7 Ways to Make Money While in Nursing School

Having a side hustle is the new normal. Aside from paying for tuition, rent, and surviving, having no income or a single source of income no longer cuts it.

Nursing school students feel the pinch daily. Sometimes it comes down to deciding between keeping the lights on and buying new study material. When they say the struggle is real, what they mean is that you can’t sit around waiting for opportunities to drop in your lap.

We’re not saying it gets easy. This isn’t a retelling of a Disney plot. But there are ways to soften the financial blow by diversifying your portfolio into the hustle economy.

We’ve got a few suggestions that tap into your study background and could be helpful further down the line.

^{Sponsored Post: This article is sponsored by ABSN.org. RN2writer maintains editorial standards and only partners with brands aligned with our audience.}

#1. Pick Up Flexible Healthcare Jobs

If you’re already training to work in healthcare, why not earn money in the same space?

Nursa lists patient care assistant, medical scribe, or phlebotomist as popular roles because they offer flexible shifts and relevant experience. These jobs build confidence, clinical skills, and connections that can help you land a role faster after graduation.

Why it works:

• Flexible scheduling around classes
• Hands-on experience
• Stronger resume 

#2. Reduce Costs So You Need Less Money

Making money is great. Needing less of it? Even better.

One of the smartest moves is choosing an affordable path from the start. Resources like this guide to the cheapest ABSN programs show how low-tuition accelerated nursing programs can help you save both time and money. Less debt equals less pressure to overwork yourself. 

Not all affordable ABSN programs are created the same. ABSN.org advises prospective students to compare various aspects such as program quality, accreditation, and clinical placement opportunities.

#3. Try Per Diem or PRN Shifts

Per diem (aka PRN) shifts are basically the freelance version of healthcare work. You sign up for shifts when you’re available. No long-term commitment. 

These roles give students more control over their schedules while still earning competitive pay.

Pro tip: Don’t overbook yourself. One burnout spiral is not worth the extra cash.

#4. Start a Low-Stress Side Hustle

Not every money-making idea has to involve a hospital badge.

FinanceBuzz suggests options such as freelance writing, tutoring, and virtual assistance. They are flexible and beginner-friendly.

Ideas to try:

• Writing health or study content
• Tutoring pre-nursing students
• Managing social media for small businesses

You control your hours, which is gold during exam season.

#5. Sell Something Creative Online

Part-time endoscopy nurse Megan Walsh turned an Etsy shop into a thriving side hustle that allowed her to reduce her clinical workload.

She started small and scaled over time; proof that creative side hustles don’t need to be massive to be meaningful.

Popular ideas:

• Study guides or nursing templates
• Planners and printables
• Handmade crafts

#6. Tap Into What Other Students Are Doing

Sometimes the best advice comes from people in the same situation.

Online discussions usually center around students sharing their side hustles. Babysitting, food delivery, dog walking, and flipping items appear to pay decent wages.

It’s not glamorous, but it works. One common takeaway? Flexibility will always come above all else.

#7. Explore Nurse-Specific Side Hustles

The American Society of Registered Nurses outlines several income streams tailored to healthcare professionals, including:

• Health coaching
• CPR instruction
• Medical transcription
• Blogging

You’re already building valuable knowledge. This is just putting it to work early. Also, choose side hustles that won’t interfere with academic demands.

How to Make It All Work

Protect Your Study Time

Your grades come first. Always.

Choose Flexibility Over Pay

A slightly lower-paying job that respects your schedule is the smarter choice.

Batch Your Work

Group tasks together so you’re not constantly switching between study mode and work mode.

Know When to Pause

Exams week? It’s OK to hit pause on side gigs.

You Don’t Have to Do It All

Here’s something most students don’t hear enough: you don’t need every side hustle on this list. One or two well-chosen income streams are more than enough.

If a job starts affecting your sleep, grades, or mental health, it’s costing you more than it’s paying.

Start small. Test what works. Drop what doesn’t. Nursing school is temporary, yet the habits you build now will follow you long after graduation.

Gotta Get That Cash

Making money during nursing school isn’t hustling non-stop. You have to be strategic, realistic, and a little creative.

Some weeks you’ll earn more. Other weeks you’ll just get through, and that’s fine. 

Whether you’re picking up PRN shifts, freelancing online, or selling printables, the goal is simple: support yourself without sabotaging your future.