40 side hustles for nurses in New Zealand (beyond picking up extra shifts)

If you’re a nurse in New Zealand, you’ve already got one of the most trusted skill sets around. But that doesn’t mean you want to spend every spare hour doing another shift.

Whether you’re looking to earn a bit extra, explore something creative or build a long-term plan outside the hospital, there are plenty of side hustles that make use of your experience, empathy and practical skills.

Here are 40 ideas for nurses in Aotearoa who want to grow their income without burning out.

Health and care-related side hustles

1. Private home care work – Offer independent support for elderly or disabled clients.
2. Health coaching – Help people improve nutrition, sleep or manage chronic illness.
3. First aid training – Become certified and run your own community or workplace sessions.
4. Workplace health checks – Offer BP, cholesterol and wellbeing assessments.
5. Flu jab clinics – Contract seasonal vaccination work.
6. Write care plans for families – Help organise support for ageing parents.
7. Provide newborn or postnatal care – In-home support for new parents.
8. Medication education sessions – Help patients understand their prescriptions.
9. Specialise in wound care – Offer in-home or aged care support.
10. Travel nurse consulting – Help Kiwis plan travel with chronic conditions.

Content and digital options

11. Start a health blog or Instagram – Bust myths, share tips or support specific communities.
12. Create a YouTube channel – Think “Kiwi nurse explains…” for common issues.
13. Sell health-related printables – Medication trackers, symptom logs, meal planners.
14. Offer online workshops – Topics like anxiety, women’s health or navigating the health system.
15. Write for health websites – NZ-based or global publications.
16. Review medical products or tools – Affiliate links can earn passive income.
17. Create a newsletter – Bite-sized health education for families or workplaces.
18. Develop an online course – For carers, parents or people living with health conditions.
19. Voiceover work for health apps – Calm, clear and credible.
20. Create health content for small businesses – Write blogs or edit wellness guides.

Flexible gigs that work with your schedule

21. Casual aged care shifts – Keep it on your terms through agencies.
22. Vaccination events or mobile clinics – Short, occasional work through DHBs or providers.
23. Telehealth triage work – Answer calls from home during quiet hours.
24. Online survey panels or user testing – Health professionals are often sought after.
25. Medical transcription – Type up notes or dictations for doctors.
26. Disability support work – Casual or fixed-term options through support services.
27. Sleep consultant certification – Help parents with baby sleep routines.
28. Babysitting or nannying – Trusted by parents because of your medical background.
29. School nurse relief work – Part-time or short contracts.
30. Health support for retreats or events – Be the go-to first aid person at workshops or festivals.

Education and coaching-style options

31. Teach first aid to teens or parents – Offer relaxed, real-world classes.
32. Run chronic illness support groups – In-person or online.
33. Coach students through nursing school – One-on-one tutoring or mentoring.
34. Create flashcards or study guides – Sell them to students.
35. Offer health and safety audits – For early learning centres or small businesses.
36. Speak at community events – Get paid to share your knowledge.
37. Run a CPR training side business – Especially for new parents and childcare providers.

Creative or niche ideas

38. Start a health-themed podcast – Interview experts, answer listener questions.
39. Write a children’s book – About health, emotions, or visiting the doctor.
40. Support health businesses as a VA – Help with admin, customer service or email replies.

Final thoughts

You don’t need to pick up extra hospital shifts to grow your income. As a nurse, you’ve got a rare mix of skills, insight and trustworthiness that opens the door to so many different side hustles. Start with one small thing and see where it leads.