The best 9 side hustles for nurses for 2025

Nurses have a unique skill set that can be used in many different ways. With the rise of technology and new healthcare needs, there are more opportunities than ever for nurses to find side hustles that fit their interests and schedules. Leveraging a nursing background can enhance opportunities in roles such as healthcare interpreters, medical transcriptionists, and freelance writing, where a strong understanding of medical terminology is crucial. Whether you want to work from home, take on temporary positions, or use your nursing knowledge in a new field, there’s something out there for you. Here are the best nine side hustles for nurses in 2025.

Best Side Hustles for Nurses - Key Takeaways

• Telehealth nursing lets you provide healthcare online, making it flexible and convenient.
• Locum tenens positions offer temporary work that can be both rewarding and well-paid.
• Vaccine or immunization nurses help keep communities healthy, especially during flu season.
• Medical billing and coding is a great option if you want steady, predictable hours.
• Becoming a medical writer allows you to use your nursing knowledge to create helpful content.

Telehealth Nurse: Revolutionizing Patient Care from Anywhere

In an increasingly digital healthcare landscape, telehealth nursing is emerging as a top choice for nurses looking to expand their careers. Whether you're a seasoned registered nurse or a nursing student preparing to enter the workforce, telehealth offers a flexible and rewarding side hustle.

What is Telehealth Nursing?

Telehealth nursing involves providing healthcare services through digital platforms such as video calls and online communication tools. This innovative approach allows nurses to deliver quality care remotely, bridging the gap for patients with limited access to in-person medical services.

Benefits of Telehealth Nursing

• Flexibility.  Telehealth nursing enables you to work from home or any location with internet access. This makes it an ideal option for those juggling nursing education, family responsibilities, or other commitments.
• Increased Opportunities.  The surge in telemedicine has led to a growing demand for skilled professionals. Clinical research nurse jobs and telehealth positions are expanding rapidly, creating new avenues for nurses to utilize their expertise.
• Work-Life Balance.  With the ability to manage your own schedule, telehealth nursing provides a chance to maintain a healthy work-life balance while still leveraging your nursing skills.

How to Get Started as a Telehealth Nurse

• Obtain Necessary Certifications and Licenses.  Ensure you meet the requirements for practicing telehealth in your state or country. For registered nurses, this often involves additional training in telemedicine platforms and protocols.
• Gain Clinical Experience.  Practical experience in hospital or clinic settings will strengthen your foundation for a successful transition into telehealth roles.
• Leverage Job Boards and Networks.  Platforms like healthcare job boards or professional networks often post telehealth and clinical research nurse jobs. Utilize these resources to find the right opportunity.

Why Telehealth Nursing is a Top Side Hustle for 2025

Telehealth nursing allows professionals to blend technology with compassionate patient care. For nursing students and established practitioners alike, it provides a unique avenue to enhance their careers, improve healthcare accessibility, and enjoy greater control over their schedules.

As telemedicine continues to evolve, telehealth nursing stands out as a forward-thinking and impactful side hustle, paving the way for a more connected and efficient healthcare system.

Locum Tenens

Locum tenens is a great side hustle for nurses who want to fill temporary positions in different healthcare settings. This role offers flexibility and the chance to earn more money for each day’s work in various healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care centers. Nurses can choose assignments that fit their schedules, making it easier to balance work and personal life.

What is Locum Tenens?

Locum tenens involves filling temporary positions in healthcare facilities, allowing nurses to work in various settings without committing to a permanent role. This side hustle is perfect for those who enjoy variety and the freedom to choose assignments that suit their schedules.

Benefits of Locum Tenens

• Flexible Work Schedule.  Locum tenens allows you to select shifts and assignments that align with your availability. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for those balancing nursing education or personal responsibilities.
• Higher Daily Pay Rates.  Temporary positions often come with competitive compensation, enabling nurses to earn more for each day's work compared to traditional roles.
• Diverse Healthcare Environments.  Working in different facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, or private practices, offers the chance to develop a wide range of nursing skills and broaden your professional experience.

How to Get Started with Locum Tenens

• Research Agencies.  Find locum tenens agencies that specialize in nursing placements. These organizations connect healthcare facilities with qualified professionals for short-term roles.
• Submit Your Resume and Credentials.  Provide documentation showcasing your qualifications, including licenses and certifications. Agencies often match nurses with positions based on their expertise and preferences.
• Select Assignments.  Choose roles that align with your skills, interests, and schedule. Some agencies offer assignments tailored to specific areas, such as clinical research nurse jobs, for those looking to specialize further.
• Complete Training or Orientation.  Before starting an assignment, be prepared to complete any necessary training or orientation to familiarize yourself with the facility's processes and protocols.

Why Locum Tenens is a Top Side Hustle for 2025

With the growing demand for healthcare professionals, locum tenens offers a unique way for nurses to diversify their careers while maximizing earnings. For nursing students, it's an excellent chance to gain hands-on experience in various settings, complementing their nursing education.

This flexible and rewarding role empowers nurses to explore different healthcare environments, build new skills, and achieve a better work-life balance. As the need for temporary staffing continues to rise, locum tenens stands out as one of the best side hustles for nurses in 2025.

Vaccine or Immunization Nurse

Becoming a vaccine or immunization nurse is a great way for nurses to earn extra income. Nurses can choose to work part-time, seasonally, or as needed. Understanding medical terminology is crucial for immunization nurses to accurately process medical records and ensure clear communication. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for many.

Job Opportunities for Vaccine Nurses

Immunization nurses can find employment in various healthcare settings, such as:

• Hospitals: Administering vaccines in inpatient or outpatient departments.
• Clinics: Providing immunizations as part of community health initiatives.
• Pharmacies: Assisting with seasonal vaccination drives or routine immunizations.

Best Times to Work

Peak demand for vaccine nurses often occurs during flu season and before the school year starts, when vaccinations for influenza and other diseases are in high demand. These periods offer increased opportunities for seasonal work, especially in urban centers with bustling healthcare systems.

Qualifications

This role is accessible to both RNs and LPNs. Nurses can enhance their credentials by seeking specialized immunization training or certification programs, which may be offered online or through professional nursing organizations.

Why Choose Vaccine Nursing as a Side Hustle?

Vaccine nurses play a vital role in improving community health. This job not only provides flexibility but also the satisfaction of contributing directly to public health initiatives. With growing awareness of vaccination's importance, immunization clinic nurse jobs are abundant in cities like Boston, MA, and beyond.

Medical Biller and Coder: Leveraging Medical Expertise in a Non-Clinical Role

Medical billing and coding is a great side hustle for nurses looking to work from home. This role involves inputting invoice information, communicating with insurance providers, and collecting payments. A strong understanding of medical terminology is essential for accurately processing medical records and ensuring clear communication. The job offers steady and predictable working hours, making it easier to balance with a nursing career.

Benefits of Medical Billing and Coding

• Work from Anywhere: A flexible role ideal for nurses balancing clinical work and personal commitments.
• Steady Hours: Enjoy predictable schedules without the physical demands of clinical nursing.
• Nationwide Opportunities: Available in hospitals, clinics, or remote positions, ensuring accessibility.

How to Get Started

1. Earn a Certification: Pursue a course in medical billing and coding through online platforms or local training programs.
2. Apply for Roles: Look for positions in healthcare facilities or remote job boards.
3. Leverage Nursing Experience: Highlight your medical knowledge to stand out as a candidate.

For nurses seeking a non-clinical side hustle that uses their expertise, medical billing and coding offers stability, flexibility, and nationwide availability.

Medical Writer: Combining Clinical Knowledge with Creative Expression

Nurses with strong writing skills can transition into a career as a medical writer. Medical writers create content for a variety of audiences, including patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public. This role involves writing articles, creating educational materials, and even developing content for medical textbooks. Leveraging a nursing background can significantly enhance opportunities in medical writing by providing a deep understanding of medical terminology and patient care.

Why Become a Medical Writer?

• Flexibility: Work from home and set your own hours.
• Diverse Projects: Write blogs, develop patient education materials, or contribute to medical textbooks.
• High Demand: Accurate and accessible medical content is always in demand.

How to Get Started

1. Build a Portfolio: Write sample articles on medical topics to showcase your skills.
2. Network: Join organizations like the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) to connect with industry professionals.
3. Earn Certification: Consider medical writing certifications to boost credibility and open more opportunities.

Medical writing is a perfect side hustle for nurses who want to apply their clinical expertise in a creative and flexible role.

Legal Nurse Consultant: A High-Earning Role Bridging Healthcare and Law

Legal nurse consultants work with law firms and hospitals to help sort through medical-legal claims. They explain medical jargon and conditions clearly to attorneys and hospital administration. A legal nurse can often serve as a medical expert and may need to testify in court. Understanding medical terminology is crucial for accurately interpreting and explaining medical records in this role. This job involves much research and paperwork, so you can work mainly from a home office if you wish.

How to Start as a Legal Nurse Consultant

1. Earn Certification: Complete courses or certifications in legal nurse consulting, typically available online.
2. Set Up Your Business: Consult an attorney or accountant to establish your consulting practice.
3. Maintain Liability Insurance: Stay protected while navigating this specialized field.

Earnings Potential

Legal nurse consultants can earn impressive salaries, with some making up to $150,000 annually. As a consultant, you can choose your clients and schedule, providing flexibility and the potential for high earnings.

For nurses interested in combining their medical expertise with legal work, this side hustle offers an exciting, high-reward career path.

Working as a legal nurse consultant is one of the most profitable small business ideas for nurses because those in the legal system tend to pay well. This type of venture has little to no start-up costs. You can work from home or in your client's office, so there is no need to rent office space.

Clinical Research

Clinical research is a great side hustle for nurses who want to stay involved in the medical field but in a less demanding way. Clinical research nurse jobs involve conducting studies related to nursing practice and patient care, often requiring a BSN or a master's degree. Nurses can work with clinical trials companies to help test new treatments and medications. This role allows clinical research nurses to contribute to medical advancements while earning extra income.

Benefits of Clinical Research Nurse Jobs

• Flexible work hours
• Opportunity to work from home
• Involvement in cutting-edge medical research

How to Get Started

1. Research clinical trials companies that hire nurses.
2. Apply for positions that match your skills and experience.
3. Complete any required training or certifications.

Clinical research offers a unique opportunity for nurses to stay clinically involved without the high demands of traditional nursing roles. This can be a fulfilling way to boost your income and contribute to important medical discoveries.

Expert Medical Witness

An expert medical witness is a nurse who provides specialized knowledge in legal cases. Experienced nurses play a crucial role in this field by leveraging their expertise to review medical records, prepare reports, and testify in court. This role involves reviewing medical records, preparing reports, and testifying in court. Nurses in this position can work part-time, seasonally, or as needed, making it a flexible side hustle.

Responsibilities

• Reviewing medical records
• Preparing detailed reports
• Testifying in court

Benefits

• Flexible work schedule
• High earning potential
• Opportunity to use specialized knowledge

How to Get Started

1. Gain experience in your nursing specialty.
2. Take courses or attend workshops on legal nursing.
3. Network with legal professionals.
4. Consider joining professional organizations for expert witnesses.

This highly acclaimed two-day program will include intensive breakout sessions. Saturday-Sunday, May 3-4, 2025 Opal Sands Resort, Clearwater Beach, FL.

Potential Earnings

The compensation for expert medical witnesses varies based on the task and specialty. Nurses can earn a significant income by providing their expertise in legal cases.

Healthcare App Developer

Nurses with a knack for technology can thrive as healthcare app developers. This side hustle leverages your medical knowledge to create useful tools for both patients and healthcare professionals. A nursing background can significantly enhance opportunities in this field by providing a deep understanding of medical needs and terminology. Common app ideas include fitness trackers, weight loss apps, and mental wellness support tools. You can also develop specialized nursing apps like study aids, flow sheets, and skill instruction guides

Starting this small business might seem daunting, but it's manageable. Here are some steps to get you started:

1. Brainstorm your app idea: Think about what would be most useful in your daily work or for your patients.
2. Consult a business attorney: Protect your idea from being copied.
3. Partner with a mobile app development company: They can help bring your idea to life.

The healthcare app market is booming, with projected revenues of $111.1 billion by 2025. As a freelance developer, you can expect to earn a handsome income, with average salaries around $131K annually. This side hustle not only offers financial rewards but also allows you to make a significant impact in the healthcare industry.

In 2025, nurses have a variety of side hustles to choose from that can provide extra income and personal fulfillment. Whether it’s working as a telehealth nurse, a medical writer, or even starting a small business, the opportunities are vast and varied. These side gigs not only help nurses financially but also allow them to explore new interests and reduce burnout. By leveraging their skills and expertise, nurses can find rewarding ways to supplement their income and achieve a better work-life balance. So, if you’re a nurse looking to diversify your career, now is the perfect time to explore these exciting side hustles.

Conclusion

In 2025, nurses have a variety of side hustles to choose from that can provide extra income and personal fulfillment. Whether it's working as a telehealth nurse, a medical writer, or even starting a small business, the opportunities are vast and varied. These side gigs not only help nurses financially but also allow them to explore new interests and reduce burnout. By leveraging their skills and expertise, nurses can find rewarding ways to supplement their income and achieve a better work-life balance. So, if you're a nurse looking to diversify your career, now is the perfect time to explore these exciting side hustles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a telehealth nurse?

A telehealth nurse provides healthcare services through video calls and online chats. They help patients from a distance, which can be really handy for those who can't visit a hospital.

What does a locum tenens nurse do?

A locum tenens nurse fills in temporary positions at hospitals or clinics. This can be a great way to earn extra money and gain different experiences.

How can I become a vaccine or immunization nurse?

To become a vaccine or immunization nurse, you need to be a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN). You can work in places like hospitals, clinics, or even pharmacies.

What skills do I need to be a medical biller and coder?

To be a medical biller and coder, you need to be good at organizing and paying attention to details. You'll be entering billing information and working with insurance companies.

What is a medical writer?

A medical writer creates documents and articles about healthcare topics. They often work with hospitals, pharmacies, and other medical organizations to make complex information easy to understand.

What does a legal nurse consultant do?

A legal nurse consultant helps lawyers understand medical terms and conditions. They might also help with medical-legal cases and sometimes need to testify in court.