High Paying Nurse Side Hustles: How Nurses Are Earning More Outside the Hospital Nursing is an incredibly fulfilling career, but it’s no secret that it can also be demanding, both physically and emotionally. With increasing workloads, rising costs of living, and the desire for more financial freedom, many nurses are turning to side hustles to supplement their income. What’s even better? Some of these side hustles don’t just provide a little extra cash—they pay extremely well.
Whether you want to start your own business, earn extra money online, or pursue a passion outside the hospital, there are countless opportunities that can work around your shifts. In this article, we’ll explore high-paying side hustles for nurses, including real-life examples, income potential, how to get started, and tips for success.
Why Nurses Are Turning to Side Hustles
High Paying Nurse Side Hustles: How Nurses Are Earning More Outside the Hospital There are several reasons nurses are embracing the side hustle movement:
- Burnout and career fatigue: Nurses are looking for ways to escape high-stress environments.
- Financial goals: Paying off student loans, saving for a house, or building wealth.
- Work flexibility: Side hustles can offer control over your schedule.
- Passion projects: Many nurses want to explore other talents or interests.
- Transition planning: Some use side hustles as stepping stones to full-time entrepreneurship.
Now let’s dive into the top high-paying nurse side hustles you can start today.
1. Nurse Health Coach
A Nurse Health Coach is a licensed nurse who blends clinical expertise with wellness coaching to help clients improve their health through lifestyle changes, goal setting, and ongoing support. High Paying Nurse Side Hustles: How Nurses Are Earning More Outside the Hospital Rather than treating illness in a hospital setting, nurse health coaches focus on preventive care, helping clients manage chronic diseases, reduce stress, eat healthier, and build sustainable habits.
What It Is:
As a nurse health coach, you’ll work with clients to set health goals, improve lifestyle habits, manage chronic conditions, and provide support for wellness.
Earning Potential:
- $75–$150 per hour
- $1,000–$5,000+ per month (part-time)
Pros:
- Can be done online
- High demand for holistic and preventive health
- Flexible scheduling
How to Start:
- Get certified through programmes like the Nurse Coach Collective or INCA
- Build a niche (e.g., women’s health, chronic disease, stress management)
- Set up a simple coaching website and market on social media
2. Telehealth Nurse / Remote Nurse Work
High Paying Nurse Side Hustles: How Nurses Are Earning More Outside the Hospital Telehealth nurses assess symptoms, review medical histories, and guide patients remotely via phone, video, or secure messaging systems. Demand is rapidly increasing due to the expansion of virtual healthcare services across hospitals, insurance companies, and private clinics.
What It Is:
Work from home providing virtual care, triage, case management, or health education through telemedicine platforms.
Earning Potential:
- $30–$60 per hour
- Up to $2,500/month part-time
Pros:
- No commute
- High demand from insurance companies and hospitals
- Great for RNs, LPNs, NPs
How to Start:
- Look for roles on job boards like Indeed, FlexJobs, or Remote.co
- Apply to companies like Teladoc, CVS, or UnitedHealth Group
- Ensure your license is active in the states required
3. Legal Nurse Consultant
High Paying Nurse Side Hustles: How Nurses Are Earning More Outside the Hospital A Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC) is a registered nurse who uses clinical expertise to assist attorneys, insurance companies, and legal teams in understanding medical aspects of cases. LNCs interpret medical records, identify standards of care, summarize case findings, and serve as expert witnesses in legal proceedings such as personal injury, malpractice, and worker’s compensation.
What It Is:
Use your clinical knowledge to assist attorneys in understanding medical records, writing reports, and preparing for trial.
Earning Potential:
- $100–$200 per hour
- $2,000–$10,000 per case
Pros:
- Very high-paying per project
- Can be done from home
- Uses existing RN expertise
How to Start:
- Take a Legal Nurse Consultant Certification course (e.g., through AALNC)
- Network with local attorneys and law firms
- Build a professional website and offer free consultations to get started
4. Nurse Writer / Content Creator
High Paying Nurse Side Hustles: How Nurses Are Earning More Outside the Hospital Nurse writers are in high demand by healthcare companies, wellness brands, online publications, nursing schools, and telehealth platforms seeking trustworthy content. Nurses can also create their own platforms—such as blogs, YouTube channels, or Instagram pages—sharing tips on nursing careers, wellness, lifestyle, or clinical skills.
What It Is:
Write articles, blogs, or educational content for healthcare companies, publishers, or your own blog or YouTube channel.
Earning Potential:
- Freelance writing: $100–$500+ per article
- Blogging/YouTube: $1,000+ per month with traffic and ads
- Courses/eBooks: $2,000+/month from sales
Pros:
- Location independent
- Creative and educational
- Scales over time
How to Start:
- Start freelance writing through sites like Upwork, ProBlogger, or Medium
- Launch your own blog or YouTube channel focused on nursing, wellness, or career tips
- Monetize through affiliate links, ads, and digital products
5. IV Hydration Business
What It Is:
Administer IV fluids and vitamin therapy to clients in clinics, homes, or mobile units.
Earning Potential:
- $150–$500 per session
- $5,000–$15,000+/month
Pros:
- High-demand service in wellness industry
- High margins
- Ideal for nurse practitioners or RNs with IV skills
How to Start:
- Research local laws (varies by state)
- Get malpractice and business insurance
- Buy startup kits or partner with an MD
- Promote on Instagram and Google My Business
6. Medical Aesthetics / Injectables
What It Is:
Provide Botox, dermal fillers, and skincare treatments in med spas or mobile units.
Earning Potential:
- $200–$600 per client session
- $8,000–$20,000+/month part-time
Pros:
- Highly lucrative
- Flexible schedule
- Growing market
How to Start:
- Complete certified aesthetics training (Botox and fillers)
- Partner with a medical director if required
- Open a mobile clinic or offer services on weekends
7. Nursepreneur Coach / Consultant
What It Is:
Help other nurses build businesses, manage burnout, or transition into new roles by offering business or career coaching.
Earning Potential:
- $100–$300 per session
- $5,000–$20,000+ per month from courses and packages
Pros:
- Leverages your experience
- Creates long-term passive income
- Can be run completely online
How to Start:
- Choose a coaching niche (burnout, business, mindset)
- Get coaching certification (optional but helpful)
- Offer 1:1 sessions, group coaching, or online courses
8. CPR / First Aid Instructor
What It Is:
Teach CPR, AED, and first aid classes to businesses, schools, or individuals.
Earning Potential:
- $50–$150 per person
- $1,000–$5,000+/month
Pros:
- In-person or virtual options
- Flexible schedule
- One-day trainings can be very profitable
How to Start:
- Get certified as an instructor through the American Heart Association or Red Cross
- Offer weekend or evening classes
- Promote through schools, daycare centers, gyms, and your network
9. Health Product Affiliate Marketing
What It Is:
Promote wellness products, supplements, scrubs, or nursing gear online and earn commissions from sales.
Earning Potential:
- $500–$5,000+ per month (depending on reach)
Pros:
- Passive income
- Can be integrated into a blog or Instagram
- No inventory or shipping needed
How to Start:
- Sign up for affiliate programs (Amazon, Scrubs & Beyond, Vitamin brands)
- Create educational or entertaining content
- Use links in your bio, blog, or email list
10. Nurse-Owned Online Store
What It Is:
Sell physical or digital products like nursing planners, T-shirts, mugs, or eBooks.
Earning Potential:
- $1,000–$10,000+ per month (after growth)
Pros:
- Creative outlet
- Income potential is scalable
- Ideal for long-term passive income
How to Start:
- Choose a niche (funny nurse apparel, nurse student planners)
- Use platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or Amazon
- Promote through social media or email lists
Tips for Succeeding with a Nurse Side Hustle
- Start small: Don’t feel pressured to make it huge right away. Focus on one step at a time.
- Schedule smart: Plan side hustle work around your shifts and avoid burnout.
- Invest in education: Take courses to improve skills in writing, marketing, business, or coaching.
- Get legal advice: Understand licensing, taxes, and liability for your state or region.
- Be patient: Many high-paying side hustles take 3–12 months to gain traction.
- Track your income and expenses: Keep good records and use software like QuickBooks or Wave.
Real Nurse Side Hustle Success Stories
Heather Colledge – Nurse Coach
Heather left ICU nursing to become a nurse business coach. Her program, the ELITE Nurse to Coach Academy, has helped hundreds of nurses start six-figure coaching businesses.
Constance Ebanda – Hydration Lounge Owner
After working in bedside nursing, Constance opened New U Hydration Lounge, a mobile IV business that now brings in steady high-income clients.
Nurse John – Social Media Influencer
“Nurse John” grew his TikTok following with comedy skits about nursing life. Now he earns from brand sponsorships, merchandise, and content creation.
Disclaimer:
“I researched this information on the internet; please use it as a guide
and also reach out to a professional for assistance and advice.
This information is not medical advice, so seek your medical professional’s assistance.”
