1. Overtime and Extra Shifts
- UK: Many NHS trusts offer overtime or extra shifts, especially during staff shortages. These shifts can often be paid at a higher rate.
- USA: Hospitals and healthcare facilities often offer overtime pay, which can be 1.5 to 2 times the regular hourly wage. Some facilities offer “per diem” shifts, where nurses can pick up extra shifts with flexible hours.
2. Agency or Travel Nursing
- UK: Working with nursing agencies allows nurses to pick up shifts in different hospitals or care settings, often at higher pay rates. Travel nursing is less common in the UK but possible within the NHS or private sector.
- USA: Travel nursing is a popular option, with agencies offering assignments across the country. Travel nurses typically receive higher pay, housing stipends, and other benefits. Agency nursing also offers flexibility and higher hourly rates.
3. Private Duty Nursing
- UK: Private duty nursing involves working one-on-one with patients in their homes or private settings. This can be arranged through private healthcare providers or independently.
- USA: Similar to the UK, private duty nursing in the USA offers opportunities to work with individual patients in their homes, often at a higher rate than regular hospital work.
4. Tutoring and Education
- UK: Nurses with advanced knowledge or specialized skills can offer tutoring services to nursing students or those preparing for exams like the NCLEX (for those aiming to work in the USA), OSCE and CBT (for those aiming to work in the UK),
- USA: Many nurses tutor nursing students or even teach part-time at nursing schools or community colleges. Online tutoring is also an option, especially for subjects like anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing theory.
5. Telehealth Services
- UK: With the rise of digital health services, nurses can work remotely providing telehealth consultations, triage services, or health advice through platforms like Babylon Health or the NHS 111 service.
- USA: Telehealth has grown significantly, with nurses providing remote care, triage, or chronic disease management. Companies like Teladoc, Amwell, or even insurance companies often hire nurses for these roles.
6. Medical Writing and Content Creation
- UK: Nurses can write for healthcare blogs, medical journals, or patient education materials. Content creation for health websites or consulting for media on medical accuracy can also be lucrative.
- USA: Similar opportunities exist in the USA, with higher demand for medical writers. Nurses can contribute to healthcare blogs, write CEU (Continuing Education Units) materials, or create content for nursing education platforms.
7. Health Coaching or Consultancy
- UK: Nurses can offer private health coaching, focusing on wellness, nutrition, chronic disease management, or lifestyle changes. Consultancy work for healthcare organizations or start-ups is also an option.
- USA: Health coaching is a growing field in the USA, where nurses can work independently or with organizations to provide personalized health advice. Nurses with expertise in specific areas can also offer consultancy services.
8. CPR and First Aid Training
- UK: Offering CPR, first aid, or other life-saving courses can be a profitable side business. Nurses can become certified trainers and offer courses to individuals, businesses, or schools.
- USA: Nurses can teach CPR, first aid, and other emergency response courses through organizations like the American Heart Association or independently.
9. Wellness Programs and Screenings
- UK: Nurses can work part-time conducting wellness screenings for corporations, schools, or community organizations. This might include health checks, vaccinations, or health education workshops.
- USA: Corporate wellness programs in the USA often hire nurses for health screenings, flu clinics, or wellness coaching. These programs are typically short-term and well-compensated.
10. Locum Work
- UK: Locum work involves temporary placements in various healthcare settings to cover staff shortages. Nurses can find locum positions through agencies, often with higher pay rates.
- USA: Similar to the UK, locum work in the USA allows nurses to take on temporary assignments, often in rural or understaffed areas, at a premium pay rate.
11. Create an Online Course or Blog
- UK: Nurses with expertise in a particular area can create online courses or start a blog related to healthcare or nursing. This can generate passive income over time.
- USA: In the USA, platforms like Udemy or Teachable allow nurses to create and sell online courses. Blogging or vlogging on platforms like YouTube can also generate income through ads or sponsorships.
12. Legal Nurse Consulting
- UK: Nurses can work as consultants for legal firms, offering expertise in medical-related cases. This may involve reviewing medical records, preparing reports, or acting as an expert witness.
- USA: Legal nurse consulting is a well-established field in the USA, where nurses assist attorneys with medical litigation, often at a high hourly rate.
