Wellness
Long shifts, changing schedules, life outside of work—nurses are experts at juggling it all. Still, you might be looking for something extra. Maybe it’s more income to help with bills, a way to explore a new passion or just a creative outlet that’s yours. The right side hustle can give you all of that without taking away the energy you need for your patients and your life.
In this guide, we’re sharing 8 side hustles that can actually work for a nurse’s lifestyle—plus practical tips from Kelley Johnson, RN, MSN, on choosing what fits and how to keep burnout at bay.
1. Social Media Content Creation
Scrolling can be fun—but creating content can also be a smart, flexible way to earn extra income. For nurses, it’s a chance to share what you know, connect with others and even build a business from your phone.
Nurse Kelley Johnson has turned content creation into a full-time income:
"I monetize on social media. I am a content creator, TikTok Shop creator, and I sell a digital course teaching others to do the same. Brand deals and digital marketing have made me a 6-figure salary every year since I started."
How to start:
- Pick your platform: TikTok for quick, relatable videos; Instagram for community-building; YouTube for tutorials or longer educational content.
- Choose your niche: Nursing hacks, study tips, lifestyle or even humor from the floor.
- Monetize:
- Brand sponsorships (scrubs, stethoscopes, or wellness products)
- TikTok Shop or affiliate links for recommended tools
- Digital products (e.g., NCLEX study guides or templates)
- Paid courses or coaching sessions
- Time commitment: 3–5 hours a week to batch content and schedule posts.
Pro tip from Kelley:
"Having a creative outlet is so important. I would encourage others to look into it as well!"
2. Freelance Writing or Blogging
If you enjoy writing, your nursing experience is already a huge advantage. Healthcare websites, staffing agencies and education platforms value nurse-written content because it’s credible, relatable and grounded in real-world experience.
How to start:
- Put together a simple portfolio with 2–3 short sample articles
- Pitch to nursing sites, health blogs or staffing agencies
- Check platforms like Upwork, Fiverr or LinkedIn ProFinder for opportunities
Earning potential: $100–$250 per article, depending on experience
Why it works for nurses: You can write from anywhere, on your own time, and take on as little or as much as your schedule allows.
3. Tutoring or NCLEX Coaching
Helping future nurses pass their exams is rewarding, flexible and can pay well. It’s also a way to give back to the profession while keeping your own knowledge fresh.
Kelley advises:
"The most important thing is that it’s something you’re passionate about. I cannot even imagine adding stress to a nurse's day with a side hustle they don't even enjoy."
How to start:
- Offer tutoring through sites like Wyzant or Care.com
- Create NCLEX prep sessions via Zoom or in-person study groups
- Partner with nursing schools to offer peer tutoring
Earning potential: $25–$75/hour
Pro tip: Post in nursing student Facebook groups or forums where demand is high—word of mouth can travel fast in nursing circles.
4. Telehealth or PRN Shifts
If you want extra income without stepping away from your clinical skills, telehealth and PRN (as-needed) shifts are flexible ways to do it. You choose when and where you work, whether that’s answering calls from home or picking up a few hospital shifts a month.
How to start:
- Apply for tele-triage roles with companies like Teladoc or NurseLine
- Sign up for PRN shifts through local hospitals or per diem staffing apps
Earning potential: $30–$60/hour
Why it works for nurses: You can keep your license active, set your own schedule and skip the physical demands of back-to-back bedside shifts.
5. Medical Product Consulting or Reviews
Brands that make scrubs, footwear or medical devices often want real feedback from nurses before launching new products. Your day-to-day experience makes you the perfect test pilot.
How to start:
- Sign up for product testing programs with healthcare apparel or device companies
- Offer consulting through LinkedIn or join professional forums where brands connect with nurses
Earning potential: $50–$200 per review or consultation session
Why it works for nurses: You get to shape products that could make your shifts easier—while getting paid for your expertise.
6. Etsy or Small Business Sales
Got a crafty side? Turning your ideas into products can be a fun and profitable way to earn extra. From badge reels to digital planners, there’s always a market for nurse-inspired designs made by someone who gets the job.
What to sell:
- Badge reels with personality
- Digital planners and checklists
- Custom t-shirts, mugs or tote bags for nurses
How to start:
- Open a shop on Etsy or Shopify
- Design your own with tools like Canva or Adobe Express—or hire a freelancer for the graphics
- Share your products on social media and in nursing forums to get the word out
Earning potential: $100–$1,000+ per month, depending on demand and marketing
7. Fitness or Wellness Coaching
If you’re passionate about health, fitness or mental well-being, coaching can be a natural extension of what you already know. It’s flexible, uplifting and can help you stay accountable to your own wellness goals while supporting others.
How to start:
- Earn a certification (e.g., ACE or NASM) for fitness coaching
- Offer virtual or in-person classes in yoga, meditation or nutrition
- Share tips on social media or local community boards to grow your client base
Earning potential: $25–$100 per hour for private or group sessions
Why it works for nurses: You get to blend your caregiving skills with something that benefits your own health, making it a win-win.
8. Home Health or IV Hydration Clinics
Short, flexible shifts in specialized care settings can pay well and work around your main job. These roles let you stay in a clinical space without the pace of hospital work.
How to start:
- Look for IV hydration clinics or private duty home health companies in your area
- Consider training in IV therapy to expand your opportunities
Earning potential: $40–$100/hour
Bonus: You’re still using your skills to make a direct impact—just in a more focused, often less hectic environment.
How to Choose the Right Side Hustle
The best side hustle isn’t just about money—it’s about finding something that works with your energy, your schedule and your interests.
Nurse Kelley suggests starting small.
"I recommend starting a few different side hustles, and then pouring your time into the ones that don't stress you out or are successful early on. Start small, stay consistent and build from there. Your side hustle should give you energy—not take it away."
Key steps:
- List your skills, interests and available time
- Test one or two low-risk options
- Focus on what’s both profitable and enjoyable
Side hustles don’t need to be overwhelming. Whether you’re creating content, coaching future nurses or selling badge reels, the right choice will fit seamlessly into your life—and maybe even make it better. As Kelley says:
"Think about what you really enjoy and explore options to monetize that passion."
At Cherokee, we believe in supporting nurses not only during shifts but in building a life you love outside of them. Explore our women’s scrubs and men’s scrubs to keep you comfortable while you chase your goals—on and off the clock.