As a dedicated nurse, you constantly put patient care first. But let’s face it, financial security is important too. The good news is that nurses are in high demand throughout the United States and there are a lot of lucrative side (and main) hustles that you can do to make extra money as a nurse.
Let’s dive into some of the most popular options first:
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PRN and Travel Nursing
Most nurses have heard of PRN and Travel nursing, and there’s a reason it’s one of the most popular ways to make extra money as a nurse.
PRN nursing
PRN stands for “per diem” which means “as needed” or more technically “by the day”. PRN nurses fill empty shifts throughout different healthcare settings to ensure the best patient care possible. PRN agencies offer flexible scheduling, which allows nurses to have a better work-life balance. Pay rates for PRN nurses tend to be higher than what a normal staff nurse makes, and can sometimes offer additional bonuses for picking up shifts on short notice. Because of the added flexibility and the opportunity to make more money, more and more nurses are switching to PRN.
Travel Nursing
Travel nurses work in temporary positions in different areas across the country and sometimes the world. Usually travel nurses partner with travel nurse agencies because they handle all of the logistics behind being a travel nurse. They’ll help find the perfect contract to meet your needs and expectations, they’ll also help answer any questions they can. Contracts are usually 3-13 weeks, which offers them a chance to explore new places while gaining valuable experience in different healthcare settings. Travel nursing isn’t just for registered nurses, LPNs, CNAs, and CMTs can travel too!
Travel nursing gets a little more complicated than PRN nursing, here are a few more things to keep in mind if you want to use this option to make more money as a nurse.
What are the requirements to be a travel nurse?
Most travel nurses are required to have at least one year of experience in the field they are going to work in. This varies from contract to contract, and some facilities could require additional time.
How do Travel Nurses Find Housing?
There are a lot of housing options for travel nurses, like short-term leases, extended-stay hotels, and Air BnBs. If you need more details check out the blog we wrote about finding housing as a travel nurse.
We wrote a complete guide to travel nursing where we talked about frequently asked questions, and the ins, and outs, of travel nursing.
Here’s How You Can Make Extra Money as a Nurse without an agency.
Nurses have a lot of unique opportunities to make extra money in ways that don’t involve taking care of patients. Let’s take a look at some other lucrative things nurses can do.
Making Extra Money Through Content Creation
Nurses have a lot of unique knowledge and perspectives within healthcare, and everyday people who have never worked in healthcare love hearing the stories and learning more about symptoms and treatment. Here are some of the ways you can share your knowledge and expertise:
Freelance Writing
If you have strong writing skills and enjoy sharing knowledge, freelance writing is a great place to start. A lot of nurses who don’t like being in front of a camera choose this option to make extra money on the side. Nurses who do freelance writing usually write for healthcare publications and websites, and may even start their own nursing blog. If you’re looking to start your own nursing blog, it’s best to research best practices so you can start making money as fast as possible.
Content Creator
For nurses who are comfortable being on camera, or want to make informational content that you may not have to appear in. Creating a YouTube or TikTok account is a great way to turn a side hustle into a full-time job. Depending on the platform you choose, best practices are to have at least 3 new posts a week. For longer-form content, like YouTube, you can focus on making one video a week. It’s a good idea to write down and maintain a list of ideas so you always have content to post.
Nurse Consulting
Offering your expertise at different hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings on specific topics like infection control, patient education, or nursing leadership can be a great way to make extra money as a nurse. When you’re an expert in something, people will pay you to teach them your unique skills.
Online Tutoring
Another way to make extra money is to help nurses who are still in school study for their tests—especially their NCLEX-RN. You can do this either in person or online, and it’s a great way to keep yourself sharp in unique situations.
Data entry or Medical Coding
This is a great way for nurses to make extra money and work from home. Data entry and medical coding require strong attention to detail which is a skill most nurses possess.
From PRN and travel agencies to freelance writing and content creation, there are a lot of unique opportunities to make extra money as a nurse. Don’t be afraid to get started on something new. And always remember, success doesn’t come overnight.
As a dedicated nurse, your primary focus is undoubtedly patient care. However, financial stability is equally important. The nursing profession offers a lot of avenues to make extra money, from traditional routes like PRN and travel nursing to creative options like content creation and consulting.
Whether you’re drawn to the flexibility of per diem work, the adventure of travel nursing, or the intellectual stimulation of sharing your knowledge, there’s an opportunity out there for you. Remember, building a successful side hustle takes time and effort. Start small, be consistent, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of exploring your potential.
