After juggling charting, short staffing, and back-to-back patients, the last thing most nurses want is another source of stress. But when your paycheck doesn’t stretch as far as it should—or when you crave something that’s yours outside the hospital—it’s easy to start wondering what else is out there. That’s where nursing side hustles come in: flexible ways to make extra cash, build different skills and maybe even rediscover what you love about your career.
A recent small-sample Sermo poll of advanced practice providers, including nurses, highlights the types of opportunities Sermo members are most interested in. When we asked which type of side hustle they found most appealing, 40% of respondents said medical-related gigs, 36% chose teaching or consulting roles and 15% showed interest in non-medical roles, like managing an Airbnb or babysitting.
Plenty of routes exist whether you’d like to leverage your expertise in new ways or find an unrelated path to boosting your income.
Why get a side gig as a nurse?
A side gig can offer not just an extra paycheck but professional and personal growth. A recent poll of the Sermo community revealed that the primary motivators for taking on a side hustle are evenly split between financial gain (45%) and the desire for flexibility and work-life balance (45%). Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits:
Boost income and financial security
Income is often the most immediate motivator. A side gig can provide the extra cash needed to pay off student loans, build an emergency fund, save for a down payment on a house or reduce financial stress. Creating an additional income stream adds a layer of security, making you less dependent on a single source of income.
Combat burnout and regain autonomy
Many nurses deal with burnout from long hours, high-pressure environments and limited autonomy. In a 2020 survey from the American Nurses Association, roughly 6 in 10 nurses said they experience burnout. For some nurses, a side hustle can create the breathing room to cut back on hospital hours. Once that extra income starts to add up it can make part-time or per diem schedules more realistic. That shift doesn’t just reduce physical and emotional strain; it also lets nurses reclaim time for rest, family or personal goals. In that way, a side hustle isn’t just about earning more money—it’s about building a more sustainable version of your career.
Diversify and sharpen professional skills
Side gigs can offer learning opportunities. You might develop new clinical skills, like mastering IV infusions, or venture into non-clinical areas like medical writing, data analysis or consulting. One Sermo member shared their experience: “I work for an oncology research company on the side, doing data abstraction… It’s not a bad gig, that I can do anywhere, on my own time.”
Explore career alternatives at low risk
Perhaps you’re curious what it would be like to be a legal nurse consultant or a telehealth nurse. A side gig allows you to test the waters of different nursing specialties without committing to a full-time career change. This low-risk exploration can help you discover new passions and career paths you might not have considered. It’s an ideal way to figure out what you truly enjoy before making a major professional leap.
Build a professional brand and network
Engaging in side hustles can connect you with a wider range of professionals, from attorneys and insurance adjusters to entrepreneurs and fellow nurses. When you build a diverse professional network, it can open doors to future opportunities you never knew existed. It also helps you establish a personal brand as an expert in a specific niche.
Virtual and remote nurse side-gig opportunities
When you’re juggling demanding shift schedules, flexibility is everything. Remote side gigs offer the perfect solution, allowing you to work from anywhere, often on your own schedule. It’s a prospect that appeals to some of the nurses on Sermo. “I would like something more flexible as I have to give up my only time off to do these shifts,” a Sermo member writes. “I would like to find something remote.”
Here are some of the top virtual side jobs for nurses:
Sermo paid surveys
One of the easiest ways for nurses to make extra money is by sharing their expert opinions. On platforms like Sermo, nurses can participate in paid medical surveys on a variety of topics, from new medical devices to pharmaceutical trends. It’s flexible, can be done from your couch, and directly compensates you for your insights.
From brief polls that take only a few minutes to complete to in-depth research studies that may take closer to half an hour or more, Sermo surveys come in a variety of forms. Compensation aligns with the time and effort involved, and many healthcare professionals find that consistent participation can add up to a meaningful extra income.
Plus, you’re contributing to medical advancements and the future of patient care while you earn. For nurses exploring new ways to earn extra income while contributing valuable clinical insights, Sermo surveys offer an accessible and rewarding option.
Telehealth triage nursing
The demand for telehealth has expanded, creating numerous opportunities for nurses. As a telehealth triage nurse, you’ll assess patients’ symptoms remotely, provide medical advice and direct patients to the appropriate level of care. This role requires strong clinical judgment and communication skills but offers the ultimate flexibility of working from home. One Sermo member shared their interest in pursuing telehealth gigs. “I’m actually considering doing the post masters FNP at this point so I have more flexibility,” they reveal. “I’d love to be able to do telehealth.”
Online adjunct nursing instructor
If you have a passion for education, becoming an online adjunct instructor could be a fit. Many nursing schools and universities need experienced nurses to teach courses, grade assignments and mentor students remotely. This role often requires an MSN or higher, but it allows you to shape the next generation of nurses while earning a steady income from home.
Utilization review/medical claims nurse
Insurance companies and healthcare organizations need nurses to review medical records to ensure that care is medically necessary and meets coverage criteria. As a utilization review (UR) nurse, you’ll use your clinical knowledge to evaluate treatment plans and claims. This is a non-clinical, detail-oriented role that’s often remote, offering a stable and flexible side hustle.
Test prep and tutoring
If you’re an expert in passing the NCLEX or other certification exams, you can turn that knowledge into a profitable side gig by tutoring nursing students. You can offer one-on-one sessions, lead small group reviews or create your own online courses.
Freelance nurse writer/content reviewer
Healthcare companies, medical publications and health-focused websites often look for content writers. You can meet the demand as a freelance nurse writer, creating articles, blog posts and educational materials. Alternatively, you can work as a content reviewer, ensuring medical information is accurate and up-to-date. One Sermo member considered this path but evaluated how this may suit their lifestyle, “I considered doing medical writing, but that seems pretty niche and takes a big time commitment to get into,” they explained.
Top-earning nurse side gigs
If maximizing your income is a top priority, certain side gigs can be particularly lucrative. These roles often require additional certifications or experience but offer substantial financial rewards.
Legal nurse consulting
Legal nurse consultants act as expert advisors to attorneys on medical-legal cases. They review medical records, explain complex health issues, and provide testimony. This role requires a deep understanding of clinical practice and the legal system. It’s a high-stakes, high-reward field that can be incredibly profitable for experienced nurses. The average salary for a legal nurse consultant in the U.S. is $125,000, according to Glassdoor data.
Phlebotomist
While many nurses already have phlebotomy skills, offering your services as a mobile phlebotomist can be a great way to earn extra cash. You can contract with labs, companies that offer at-home testing services or private clients. It’s a flexible gig that allows you to set your own hours and rates.
Home health or private-duty nursing
Providing in-home care for elderly or disabled patients is a side hustle that directly uses your nursing skills. As a home health aide, you might assist with medication management, wound care, or daily living activities. This can be arranged through an agency or as an independent contractor, offering a personal and rewarding way to make a difference.
Special needs babysitter
Don’t underestimate the demand for medically knowledgeable babysitters. Parents of children with chronic conditions or special needs are often willing to pay a premium for a caregiver with nursing skills. This can be an emotionally fulfilling way to earn extra income, especially if you enjoy working with children.
Health coach
With your deep understanding of health and wellness, you are perfectly positioned to become a health coach. You can help clients achieve their health goals, manage chronic conditions or adopt healthier lifestyles. You can offer health coaching in person or online, offering a great deal of flexibility.
Social media influencer
If you have a story to tell or a unique perspective on nursing, you could build a following as a social media influencer. By sharing your experiences, offering advice, and creating a community, you can monetize your platform through brand partnerships, sponsored content and affiliate marketing. To get started, explore communities like NurseTok on TikTok or join Facebook groups for nurse content creators to learn the ropes. You can also take short online courses in content strategy or personal branding (Skillshare, Coursera or HubSpot Academy all offer free options).
Chart your own course
The journey to financial security doesn’t have to mean leaving nursing. Nurse side gigs offer a powerful pathway to redefine your career on your own terms. Whether you’re looking to earn extra cash with flexible paid surveys, explore a new specialty like legal consulting or share your knowledge through teaching, countless opportunities exist.
The key is to start with a clear plan. Consider your financial goals, how much time you can commit and what legal or tax implications you need to manage. Before starting any side business, check with your employer and state licensing board to ensure your new role doesn’t conflict with your nursing license or workplace policies.
If you’re unsure where to start, it can help to seek peer advice. Other nurses who are navigating the world of side hustles can serve as a resource as you vet opportunities. On Sermo, you can not only find flexible earning opportunities but also connect with more than 1.5 million healthcare professionals who understand your journey. Join the conversation, ask questions and decide on your next move.
