7 Best Side Hustles Ideas for Nurses
A lot of registered nurses live on a hectic schedule. They spend long shifts at hospitals and clinics, providing medical aid to all that need it.
If you’re a nurse and you find it hard to make both ends meet, then having a side hustle can help you earn extra money. We have made a list of the best side hustle ideas that are perfect for nurses like you.
Medical Transcriptionist
The future for Medical Transcription (MT) Services in the global market looks promising. In fact, it is projected that by 2024, this service will reach a revenue of US$70 billion. With this figure in mind, it’s definitely worth to consider medical transcription as your side hustle.
What does a medical transcriptionist do?
They listen to voice recordings from Doctors and other medical professionals and transcribe them. This job may sound easy, but it would be quite challenging for those that are not familiar with medical terminologies.
Having a medical background will definitely work to your advantage. A lot of clients would prefer your service since you are familiar with medical terminologies. Plus, this job offers a flexible working schedule. You can work whenever and wherever you want.
There are several online platforms that you can find medical transcription jobs. One of the most trusted companies is TranscribeMe. They offer a steady stream of work so you can make a lot of money from this side hustle. You can earn up to $20 per audio hour.
Freelance Writing
Registered nurses have vast knowledge and experience when it comes to health care and the medical field. Why not use this knowledge and experience to make money outside hospitals and other medical facilities?
Freelance writing is another best side hustle ideas for nurses. The writing opportunities for RN are simply limitless. As long as you know how to transcend this knowledge and experience to your readers, you can land a gig that pays a competitive rate.
First, there are tons of magazines that are looking for an expert in health-related topics. Aside from journal writing, there are also a lot of websites that are looking for writers that can create informative and engaging articles, especially in the niche of wellness and healthcare. You can also take on advertising tasks related to your fields, such as product packaging or insurance brochure.
Additionally, you can create your own blog. Since you have already established your credibility as an expert in the medical field, it’s easier to gain loyal supports on your blog. You can then branch out to affiliate marketing and make more money online.
Part-Time Caregiver Jobs
About 117 million people in the United States would need the assistance of some kind by 2020. Despite the rise in caregiving needs, there is a decline in overall caregiver support. You can help build this gap by working as a part-time caregiver.
Taking care of people who are elderly, injured and sick seems to be second nature for you. You’ve been giving the same services to your patients in the hospital that you work for every day. The only difference that this gig has is that you will be providing care in your patient’s homes or Old Age Home.
Your responsibility as a caregiver may vary, but these are some of the most common caregiver duties and responsibilities:
- Providing assistance with personal care such as bathing and grooming.
- Basic food preparation including shopping for food, laundry, housekeeping, and other errands.
- General health care such as administering medicine, appointment reminders and overseeing medication and prescription usage.
- Mobility assistance such as helping your patient get in and out of the car or a wheelchair.
Payments as a part-time caregiver may vary depending on who you work for, but the average salary is $12 per hour.
First Aid Training
If you want a side hustle that is closer to your profession, then being a first aid trainer would be a perfect choice.
As a nurse, you understand the importance of first aid. Administering the correct first aid before a doctor or medical professional arrives can save lives. You can share this crucial knowledge in your first aid training class. Before you can do so though, make sure that you have the right license first.
How can you get a certification?
You can take a training course from non-profit organizations such as the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association (AHA). After you finish your course, you have to do well in a monitored class so you can get certified.
To find works as a first aid instructor, you can network with agencies or schools and offer to present the course for a fee. Work offers a flexible schedule and a good income. Of course, nothing beats the rewarding feeling of teaching people how to help others and save lives.
Immunization Clinics
Working with immunization clinics may not be a year-round gig since some of the shots are only administered seasonally. However, it presents a good source of additional income when it is available. There is a projected 163-168 million doses of influenza vaccine to be provided to the U.S market for the 2018-2019 season. This need for an assistant in administering flu shots is your opportunity.
There are lots of companies that provide the benefit of flu shots to their employees. You can offer your assistance to these companies. They pay between $25 – $40 per hour. Other prospective clients are churches, grocery stores and other establishments that require their employees to engage with a lot of people, hence the need to be vaccinated. You can also approach the local clinic in your area.
Instructor at Nursing Schools
There is a shortage of nurses across the world. To avoid a further shortage, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there is a need for more than 1.1 million nurses by 2020.
If you are passionate about teaching and sharing your knowledge and experience with others, you can work as an instructor at nursing schools. You can use your real-life nursing experience to help prepare your students to become a better nurse.
Here are some of the programs that you can work as a nursing instructor:
- Bachelor’s degree program in nursing
- Associate degree
- 2 year or 4-year diploma
How can you be eligible to teach? Here are some of the basic requirements:
- A degree in Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) or Master of Nursing (MSN)
- You should meet the required number of hours of clinical practice
- Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) credential
Requirements vary according to state or institution. Decide which nursing school you want to teach and check if you meet their requirements. Aside from this, you would also need to have excellent communication skills and strong leadership for this side hustle.
Start a Small Business
Working as a nurse can be stressful. Aside from the long hours, you have to deal with sick patients that are often time not pleasant and receptive.
If you’re looking to do something different during your free time, why not start your own business?
Think of the things that you enjoy the most or you’re passionate about. Do you like crafts? How about photography and art? Your small business is more likely to succeed if it is based on your interest and passion.
And with the popularity of social media, it’s easier to market your brand and reach out to new customers.
Conclusion
There are tons of side-hustle opportunities for nurses. And it’s not just limited to those that are related to health care. You just have to explore your choices and see which one best fits your skills and your time. It is time to embrace these side hustle ideas and start making extra money now.
Elevate your side hustle business with the help of the Nurse Entrepreneur Journal. This journal will keep your business forward by helping you plan, track and stay on top of the things.
