Holding a second job while working as a registered (RN) is common. In fact, a study from 2019 showed that one in eight nurses work a side gig despite working their regularly scheduled twelve-hour shifts. Yet, as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic in 2020, many nurses are choosing to forgo a traditional full-time RN work schedule and look for nursing side jobs instead.
Nursing side jobs can help a nurse earn extra cash while maximizing their free time outside of work. Are you a registered nurse looking for more ways to earn money? Here’s a look at the best side jobs for nurses in 2023:
Popular Side Hustles for Nurses
Popular side hustles for nurses can include both second jobs that draw from a nurse's medical background and those that are non-nursing related. For example, a nurse could use their medical expertise to work as a telehealth nurse or train people in first aid and CPR. Furthermore, a nurse could work as a child caregiver or even pet sit on their days off! Really, the possibilities for awesome side hustles for nurses that pay well and allow for scheduling flexibility are endless. Let’s check out some of the top side gigs that give nurses the chance to earn more cash while working a second job that’s fun too!
Telehealth Nurse
As a direct consequence of the Covid 19 pandemic, a rise in virtual care and telecommunication technology occurred in 2020. Subsequently, more nurses than ever were in demand for their medical advice via email, phone, and messaging. Essentially, a telehealth nurse can provide patient care remotely in both emergency and non-emergency situations. For example, a patient may call a telehealth nurse to ask how to dress a minor wound or abrasion. Additionally, a telehealth nurse can assist in remotely assessing a patient’s health by monitoring heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure, etc. From there, a telehealth nurse can suggest specific treatment courses or, if necessary, suggest that a patient be seen in person by a medical professional.
What Is an Average Telehealth Nurse Side Job Salary?
Most telehealth nurses are registered nurses. With that in mind, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a registered nurse earns around $77,600 annually, which amounts to $37.31 per hour.
Health Coaching
An excellent side job for nurses is a health coach professional. A health coach’s duties include providing guidance and lifestyle advice for clients who are looking to improve their overall well-being. Some refer to health coaches as “personal cheerleaders” who keep their clients motivated and inspired to participate in healthier living routines. Generally, a person does not need to be a registered nurse to practice as a health coach; they do, however, have to be certified. At the same time, having a nursing license and/or a medical background can certainly help to open up more doors within the area of health coaching. Ultimately, a health coaching side job is a great choice for nurses who want to make a difference in a person’s life by offering helpful behavioral and lifestyle advice.
What Is an Average Health Coaching Nurse Side Job Salary?
A health coaching salary can vary depending on a person’s medical background and certification level. However, a registered nurse working a side hustle in health coaching could earn anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 per year or about $25 to $100 per hour.
Per Diem Nursing
Nurses who are looking for scheduling flexibility and competitive pay should check out per diem nursing. Per diem nursing is when a nurse works on demand. Generally, per diem, nurses will indicate their availability to a hospital or other medical setting and fill in for shifts where coverage is needed. To make the process easier, nurses can use a smart per diem staffing app to pick up shifts quickly in a variety of medical settings. And, since per diem nurses can pick up as many or as few shifts as they want, many nurses agree that per diem nursing can foster an incredible work-life balance. Additionally, a per diem nurse can earn a higher-than-average per-hour rate when compared to a traditional full-time nursing schedule. The higher pay per hour is usually a result of per diem nurses not being offered benefits, as well as an increase in pay due to a hospital’s high demand for last-minute coverage.
What Is an Average Per Diem Nurse Side Job Salary?
A per diem salary can vary depending on several factors, but, on average, in the USA, a per diem registered nurse can make around $87,000 annually, which breaks down to about $42 an hour.
Keep the following in mind: Per diem nurses are not paid in terms of “salary,” so per diem nurse hourly pay tends to be significantly higher than that of a staff nurse.
A CPR Instructor
Working as a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) tutor is a great way to put your nursing background into action and teach lifesaving techniques to a variety of demographics. Whether you decide to work at the local community health clinic or at a high school or sponsor a workshop, working as a CPR tutor is an excellent way to earn side cash as a nurse.
What Is an Average CPR Tutor Nurse Side Job Salary?
A CPR tutor can expect to make an hourly rate of around $10 to $20 an hour. A CPR tutor side gig is an ideal second job for nurses who want to earn supplemental income without the high stress that sometimes comes with regular nursing jobs.
Non-Nursing Side Hustles
Aside from second jobs for nurses that call for nursing-related skills, there are plenty of side jobs for nurses that don’t require any nursing knowledge at all. From pet sitting and childcare to working other odd jobs, there is no shortage of ways a nurse can earn extra money.
Looking for a high-paying side gig as a nurse? Find and fill a local per diem nursing shift in your area by downloading our Nursa app today!
