Medical Transcription
Transcription is a solid side job because it stays in your wheelhouse and needs almost no setup: a good computer and a reliable internet connection. Get certified first. Online courses let you fit the training around your shifts without traveling to a classroom.
Medical Coding
Coding also requires certification, such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential from the AAPC. The work centers on assigning medical codes so insurers can process claims correctly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics put the median pay for medical records specialists at $50,250 in May 2024, and many nurses find coding pays better than hospital overtime and lets them work from home, which is a large part of the appeal.
Health Writing
If you can write, freelance health writing is in steady demand. Healthcare companies and websites need accurate articles, and your clinical background is exactly what they want. You control the workload: take more clients or fewer depending on your schedule, and write across any topic you know well.
You can also start your own blog instead of writing for others. Cover health tips or practical advice for nurses, and earn through ads, affiliate programs, or sponsorships.
First Aid Instructor
Nurses already have the knowledge and skills to teach first aid. You will need to certify as an instructor first, through an organization like the American Red Cross. Typical clients include school teachers, families caring for vulnerable relatives, and companies that require staff to be first aid trained. Nursing schools and community volunteer groups are worth contacting too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can nurses legally earn money outside their main job? Yes. Most nurses can take on side work as long as it does not conflict with an employer agreement or noncompete clause. Check your contract and your state Board of Nursing rules before you start, since some requirements vary by state.
Which side gig pays the best? It depends on your skills and hours. Medical coding offers steady remote pay (the BLS median for medical records specialists was $50,250 in May 2024), while freelance health writing and a profitable blog have higher ceilings but less predictable income.
Do I need a certification for medical transcription or coding? Generally yes. Both fields prefer or require certification, such as the AAPC Certified Professional Coder credential for coding. Online courses let you train around your shifts.
Do these side jobs require an active RN license? Not always. Transcription, coding, and writing draw on your clinical knowledge but do not require an active license. Teaching first aid requires a separate instructor certification, not your RN license.
Can I do this work remotely? Mostly. Transcription, coding, and health writing are well suited to remote work. First aid instruction is in person, since you teach hands-on skills.