How to Become a Nurse Freelancer

You rarely see the words “nurse” and “freelancer” in the same sentence. The freelance industry often attracts self-employed creatives like photographers and web designers seeking contract work. But can nurses be freelancers too? Absolutely! Nurses looking for a side hustle or full-time contract work can also become nurse freelancers.

Many nurses hold degrees in another field and complete an accelerated nursing program to earn a second degree. They use skills from their previous education and professional experiences to perform freelance work outside of the healthcare field.

Freelancing provides:

Freelance job opportunities in 2020 increased by 8% in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as workers and employers alike sought more flexible employment options. Nurses who have been furloughed or laid off have also benefited from freelance work.

Sound interesting? Read on and learn what it means to be a nurse freelancer, the difference between freelancing and staff nursing, how to become a freelance nurse, its pros and cons, and the steps you can take to get started.

Nurse freelancers work for a certain amount of time until their contract expires. They might be self-employed independent contractors or hired as consultants. Nurse freelancers can also work in:

Freelancing nursing roles are different from staff nurse positions. Nurse freelancers choose their own contracts and make their own schedules. Staff nurses work for a facility and are bound by that facility’s rules and regulations.

Some nurses with additional degrees or hobbies freelance in areas outside of the healthcare field, earning extra money through:

You can follow certain steps to become a nurse freelancer. Do your research and set some realistic short- and long-term goals. It’s important to manage your expectations while having fun and exploring your options.

Establish realistic goals and expectations in any line of work you pursue. Nurse freelancers are self-employed and hold themselves accountable for their careers and contracts.

Determine what you want to get out of nurse freelancing. Write down your goals and ask yourself:

Next, write down what you expect to gain from being a nurse freelancer. Ask yourself:

How do you choose a freelance opportunity? Do what you love. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Choose freelance work that aligns with your lifestyle, goals, and personality. Consider:

Once you figure out your passion, set yourself up for success. To prevent future difficulties, research any potential financial and tax implications.

Many freelancers create a business plan to organize and set measurable goals for their endeavors. Resources like the U.S. Small Business Administration offer information on developing business plans.

You should also consult a certified public accountant to help you choose the type of business you want. Each type comes with pros and cons. The four basic categories are:

Although you are following your passion, you also want to get paid for your services. It is very important to set up a billing system to collect payment. Create invoices after you provide services so you can track your payments for tax purposes. Google sheets offers a free invoice template.

Other ways to collect payment include services such as PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.

Opening your own business sounds glamorous, but you must consider costs and learn to manage your finances. Consider speaking with a financial advisor or CPA, or consult the National Foundation for Credit Counseling for advice.

Being productive and getting your creative juices flowing requires space, especially if you’re planning to work from home. A workspace also keeps you organized and focused. A good workspace features:

If you’re unable to work from home, consider leasing a space.

Time management can be difficult if you’re juggling other responsibilities. A daily routine is a great way to prevent burnout. Will you freelance during the day? At night? On weekends? Here are some other tips to help you manage your time:

Becoming a nurse freelancer is a great way to reinvent yourself and provide needed services. However, being fully prepared before starting a business can make the difference between success and failure.

As a nurse freelancer, you can make great income using your nursing skills or other talents. You may even decide to become a full-time nurse freelancer.

A freelance nurse writer uses his or her healthcare knowledge to write about health- and/or nursing-related topics.

Nurses often find freelance opportunities in areas like:

Freelance opportunities span many fields and industries. As a result, salary potential varies greatly among individuals. However, here are some examples of how much freelance nurses can make. All figures are from PayScale and current as of July 2021.

An independent contractor nurse is similar to a nurse freelancer. Although both are self-employed, independent contractor nurses work for hospitals or facilities as temporary hires during nursing shortages. Like nurse freelancers, they can travel and build their own patient care lists.