so they’re likely to hire you to create a set number of articles per week or month. This means you don’t have to dedicate precious time to finding new clients since you already have the work lined up.

26. Proofreader

If you’re detail-oriented, you might want to consider becoming a proofreader. As a proofreader, you would review written content for errors before publication. This is an important job because it ensures the final product is error-free and high-quality.

Many different types of businesses need proofreaders, so there’s a good chance you could find work that interests you. For example, if you’re passionate about health and wellness, there may be opportunities to review medical content or health-related books. Your education and experience will help you to be familiar with the content in a way that most proofreaders are not.

Proofreading can be done either on a freelance basis or as a full-time job. And since it can be done remotely, it’s a great option if you need a flexible side job.

27. Self-Published Author

If you’re a good writer with a lot of knowledge on a particular topic, you could write a book or e-book and sell it online. This is an excellent option if you’re interested in writing but don’t want to start a blog.

The great thing about writing an eBook is that once it’s done, it can continue generating sales for months or even years. And since it’s a digital product, there are no inventory or shipping costs.

Thanks to Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, becoming an author is easier today than ever. Anyone can write and sell a book on Amazon without investing money in print runs. Amazon will deliver digital e-books and print paperback books as they are sold.

Writing a book or e-book is definitely a significant time commitment, but it could be much more attainable than you think. Some e-books aren’t much longer than this blog post.

28. Drive for DoorDash

As a DoorDash driver (or a “Dasher” as they call it), you would pick up restaurant food orders and deliver them to customers in your local area. It’s completely flexible, so you can work whenever it fits your schedule, as much or as little as you choose (subject to availability).

While the income potential isn’t quite as high as some other opportunities on this list, almost anyone can do it, and you can start making money very quickly. You’ll need to sign up and wait a few days for a background check to clear, but after that, you can be working and earning cash immediately.

There are other similar restaurant delivery services, but we recommend DoorDash because they are in thousands of cities and allow drivers to use any vehicle. Some competitors have vehicle restrictions that may prevent people from actually being able to do the job.

29. Work for Instacart

Instacart is a grocery delivery service where you would pick up groceries from local stores and deliver them to customers in your area. It’s becoming increasingly popular as people want the convenience of having their groceries delivered right to their doorsteps.

Like DoorDash, Instacart allows you to work whenever it fits your schedule. You can also start making money very quickly with this great side hustle.

30. Investing

Here at Vital Dollar, we’re big fans of investing. Of course, we believe everyone should invest for the future, but there are different ways to invest. If you’re interested in actively investing in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and cryptocurrency, Public.com and Webull are excellent platforms. Both offer commission-free trades of stocks and funds with no minimums and support for fractional shares.

If you’re interested in passive investing, Fundrise is a leading platform that allows anyone to invest in commercial real estate. While real estate investing may have always felt out of reach, Fundrise allows you to start with as little as $10, and Fundrise returns have historically been outstanding.

31. Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant (VA) remotely provides administrative, marketing, or technical support to a business.

Many companies hire virtual assistants, but some of the most popular include Fancy Hands and Zirtual. You can also find job postings on Upwork and Craigslist.

Working as a freelancer and finding clients independently will provide you with the best income potential. Some VAs charge $50 – $100 per hour, so the pay can be excellent if you have the right skills.

32. Dog Walker

If you love spending time with dogs, starting a dog walking business could be a great way to earn some extra money.

There are a few different ways to get started. You can sign up with an app like Rover or Wag, or you can start your own dog walking business by finding clients in your area.

Rover and Wag will connect you with dog owners in your area who need a walker. They will handle the scheduling and payments, so you can focus on walking the dogs. If you start your own business, you’ll be responsible for finding clients and setting rates.

33. Rent Out Storage Space

If you have extra space in your home or apartment, you can make money by renting out that space on Neighbor. You could rent out your basement, attic, garage, shed, spare bedroom, etc.

People are always looking for storage space, so this is a great way to earn some extra cash. You can set your own price and Neighbor will handle all of the payments for you.

The best thing about renting out storage space is that it’s mostly passive income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Side Jobs for Nurses: Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a nurse, nurse practitioner, or registered nurse (RN), you have a lot of skills that are valuable in the workforce. Many opportunities are available if you’re looking for a way to make some extra money. With so many options, finding a side job that fits your interests and schedule is easy. We hope this list has helped you narrow down your search for ways nurses can earn extra money!

Looking for even more possibilities? See our list of 150+ side hustle ideas.