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. 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.
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.
1. Telehealth Nurse
Telehealth nursing is a growing field where nurses provide healthcare services through video calls and online tools. This role has become more popular with the rise of telemedicine.
Benefits of Being a Telehealth Nurse
- Flexibility: Work from home or any location with internet access.
- Increased Opportunities: Many job openings due to the surge in telehealth.
- Work-Life Balance: Manage your schedule more easily.
How to Get Started
- Obtain the necessary certifications and licenses.
- Gain experience in clinical settings.
- Apply for telehealth positions through job boards or healthcare networks.
Telehealth nursing offers a unique chance to blend technology with patient care, making it one of the top side hustles for nurses in 2025.
2. 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. Nurses can choose assignments that fit their schedules, making it easier to balance work and personal life.
Benefits of Locum Tenens
- Flexible work schedule
- Higher daily pay rates
- Opportunities to work in various healthcare environments
How to Get Started
- Research locum tenens agencies that specialize in nursing placements.
- Submit your resume and credentials to these agencies.
- Choose assignments that match your skills and availability.
- Complete any required training or orientation for each assignment.
With the growing demand for healthcare staffing in 2024, locum tenens is becoming an increasingly popular choice for nurses looking to diversify their careers.
3. 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. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for many.
Job Opportunities
Immunization nurses can find work in various settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Pharmacies
Best Times to Work
Some of the best times to work as an immunization nurse are during or before flu season. This is when the demand for vaccinations is highest.
Qualifications
This role is open to both registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). If you're looking for immunization clinic nurse jobs in Boston, MA, there are many opportunities available.
Working as an immunization nurse allows you to make a significant impact on public health while enjoying flexible work hours.
4. Medical Biller and Coder
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. The job offers steady and predictable working hours, making it easier to balance with a nursing career.
Benefits
- Flexible work environment
- Steady and predictable hours
- Available nationwide
Getting Started
- Obtain a certification in medical billing and coding.
- Look for online courses or programs that offer this certification.
- Apply for positions in hospitals, clinics, or even remote roles.
Medical billing and coding jobs are available anywhere that offers medical services, providing easy access to either position.
This side hustle is perfect for nurses who want to leverage their medical knowledge in a non-clinical setting.
5. Medical Writer
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.
Why Become a Medical Writer?
- Flexibility: You can work from home and set your own hours.
- Diverse Opportunities: Write for different types of media, from blogs to scientific journals.
- High Demand: The need for accurate medical information is always growing.
How to Get Started
- Build a Portfolio: Start by writing sample articles or blog posts on medical topics.
- Network: Join professional organizations like the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA).
- Get Certified: Consider earning a certification in medical writing to boost your credentials.
Medical writing is one of the most common career changes for nurses looking to leverage their clinical expertise in a new way.
6. Legal Nurse Consultant
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. This job involves much research and paperwork, so you can work mainly from a home office if you wish.
How to Start
- Take legal nurse courses or earn a certificate as a legal nurse consultant. This usually takes weeks and is reasonably priced.
- Consult a business attorney or accountant when starting your business.
- Keep your nursing liability insurance current.
Potential Earnings
Legal nurse consultants can earn up to $150,000 annually, with the average salary being $112K. As a business owner, you can pick and choose your clients and schedule, allowing you to find the highest-paying work once you are established.
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.
7. 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. Nurses can work with clinical trials companies to help test new treatments and medications. This role allows nurses to contribute to medical advancements while earning extra income.
Benefits of Clinical Research
- Flexible work hours
- Opportunity to work from home
- Involvement in cutting-edge medical research
How to Get Started
- Research clinical trials companies that hire nurses.
- Apply for positions that match your skills and experience.
- 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.
8. Expert Medical Witness
An expert medical witness is a nurse who provides specialized knowledge in legal cases. 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
- Gain experience in your nursing specialty.
- Take courses or attend workshops on legal nursing.
- Network with legal professionals.
- Consider joining professional organizations for expert witnesses.
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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.
9. 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. 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:
- Brainstorm your app idea: Think about what would be most useful in your daily work or for your patients.
- Consult a business attorney: Protect your idea from being copied.
- 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.
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.