Passive Income Ideas For Nurses [Updated for 2024]

Updated: February 22nd, 2024

I know you're busy. I'm busy too. So, what's the best way to make money without actually having to do anything? Passive income!

But don’t be mistaken. You have to work hard to achieve this passive income.

In this blog post, I'm going to share some ideas for how nurses can make passive income. Stay tuned for tips on how to get started!

1. Start a private nurse service

Private nurses provide one-on-one medical care to patients who are homebound or in an institution, such as a hospital, nursing home or other such facilities.

A private nursing attendant's responsibilities include taking care of the daily activities of patients like bathe, feed, maintain personal hygiene. Most of the private nurses live with the patient's family in their home, and may also work for long hours.

To become a private duty nurse, you will need to earn a registered nursing degree (RN) or a licensed practical nurse degree (LPN). Registered nurses with 2-3 years of relevant experience can then pursue their career as private duty nurses. Obtaining an advanced certification can also increase more career options.

Private nurses are usually hired by an individual or an agency. However, they work at a patient’s private residence and get paid by the individual. The career scope of private nursing practice is expected to increase by 7% in the coming years, with the increased aging population and the need for home care.

Pricing of a registered private nurse in the US would cost around $25+ an hour, which is approximately $4000 per month.

2. Become a survey taker

How much you can make: $50,000 — $1,600,000/month

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

3. Sell stock photos

Stock photography is the supply of licensed photographs for specific uses. If you have a camera and love traveling or taking photos, you can start your own stock photo business.

Create a stock photography website and upload the best shots to start your stock photography business. To ensure professional images, you can hire freelance photographers and photo editors. Alternatively, you can invest in a professional camera and learn the art of photography before launching your business.

Running a stock photo website allows you to create unlimited earning potential. Besides, stock photographers enjoy flexible working hours and have the potential for passive income.

How much you can make: $10,000/month

How long does it take to build: 3 days (?)

4. Become a hospice caregiver

Hospice care is growing rapidly in the USA as the number of people requiring it grows. Hospice care is important for those who are suffering from a terminal illness because it provides both physical and emotional relief from their ailments.

The Hospice Caregiver field is a rapidly expanding service sector within the healthcare industry. Working as a hospice caregiver is a highly rewarding job, with high levels of ongoing education that ensures that you provide the best type of care for your patients.

5. Become a virtual assistant ($340K/month)

Virtual assistants support businesses, teams, or individuals by performing administrative tasks remotely. As businesses these days tend to outsource their tasks, the demand for virtual assistants is growing rapidly.

Becoming a virtual assistant is flexible, as you can choose a work schedule and location at your convenience. Many virtual assistants have a dedicated home office where they work in a quiet and distraction-free environment.

To become a virtual assistant, identify a niche you like and undertake any training. Then, figure out how much to charge your customers and create an online presence where you can apply for jobs. As a virtual assistant, you can define your work schedule depending on your availability.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

6. Start a social media management business

Similar to virtual assistants, social media managers offer various services, including but not limited to:

  • Developing a marketing strategy based on clients’ goals
  • Setting up social media accounts
  • Posting on behalf of their clients
  • Coming up with strategies for increasing client’s social media following
  • Marketing analysis.

To become a social media manager, know the various platforms and understand how they work so you can develop strategies that help clients reach their goals.

The beauty of working as a social media manager is that you can define your work schedule and choose what niches to work on.

How much you can make: $20,000 — $166,667/month

How much does it cost to start: $251 (?)

How long does it take to build: 3 days (?)

7. Start an uber driver business

Uber is the top ridesharing and delivery platform that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

As an uber driver, you have the chance to set your schedule. You can drive with the Uber app anytime, day or night. Uber app gives you driving directions and suggestions, enabling you to maximize your profitability and make money on your terms.

To get started, check the driving requirements for your area, sign up online, and choose the cities you would like to drive in. Ensure the car types meet Uber’s specifications.

How much you can make: $250,000/month

8. Start a doula service ($200/month)

A doula service business provides support to expectant mothers and families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

Doulas offer emotional, physical, and informational assistance to help make the birthing experience more comfortable and empowering.

To start a doula service on a budget, first, gain knowledge and certification through affordable online or local training programs.

Next, create a simple website or social media page to promote your services and reach potential clients.

Finally, network with local healthcare professionals and community groups to build relationships and establish a client base.

How much you can make: $200/month

How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

9. Become a copywriter

Copywriting is a high-demand, high-reward job. This kind of work can be done from anywhere - all you need is a computer and an internet connection.

With services like Upwork and Fiverr, it's easier than ever to find work, build up your clientele, and make a substantial living copywriting.

Once you've gained experience and connections in this field, you may consider venturing out on your own and starting your own copywriting business.

How much you can make: $500 — $160,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $859 (?)

10. Start a blood testing business

How much you can make: $20,000 — $45,200,000/month

How long does it take to build: 1700 days (?)

11. Start an airbnb hosting business

Do you have an extra room or an unoccupied house in your home? You can turn that property into a revenue-generating asset by starting an Airbnb listing. Airbnb is one of the world’s largest accommodation platforms. According to experts, Airbnb’s future is undoubtedly bright.

Therefore, starting an Airbnb business can be rewarding. To start, prepare your Airbnb listing and set it up accordingly. To increase bookings, offer the best services, and encourage the guests to leave a positive review.

How much you can make: $1,333 — $270,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

12. Become a painter

Becoming a painter is more than earning a living; it's about creating your own art and enjoying the freedom of working for yourself.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $160,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)

How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)

13. Start a dog walking business ($54K/month)

Are you a dog lover? If so, you can turn your passion for animals into a profitable side hustle that allows you to earn extra income for your mortgage, a vacation, or paying off student loans.

As a dog walker, sitter, or boarder, you can earn an average annual income of between $10,000 and $30,000 by offering your services to dog owners in need of a caregiver for their furry friends.

To get started, register on a credible dog-walking app and create a compelling profile that showcases your experience, skills, and love for dogs.

With your dedication and expertise, you can help dog owners ensure their pets receive the care and attention they need while building a thriving business that fulfills your passion for animals.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $54,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

14. Become a social media influencer

Social media has become integral to people's lives and daily routines. Given the importance of social media, brands are flocking to different social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok in the hope of connecting with their target audience.

A popular approach taken by these brands is engaging social media influencers. A social media influencer has established credibility in a specific industry and has access to a vast audience they can persuade to act based on recommendations.

Anyone can become a social influencer so long as they have the right strategy. Choose a popular niche based on your interests and start creating relevant content.

How much you can make: $2,500 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $601 (?)

How long does it take to build: 155 days (?)

15. Become a nurse blogger

Nurses are lifelong learners and will always look for relevant career information. More important, being a nurse requires learning about changes in the field of medicine and being open to challenges.

If you are passionate about nursing, you can start a blog for nurses that covers current trends in the profession. Becoming a nursing blogger is a chance to share your knowledge with others. You can make money selling nursing e-books, equipment, and online classes for aspiring nurses.

16. Start a nurse consulting business

How much you can make: $150,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

17. Become an ebook writer

How much you can make: $17,000/month

Time commitment per week: Min. 3 hours/week

18. Start a medical writing business

A medical writing business involves creating various types of healthcare-related documents, such as research papers, medical articles, and regulatory documents.

The primary aim of this business is to serve pharmaceutical companies, healthcare professionals, and researchers by translating complex medical information into easily understandable content.

As the healthcare industry continues to grow, the demand for accurate and well-communicated health information is also increasing.

Hence, starting a medical writing business can be a lucrative opportunity.

The need for regulatory compliance and effective communication in the healthcare industry is rising, and this business offers a valuable service in meeting those needs. Therefore, it can be an attractive venture for those interested in the field.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $62,500/month

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

19. Start a concierge nurse service

A Concierge Nurse Service is a nurse agency that is dedicated to providing personal service and care to clients and patients. The goal of concierge nurse service agencies is to give the elderly, those in the hospital, and group facilities the right care.

20. Start a health and wellness podcast

Do you have knowledge and passion for health that you'd love to share with others? Or perhaps you are a health blogger or content creator looking for ways to expand your revenue streams? If you match these criteria, starting a health and wellness podcast host could be the perfect opportunity.

In today's world, podcasts are the new radio. Podcasting is one of the fastest-growing mediums for online audio, and it's not expected to slow down any time soon. But unlike traditional radio, podcasts are driven by content creators passionate about sharing stories with their listeners.

One of the main benefits of starting a podcast is the minimal investment needed. All you need is a computer or phone with a microphone and a way to host it online. You can even create one on your website if you want.

How much you can make: $3,600/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

21. Become a proofreader ($2K/month)

Proofreading business is a service that helps customers review their written work and ensure it is ready for publication. Typically, a proofreader corrects grammatical errors and provides the written piece meets any relevant style guide.

As a proofreader, you can work online, allowing you to choose what time to work.

If you plan to start a professional proofreading business, make sure you possess the following skills:

  • Have an excellent grasp of grammar
  • Ability to correct mistakenly capitalized words
  • Familiarity with the proper use of capitalization
  • Use spell-checkers to flag misspelled words

Proofreading is a great way to enhance content quality. With the increased use of written content marketing to reach a broader market, the demand for professional proofreaders has grown tremendously. Professional proofreaders earn an average of $12/hr. And $30/hr.

Therefore, consider proofreading as a business if you are looking for a great side hustle idea or simply looking for ways to increase your income.

How much you can make: $2,000/month

22. Start an automated home cleaning robot business

A home cleaning robot is an autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner with a limited vacuum floor cleaning system that features sensors and automated drives with programmable controllers.

The use of robots in home cleaning is a trend that is gaining traction. Experts estimate that the global cleaning robot market will witness a CAGR of 14.6% in the next decade.

Ideally, homeowners prefer the cleaning robots because they save time, can be used for emergency cleaning, and reach all surfaces, including underneath furniture. Besides, robotic home cleaning has proven to be an invaluable tool for people with mobility issues and those who hate vacuuming floors.

23. Start a medical scrubs business

Medical scrubs are typically used by doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.

The medical industry is one of the biggest industries in the world. The medical clothing market is expected to reach $173B by 2029.

This business can be started with a small investment and can prove to be an excellent source of income.

24. Start an adventure travel agent ($7.5K/month)

Adventure travel is a type of tourism in which the tourist seeks out and experiences various physical, emotional, and mental challenges.

Adventure travel agents are experts in the field of adventure travel. The travel agents know what to expect and can help you with everything from booking flights, to finding the right hotel, to getting a visa.

Adventure travel agents book trips on travelers’ behalf and helps them plan the trips. They know the best places to visit, what time of year suits that destination, and what experiences are available. A successful adventure travel agency starts with a solid business plan. A good business plan is a foundation for any business and can be the difference between success and failure.

What should you include in your adventure travel agency business plan? A feasibility study, a marketing strategy, financial projections, a SWOT analysis, and more. The key to success is finding a niche you are passionate about and well-versed in.

How much you can make: $800 — $233,333/month

How long does it take to build: 270 days (?)

25. Start a travel medicine clinic

Are you an expert in tropical and travel medicine looking for a good business opportunity? Starting a travel medicine clinic business can be profitable. The travel clinic offers travel immunizations, other travel medications, and expert travel advisories to dignitaries.

26. Start a jewelry design business

How much you can make: $83,000 — $833,333/month

More business ideas

  • 27. Start a sell unwanted items in your closet

28. Become a specialized care provider

Navigating the complex world of health and wellbeing often requires assistance. Picture a specialized care provider: an agency focusing on individualized care services for those in need. Chronic disease sufferers, elderly folks or individuals dealing with disabilities are all in need of specialized, targeted care that caters to their unique needs.

Their struggles are often numerous: stringent medication routines, obligatory therapy sessions, and complex dietary requirements that are too complex to manage alone. Whether it's post-surgical care, ADHD management, or dementia support, offering specialized caregiving services renders a solution, bringing personal touch and vital expertise in a sensitive period.

Consider starting a specialized care provider business. It offers the rare dual benefit of not only creating a business that can thrive but also making a significant difference in the lives of those who need it the most. Making lives more comfortable, manageable, and happier? Now, that's a business anyone could be proud to operate.

More business ideas

  • 29. Start a professional babysitting networking platform business
  • 30. Start a grocery delivery app business

31. Become a medical billing and coding contractor

Navigating the complicated landscape of medical billing and coding can be a nightmare for many healthcare providers. This is where a medical billing and coding contractor swoops in to save the day.

This business idea lies at the crossroads of healthcare and administrative work. It involves managing and interpreting medical billings and codes for healthcare providers, as well as dealing directly with insurance companies in matters of patient claims.

With the increasing complexities of healthcare, this is a field poised for growth, creating tremendous opportunities for professionals with a knack for detail and a good understanding of healthcare operations. This business requires learning medical jargon and codes, but with dedicated effort, it's completely manageable.

If you cherish the idea of promoting efficient and accurate healthcare transactions, while working from the comfort of your own home, this could be the freelance venture you've been seeking.

More business ideas

  • 32. Start a first aid training business
  • 33. Start a take online surveys

34. Become a nurse health coach

Ever speculated about meshing two vital sectors - health and coaching - but aren't quite sure how to merge them? A nurse health coach could be the answer.

In essence, a nurse health coach is a registered nurse who uses their clinical experience and skill to promote a healthier lifestyle for their clients. They provide personalized guidance on nutrition, exercise, managing illnesses or stress, and overall wellness.

What makes this astonishingly valuable is the increasing emphasis on preventative healthcare. People are now more than ever seeking professional guidance to prevent health issues before they require medical attention. This business allows you to share your wealth of health knowledge while potentially aiding in the prevention of chronic diseases.

Coming from a healthcare background or willing to be certified? This could be your opportunity to carve out a unique niche in the health sector, delivering a service deeply needed by many and very rewarding for you. Imagine the fulfillment of empowering others to make healthier life choices. The idea of a nurse health coach perfectly amalgamates healthcare and coaching and might just be the business you've been seeking.

More business ideas

  • 35. Become a professor
  • 36. Start a car wash business
  • 37. Start a health and fitness youtube channel

38. Become a telehealth consultant

The emergence of the digital age has unlocked a plethora of opportunities, none more revolutionizing than in the medical sector. Enter Telehealth Consulting, a business concept that merges healthcare and technology, providing a platform for patients and healthcare professionals to connect virtually.

Simply put, a Telehealth Consultant acts as an essential link between medical providers and patients, ensuring that healthcare services are delivered efficiently and effectively through digital mediums. Be it e-prescriptions, remote patient supervision, or live video discussion, telehealth encompasses a wide array of healthcare services.

As our world becomes borderless thanks to the web, these services could reach a patient sitting miles away from the treatment provider, thereby ushering in an era of increased medical accessibility. Furthermore, it’s a valuable enterprise for would-be entrepreneurs with a background in healthcare and a taste for technology.

With the promise of flexible hours, a significant impact, and a steadily growing demand, becoming a Telehealth consultant could pave the path for a rewarding, forward-thinking, and sustainable business venture.

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 5 days (?)

Merging healthcare and law, the business of being a legal nurse consultant can be a transformative professional venture. A legal nurse consultant is a seasoned healthcare professional specializing in aiding attorneys or legal experts on medical-related cases.

With a background in nursing, this individual scrutinizes medical records, identifies malpractice, and offers unprecedented insights due to their clinical experience. Unlike regular consultants, a legal nurse consultant has the authority and mastery to take on tasks in legal action or proceedings with a medical dimension.

The allure of this profession lies in its flexibility. Work hours can be tailored according to one's availability, with consultants collaborating directly with lawyers from the comfort of their home or on a contract basis with legal firms. As a legal nurse consultant, you would be utilizing your nursing background in a novel, exciting way while assisting in critical case outcomes. This profession combines the fast pace of the legal world with the human-centered focus of healthcare, making it an intriguing choice for those seeking a non-traditional nursing career.

Frequently asked questions

Can you build passive income as a nurse?

Yes, you can build passive income. As a nurse, you can use your spare time to do a particular task, gig, or extra work. Due to the increase in expenses, inflation, and other things, building a passive income is becoming more of a necessity.

Of course, a passive income isn't meant to consume all of your time. After all, your primary concern is to finish your tasks as a nurse.

A passive income not only helps build financial stability. Moreover, it helps you create a better future while you continue doing your tasks as a nurse.

Now, a passive income doesn't necessarily mean one thing. In general, you can build a passive income by doing something you enjoy as a nurse. As such, we have several ideas for you to know. These ideas can help you identify which one you like, so you enjoy your spare time and earn simultaneously.

Building passive income as a nurse is possible since you get more flexible online work opportunities. So it's possible to do so, especially when you have some time to spare.

How can you build passive income as a nurse?

Once you have established that you want to build passive income, the next thing to ask is how you would do so without compromising your nurse duties.

In general, you'll find plenty of opportunities to build passive income as a nurse. The key here is to evaluate what you want, how much you want to earn extra, and what passive income opportunity suits you as a nurse.

With the ideas we share, you can build a passive income and work your way through financial stability while still keeping up with your duties as a nurse.

Is passive income for nurses truly passive?

Most passive income sources for nurses are truly passive, meaning you don't have to work. However, such sources need some foundation to start.

In general, you won't necessarily have a passive income source without doing anything apart from being a nurse. But, in most cases, you must work and spare some time and effort to start. Afterward, passive income starts, and you enjoy the benefits of your work.

Having a passive income isn't as easy as wanting it. As a nurse, you should note that any income requires work. The only difference is that most passive income sources only require initial work.

On the other hand, some passive income sources would need you to spare some time, effort, and even some resources to continue. Such a thing is completely normal, and as a nurse, you know you're doing it right when it's not so easy.

Conclusion

Online passive income is an excellent option if you are a nurse looking for ways to make some extra money. Several options are available, and many of them can be started with little to no investment.

Do your research, find something that interests you, and get started! You may be surprised at how quickly those extra dollars start adding up. What have you got to lose?

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.