From a personal perspective, I’ve met an increasing number of nurses exploring “side hustles” or venturing into work outside traditional nursing roles (myself included). This trend extends beyond my immediate circle. In fact, a 2023 survey by nursingbeat and connectrn found that nearly half of the nurses interviewed had “nurse side hustles”.
Merriam-Webster defines a side hustle as “work performed for income supplementary to one’s primary job.” Among the nurses I know, the side hustles for nurses range from nursing side jobs from home, such as home health consulting, telehealth to completely unrelated ventures like owning food trucks or even pursuing acting.
Millennials and Gen Z nurses are leading this trend, drawn to opportunities outside traditional nursing roles. I believe this shift is largely influenced by the internet and social media, which have expanded access to opportunities beyond nursing. Additionally, a strong job market over the past decade has provided a sense of security, making it easier for nurses to explore careers beyond healthcare.
In the sections that follow, we’ll delve into the growing popularity of nursing side hustles. We’ll explore factors such as millennials’ and Gen Z’s distinct perspectives on traditional nursing roles, an increased focus on work-life balance, the pursuit of passion-driven careers, the influence of the FI/RE (Financial Independence/Retire Early) movement, and how economic stability and technological advancements have empowered nurses to pursue creative and entrepreneurial outlets outside conventional nursing careers.
A Sign of the Times: Younger Nurses Seeking Passions Beyond Nursing and Prioritizing Mental Health
As a millennial nurse who immigrated from the Philippines, I can say that nursing wasn’t my passion. My mother encouraged me to pursue it as a pathway to immigrate to America and build a better life. I’m grateful for her advice because, although nursing wasn’t my initial passion, I genuinely enjoy my current role.
In comparison, my aunt and many other nurses from developing countries had little choice when they immigrated to America in the late 1970s. Many entered nursing with the goal of lifting their families out of poverty.
Unlike the previous generations of nurses, younger nurses, including younger millennials and Gen Z, who may not be entirely passionate about nursing as a long-term career, now have the option to explore projects or side hustles aligned with their true interests. The rise of the internet and a prolonged period of economic growth have enabled these generations to pursue their passions through non nursing side hustles, allowing them to prioritize mental health and work-life balance. According to a Deloitte survey, 30%-40% of Gen Z and millennial respondents express a desire for companies to provide part-time roles, offer equal career advancement opportunities for part-timers, and support flexible hours.
Pursuing Creative and Entrepreneurial Passions
With information now literally at our fingertips, tech-savvy millennial and Gen Z nurses are finding it easier than ever to grow personally and professionally outside of clinical settings. Many nurses are exploring side hustles that weren’t common in the past, such as health coaching, consulting, and building social media followings.
Some of us are fortunate to have flexible working hours, often working three 12-hour shifts, which leaves four days off to pursue other interests. Personally, on my days off as a per diem nurse, I strive to be productive, often dedicating time to grow my side hustles, such as consulting, web design and freelance writing.
Economic Pressures, Financial Flexibility, and the FI/RE Movement
While being a nurse in California is financially rewarding compared to other states (California Nurse Salary), the high cost of living in areas like Los Angeles and the Bay Area means a nurse’s salary may barely cover basic expenses, leaving little room for financial security. Additionally, some nurses are burdened with substantial student loans from for-profit nursing programs, adding financial strain.
With the steady rise in living costs, it’s unsurprising that nurses are seeking ways to boost their income thru side hustle jobs for nurses. The Financial Independence, Retire Early (FI/RE) movement has gained traction among nurses who are focused on improving financial literacy, increasing income, and ultimately achieving financial independence—without relying on overtime or compromising work-life balance.
Many Nurses Entered the Profession Due to Parental Pressure and Job Stability
As I mentioned earlier, nursing wasn’t my passion. My mother and other family members, who found success in nursing, encouraged me to pursue it as a stable career. My mother often reminded me, “There will always be sick people, so if you become a nurse, you’ll always have a job.”
During the Great Recession of 2008—a time when many millennials and Gen Z were deciding on careers—most professions suffered, and job stability was rare. Healthcare, especially nursing, stood out as a field that remained stable and continued hiring.
Phrases like “Nursing is not for the weak” or “Nursing isn’t for everyone” are common, and I can confirm nursing is challenging work. While the hardships of nursing warrant their own discussion, many millennials back then felt they had to choose between nursing school for job stability or a career they were truly passionate about.
Fast forward almost 15 years through one of the longest economic expansions in U.S. history, and today’s nurses now have more options. With recent economic stability, more nurses are choosing to pursue non nursing side hustles and explore passions beyond nursing. Many of my colleagues are diving into activities they love—whether it’s baking and selling desserts, working in cafés, or, like me, writing about nursing and finance.
Technology and the Rise of the Gig Economy and “Nurse Influencers”
The rapid advancement of technology has created unconventional work opportunities beyond traditional nursing roles. The gig economy, propelled by the swift development of apps and software, has empowered nurses—especially those who embrace technology—to pursue profitable side hustles.
With approximately 51% of the global population (about 3.96 billion people) actively using social media, we’ve witnessed the unexpected rise of the “nurse influencer.” Capitalizing on the increased social media engagement among millennials and Gen Z, these nurse influencers have leveraged their platforms to generate income. According to recent findings from hootsuite.com, social media influencers with as few as 10,000–25,000 followers can command $100–$125 per post.
Beyond social media, tech-savvy nurses are excelling in areas like career coaching, selling digital products, blogging, and even developing apps for nurse job boards. The range of side hustle opportunities has grown so much that, for some nurses, these ventures have evolved into full-time careers.
Summary:
From healthcare-related side hustles to ventures entirely unrelated to nursing, millennials and Gen Z nurses are at the forefront of a trend embracing “nurse side hustles.” Motivated by the desire to explore passions beyond nursing, improve work-life balance, prioritize mental health, or achieve financial independence, these are just a few reasons driving the popularity of nurse side hustles. Thanks to one of the longest periods of economic growth in the U.S. and rapid technological advancements, today’s nurses have more options than ever to pursue side hustles beyond traditional nursing careers.
