16 Best Side Hustles for Nurses (That Won’t Burn You Out)
Image by the National Cancer Institute
If you’re a nurse, you already know how hard you work.
Long shifts.
Endless charts.
Patients who make you laugh, cry, and question everything — sometimes all in the same hour.
But as the cost of living rises and burnout becomes all too real, more and more nurses are exploring side hustles to earn extra money, build financial freedom, or even set themselves up for a career pivot down the line.
And the good news?
Nurses are incredibly well-positioned to succeed. Your clinical skills, communication chops, and ability to handle pressure open the door to a lot of income-generating opportunities.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best side hustles for nurses — including remote work, healthcare-adjacent gigs, and even creative ventures you can start from your phone.
What Makes a Great Side Hustle for Nurses?
Let’s be real — nursing isn’t your average 9 to 5.
Some days you’re crushing a 12-hour shift on your feet, navigating emotional conversations, charting like a machine, and still remembering to hold someone’s hand when they’re scared.
So when we talk about side hustles, they need to work around you, not the other way around.
A friend of mine is a nurse and she would tell me how her colleagues burnt out trying to “hustle” in the traditional sense — squeezing in gigs that didn’t honor their energy, family time, or sanity.
That’s not the vibe here.
Instead, the best side hustles for nurses tend to have a few things in common:
Flexible Hours: You want something that fits between shifts, on your days off, or even during that rare moment of calm in your schedule. Think projects you can pause and pick up again without penalty.
Low Overhead: You shouldn’t need to spend thousands on courses or gear just to get started. Great side hustles for nurses start small — often with nothing but your brain, a laptop, and a Wi-Fi signal.
Energy-Smart: If it leaves you more tired than a double shift with no lunch break, it’s not sustainable. Look for side hustles that energize you or let you work from the couch when your feet are fried.
Skill-Aligned: Nurses are problem solvers, educators, and caretakers. The right hustle taps into what you’re already amazing at — like communication, empathy, and deep medical knowledge — and turns it into extra income.
The trick is picking something that fits your life, not just what’s trending online.
16 Best Side Hustles for Nurses
Healthcare-Adjacent Hustles
If you’re looking for something that feels like an extension of your nursing skills — without the scrubs and commute — these healthcare-adjacent hustles might be your best bet:
#1: Telehealth Triage or Consulting
Use your clinical skills from the comfort of home. Platforms like Wheel and CareRev connect nurses to patients who need quick guidance or follow-ups.
You choose your schedule and log in when it works for you — nights, weekends, or between shifts.
#2: Medical Transcription or Coding
This isn’t for everyone, but if you love detail-oriented work and can stay focused, it’s a great fit.
Some nurses take an online certification and work a few hours a week reviewing notes and medical codes for clinics or private practices.
#3: CPR Instructor or First Aid Trainer
Teaching CPR or first aid is low stress, high reward.
You can set your own class schedule, teach small groups in-person, or even offer online sessions via Zoom.
Many nurses build up a local client base by working with daycares, schools, or small businesses.
#4: Health Coaching or Patient Advocacy
If you love the teaching side of nursing more than the charting, this one’s for you.
Health coaching lets you work with clients 1-on-1 to support behavior change, manage chronic conditions, or navigate complex care decisions.
Bonus: it can be done fully remote, and you can structure it around your existing workweek.
The best part? You’re already qualified. These options let you leverage what you already know — no career change or major leap required. Just a little strategy and a lot of heart.
Remote or Online Hustles
Remote side hustles are the ultimate win for nurses who want flexibility, comfort, and the ability to earn from home — whether it's after a night shift or during a rare stretch of quiet on a day off.
These hustles let you use your nursing skills in new, creative ways — without scrubs, commuting, or standing for 12 hours straight.
#5: Freelance Writing (Health or Parenting Topics)
You already break down complex medical ideas for patients — freelance writing is just doing that in written form.
Nurses are in demand for writing blog posts, health guides, email newsletters, and parenting content because you have real-life credibility.
Start small: pitch one idea to a parenting blog or look for writing gigs on sites like Upwork or ProBlogger.
Think: “5 Things Your Nurse Wants You to Know Before Surgery” or “How to Navigate Childhood Asthma.” With a few samples, you can build a steady side income.
Many freelance nurses earn $150–$500 per piece once they’re established.
#6: Online Tutoring or Course Creation for Nursing Students
You’ve passed the NCLEX.
You’ve survived clinicals.
That alone makes you a guide someone would pay to learn from.
Offer 1-on-1 tutoring over Zoom for nursing students — especially during finals or NCLEX prep season.
Sites like Wyzant can connect you to students, or you can promote your services in nursing Facebook groups.
Want to make this a bit more passive?
Record video lessons or sell study guides on platforms like Gumroad, Teachable, or Etsy. Even a single $20 resource can snowball once you’ve got visibility.
#7: Medical Surveys or Research Studies
This one’s perfect when your brain is tired but your opinion still counts.
Platforms like Respondent.io and M3 Global Research pay nurses to participate in surveys and product testing.
You’ll answer questions about your specialties, experiences, and sometimes review tools or medications.
It’s not full-time work, but earning $75–$200 for a 45-minute call is real money with almost no prep required.
Set up profiles on multiple platforms to increase your chances of matching.
#8: Create Content on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube
You don’t need a million followers to make this work — just a point of view and a phone.
Nurses sharing behind-the-scenes content, advice for new grads, or even funny patient stories (HIPAA-safe, of course) are building strong followings and turning them into revenue.
Monetization can come from affiliate links, sponsored posts, selling digital products (like templates or eBooks), or even brand deals. Start by choosing a niche — maybe it’s “nurse life with toddlers,” “NCLEX prep tips,” or “hospital meal hacks.”
Be consistent and patient — your audience will grow over time.
Service and Gig-Based Hustles
Sometimes the best side hustle is the one that doesn’t involve a computer screen — especially if you’re the type who likes to stay active or connect with people face-to-face.
These options offer flexibility, quick cash, and are easy to start without much training or tech know-how.
#9: Childbirth Educator or Doula Work
If your nursing experience includes labor and delivery, postpartum, or women’s health, this is a natural (and high-impact) side hustle.
Many parents-to-be are looking for extra support — and trust nurses deeply in this space.
You can offer birth classes in person or online, provide postpartum doula support for new moms, or even assist at births (depending on your comfort and availability).
Certification is helpful but not always required — check out DONA International or CAPPA for affordable programs.
This can easily become a $500–$1,500/month gig with just a few clients.
#12: Babysitting, Pet Sitting, or House Sitting
Yes, it sounds like something you did in high school — but it’s making a comeback for adults looking for low-effort, high-flexibility cash.
And being a nurse?
Total trust-builder for parents or pet owners.
List your services on Care.com, Rover, or TrustedHousesitters.
Weekday mornings and overnights are in demand, especially if you’re off-shift when most people are working.
One overnight pet-sitting gig can bring in $50–$150 depending on your area.
11. Delivery Driving (Instacart, DoorDash, Uber Eats)
This one’s ideal if you want to turn your car into a quick cash machine.
Work on your own schedule, pause when you need to, and start earning the same day you apply.
Want to boost your earnings? Work during peak times (lunch and dinner), focus on wealthier zip codes, and aim for grocery or large orders with high tip potential.
Even one or two shifts a week can cover groceries, daycare, or a savings goal. Just track your mileage and gas for tax write-offs.
These hustles might not be glamorous, but they’re flexible, fast to start, and can help you build up a buffer while keeping your nursing schedule intact.
Entrepreneurial and Passive Hustles
If you’re looking to build long-term wealth — and not just short-term cash — passive or semi-passive side hustles are where it’s at. These won’t replace your income overnight, but they do give you a shot at building assets that pay you over time.
Start now, grow slowly, and you might just create your exit plan.
#12: Start a Blog or Newsletter for a Niche Audience
Nurses are natural storytellers. Whether you want to vent about hospital chaos, help new grads avoid burnout, or share practical tips for balancing healthcare work and parenting — people want to hear it.
Start a newsletter or simple blog quickly (and for free) on WordPress or Beehiiv. I personally power my newsletter with Beehiiv and highly recommend it, especially against Mailchimp, Substack, and Kit (formerly ConvertKit).
Focus on one core problem you solve.
You can monetize through affiliate links (Amazon scrubs, planners, nursing shoes), digital downloads, or sponsorships down the line.
Best part? You own your platform, and you can grow it on your time.
#13: Launch a Print-on-Demand Shop
You don’t need to be a designer to sell t-shirts.
In fact, many successful POD shops use simple text-only designs (think: “Coffee. Chart. Repeat.” or “RN: Real Nice.”).
Platforms like Printful and Printify handle the printing, inventory, and shipping.
You just upload your design and promote it.
Start with Canva to create mockups.
Share on Instagram or TikTok, or post in nursing Facebook groups (when allowed).
You can also create planners, stickers, or tote bags — especially things that speak to the daily nurse grind. Once your shop is up, it can run in the background with very little hands-on time.
#14: Sell Digital Products (Templates, Study Guides, Checklists)
You’ve built systems to survive nursing school, pass the NCLEX, and survive 12-hour shifts — those systems are valuable. Package your expertise into something digital and sell it.
Ideas:
Clinical rotation prep checklists
NCLEX flashcard decks
Nurse shift planners
“Ask a nurse” patient guides for new parents
Use Gumroad, Etsy, or Teachable to sell — no physical inventory needed.
One solid product can make you money for years with a little upfront work.
#15: Start a Low-Key Affiliate Site or Resource Hub
Affiliate marketing isn’t dead — you just have to do it right.
Create a resource site or page focused on something you already know well: nursing shoes, meal prep tools, stethoscopes, baby gear for nurse parents.
Include honest reviews and links to buy. If someone clicks and makes a purchase, you get a commission.
You can also embed these links in your blog or newsletter. It takes time to rank on Google, but once you do? This can become a truly passive income stream.
#16: Host a Paid Community or Accountability Group
Nurses are craving connection — especially those who feel burned out or isolated. You could start a paid community (Slack group, Discord, or private Facebook group) around a specific focus: nurse career changers, new grads, or even nurses who are also parents.
Charge a small monthly fee and offer weekly check-ins, resources, and peer support. It’s low-overhead and highly scalable if you find the right niche.
What to Avoid
Not all side hustles are created equal — and some can do more harm than good, especially if they drain your energy, finances, or professional credibility.
Here’s what to skip (and why):
Multilevel Marketing Schemes (MLMs)
You’ve probably seen the DMs: “Hey girl, I think you’d be amazing at what I do…”
These “business opportunities” often target nurses because of your trusted reputation and wide network — but the truth is, 99% of participants lose money.
If a gig requires you to buy a starter kit, recruit your coworkers, or buy inventory upfront, it’s probably not legit.
Your license and relationships are worth more than a protein shake commission.
Anything That Sounds Too Good to Be True
“Make $10k a month from your phone!”
Sure, Jan.
If someone promises you fast money with no work, there’s usually a catch — or worse, a scam.
Always check reviews, trust your gut, and remember: building real income takes effort.
Quick wins are fine, but if it sounds sketchy, it probably is.
Jobs That Risk Your License
Side gigs that blur the lines of scope of practice, confidentiality, or clinical judgment aren’t worth the risk.
For example, offering medical advice in an unlicensed coaching role or administering treatments outside your work setting could jeopardize your credentials.
Always check state laws and board guidance before offering healthcare-adjacent services.
Burnout Traps
If the hustle adds more stress than it solves — it’s not a good fit.
Avoid anything that eats into sleep, family time, or your one free afternoon a week. You’re doing this to improve your life, not overload it.
The goal is progress, not perfection. Steady, smart moves beat flash-in-the-pan ideas every time.
Tips for Balancing It All
Look, we’re not trying to turn your one day off into a 12-hour workathon.
The whole point of a side hustle is to help your life — not hijack it.
Here’s how to keep your sanity (and your weekends) while building something on the side:
Set a Clear Goal Up Front: Are you trying to pay off credit card debt? Save for a family trip? Cut back on hospital shifts? Write it down and get specific. When the goal is clear, the hustle has purpose — and you’re way more likely to stay consistent.
Time-Block Like a Boss: Treat your side hustle time like any other commitment. Pick one block each week — even if it’s just 90 minutes on a Sunday morning — and protect it. If you don’t make time on purpose, it won’t happen. Period.
Start Small and Validate: Don’t build a five-part course or launch a merch line on day one. Test your idea. Try one tutoring session. Sell one guide. Offer one service. Starting lean keeps the risk low and the momentum high.
Protect Your Recharge Time: If you’re wiped after back-to-back shifts, give yourself permission to rest. You’re no good to your hustle — or your family — if you’re running on fumes. Side hustles should support your life, not swallow it.
Outsource at Home When It Makes Sense: Buy back time where you can. Grocery delivery, meal kits, or an occasional house cleaner might feel like a luxury, but they free you up for higher-value work (or sleep — which is also priceless).
Don’t Hustle in Isolation: Find a community — even if it’s just one other nurse also doing their thing. Share wins, trade resources, and remind each other why you started.
You’re already doing one of the most demanding jobs out there.
So if you’re making moves to earn extra income on top of that? That’s nothing short of legendary.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Just a Nurse — You’re a Builder
You’ve already chosen a career built on grit, empathy, and problem-solving.
That means you’ve got the core skills to succeed at a side hustle — even if you’ve never thought of yourself as “entrepreneurial.”
Whether you’re picking up a few extra shifts on your own terms, building a digital product that makes money while you sleep, or just testing the waters with one paid tutoring session — it counts.
You don’t need to go all in on day one. You just need to take one smart step forward.
Start with something that fits your life right now.
Test it.
Tweak it.
Grow from there.
And remember — this isn’t about doing more for the sake of being busy.
It’s about building financial flexibility, protecting your peace, and giving yourself options. Because the best hustle is one that works for you, not the other way around.
