Workinga part-timeor full-time jobas a nurse practitionerallows you tohelp others while earning a good salary. According to theBureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2020 median pay for nurse practitionersis $117,670, annually.
Though it’s a sizable salary, the most recent American Association of Colleges of Nursing Debt Reportfound that69% of nursing studentstook out student loans. By graduation, the average nursing schoolgraduate carried a student debt total of $40,000 to $54,999, according to the same report.
Considering that educational costs continue to climb each year, this debt burden is likely higher for today’s graduates. Whether you’re paying off student loans or saving money for other life goals, a nurse practitionerside hustlecan provide extra income.
7 Nurse practitionerside jobsthat leverage your existing skills
Capitalizing on your existing skills and knowledge as a nurse practitioneris the best way tomake moneyon the side. If you’re ready to get started, below are the top nurse practitionerside hustlesto explore.
1. Take on per-diemshifts
One of the easiest and best nurse practitionerside hustlesis to do what you’re already doing and take on per-diemshifts. According to Talent.com, you could earn between $57 to $100 per hour through this side hustle.
This earning opportunity lets you take on work at a schedule you want and earn extra cashin the process.Ask yourcurrent job for extra per-diemshifts for on-call nurses. If your employer doesn’t offer per-diemshifts, consider working additional hours at another healthcarefacility.
You can find per-diemside gigshiftson Glassdoorand Indeed.
2. Administer vaccineson the side
As of December 2021, we’re still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic with the first case of the Omicron variant hitting the US in California. Because of the pandemic and also the arrival of winter — AKA flu season—the US is in need of nurse practitionersto administer COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and the annual flu shot.
You might find extra work within your healthcarefacility, local Department of Health, or neighborhood pharmacy to help with immunizations. How much you can earn varies by state and the type of organization.
3. Become a freelance health writeror blogger
Online publications are looking for freelance healthcarewriters who have the professional credentials to distill complex ideas into easy-to-understand language. This side gigcan lead to earnings of several hundred dollars or more per article depending on the client, and adds a new layer of creative work to your nursing career.
Through freelance writing, you can specialize in healthcarewriting and create content for medicalcompanies or providers, blogs, websites, newsletters and more.
To get started, create your own blog and start blogging about health-related topics that showcase your expertise. You can also reach out to online publications by cold pitching them with samples of your blog writing.
4. Work as an IV infusion nurse
As a nurse practitionerside hustle, you can work as an IV infusion nurse. In places like Los Angeles, there are many alternative wellnessclinics that give IV boosts of vitamins or hydration. Many people go there for a boost in energy or after a rough night on the town.
How much you stand to earn through this side hustlevaries by location and the business you’re working for; however, according to Indeeddata, you could earn between $36 to $70 per hour.
5. Becomean adjunct professor
As a nurse practitioner, your real-world experience can help you earn up to $70 per hour as an adjunct professor. Utilize your knowledge and experience by teaching sessions at a local college or working as a clinic supervisor.
To get started, check local colleges for open positions.
6. Start a health coachingbusiness
If we’ve learned anything from the pandemic, it’s that maintaining your health is crucial. Many people need help and support to achieve their wellnessgoals, and this is just the guidance you can provide as a health professional.
As a health coach, you can set your own rates, and work one-on-one with clients or through an organization toleverage your skills and expertise to help others. Youcan help clients and patients manage certain health conditions or make recommendations on how to live a healthier lifestyle. You might specialize in managing chronic health conditions, for example, andoffer clients help with their condition along their path toward optimal health.
Learn more information from the National Board for Health and WellnessCoaching. To market yourself, promote your coaching business on social mediaor LinkedIn, and if appropriate, certain Facebook groups.
7. Work as a tutor
One of the best side hustlesfor nurse practitionersis working as a tutor for students studying for their nursing degree. You can put your educational knowledge training to work while getting paid extra money.
Varsity Tutorsis a tutoring service that connects nurse practitionertutorswith students in need of academic help. Through tutoring, you’d set your own rates and potentially earn up to $75 per hour.
Finding the right nurse practitionerside jobfor you
If you’re considering nurse practitionerside jobs, it’s important to evaluate your time and energy and end-goal. For example, you might want to save $50,000 for a home down payment or pay off $20,000 in student loans (helpful hint: refinancing might help, too).
Be specific and measurable, so you know what you’re working toward. Also, look at the time commitment and hourly rate you’ll get from a nurse practitionerside job. If you’re not earning your ideal hourly rate or are already overwhelmed with your full-time job, it might not be your season for a side hustleyet.
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