[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Freelancing provides:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A flexible schedule[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An outlet from your full-time position[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Extra and steady income[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Self-employment[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Freelance job opportunities in 2020 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.npr.org/2020/09/16/912744566/jobs-in-the-pandemic-more-are-freelance-and-may-stay-that-way-forever” target=”_blank”]increased by 8%[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Does It Mean To Be a Nurse Freelancer?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitals[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physicians’ offices[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Home healthcare companies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schools[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some nurses with additional degrees or hobbies freelance in areas outside of the healthcare field, earning extra money through:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-article-card title=”View the Best Side Gigs for Nurses” href=”/articles/side-gigs-for-nurses/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps To Becoming a Nurse Freelancer[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. Establish Realistic Goals and Expectations[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Determine what you want to get out of nurse freelancing. Write down your goals and ask yourself:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Do I want to earn additional income?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Is my goal to pay off student debt?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Do I want to be my own boss?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Do I want to turn my freelance job into my main source of income?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Am I following a dream or passion?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Next, write down what you expect to gain from being a nurse freelancer. Ask yourself:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Is nurse freelancing for me?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Are there any costs associated with freelancing?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Can I afford these costs?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Do I have the time to freelance?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Do I have enough savings if work is low?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Am I self-motivated?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Am I self-disciplined enough?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Is now a good time to start freelancing?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. Choose a Type of Freelance Work[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]How do you choose a freelance opportunity? Do what you love. Here are some things to keep in mind:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What you like and don’t like about your primary job[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your specific skills, experience, or specialty[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your passion (for example, if you love working with children, look for pediatric opportunities)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Choose freelance work that aligns with your lifestyle, goals, and personality. Consider:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Do you want to work from home?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]How often do you want to freelance?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Will your freelance job align with your earning expectations?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Is this freelance opportunity fun?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. Create a Business Plan[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once you figure out your passion, set yourself up for success. To prevent future difficulties, research any potential financial and tax implications.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many freelancers create a business plan to organize and set measurable goals for their endeavors. Resources like the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan” target=”_blank”]U.S. Small Business Administration[/hen-ui-link] offer information on developing business plans.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/sole-proprietorships” target=”_blank”]Sole proprietorship[/hen-ui-link] – This type of business is run and owned by one person.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Limited Liability Company (LLC) – LLC means it is owned by one or more people. There are tax savings associated with creating an LLC. This designation also offers liability protection.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/s-corporations#:~:text=S%20corporations%20are%20corporations%20that,shareholders%20for%20federal%20tax%20purposes.&text=S%20corporations%20are%20responsible%20for,income%20at%20the%20entity%20level.” target=”_blank”]S Corporation[/hen-ui-link] – An LLC or corporation can choose this tax status.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Partnership – In this kind of business, owners form a legal partnership. They share profits and manage the company based on their set terms and agreements.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4. Manage Your Finances[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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. [hen-ui-link href=”https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yDXAlXB5By_gB_ypL42jQIja8aQqzG_M4RzXLUI3x0o/template/preview” target=”_blank”]Google sheets[/hen-ui-link] offers a free invoice template.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other ways to collect payment include services such as PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nfcc.org/” target=”_blank”]National Foundation for Credit Counseling[/hen-ui-link] for advice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]5. Create a Productive Work Environment[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A quiet space[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimal distractions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Affordable and comfortable home office supplies, hardware, and furniture[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re unable to work from home, consider leasing a space.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]6. Manage Your Time[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Determine how much time you can dedicate to freelancing.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Create space to balance your full-time position, family obligations, and freelancing.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Dedicate some time each day to self-care.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Decide if you should do freelance work on a part- or full-time basis.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Jumpstart Your Freelance Journey[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Freelancing[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What does a freelance nurse writer do?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A freelance nurse writer uses his or her healthcare knowledge to write about health- and/or nursing-related topics.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What are the best freelance opportunities for nurses?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses often find freelance opportunities in areas like:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Home health[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical, nursing, and/or science writing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Tutoring[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Private duty nursing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse consulting[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Telehealth services[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cardiopulmonary resuscitation instruction[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pet sitting or dog walking[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Telemetry nursing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How much do freelance nurses make?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com” target=”_blank”]PayScale[/hen-ui-link] and current as of July 2021.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Medical writer[/hen-ui-text]: Medical writers make an average yearly base salary of $73,550.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Telemetry nurse[/hen-ui-text]: Telemetry nurses can earn $62,300 per year.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/legal-nurse/”]Legal nurse consultant[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text]: These legal consultants can make up to $49 an hour.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is an independent contractor nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text]