Nursing is one of the most rewarding jobs in the UK, but it’s no secret that living costs and daily expenses have increased over the years. Many nurses, from students to senior staff, are now exploring ways to earn extra income without leaving the profession.
The good thing is, there are plenty of practical options, both clinical and non-clinical, that fit around shift work. Whether you want to use your existing skills or try something completely new, this guide is for you.
One of the easiest ways to boost your income is by taking extra bank shifts through your hospital or trust. You pick when you want to work, and pay rates are often higher than your regular shifts.
Many student nurses also take bank shifts in the NHS to gain hands-on experience and earn while studying. Check your local NHS trust’s internal bank or register with NHS Professionals to get started.
Working through an agency gives you freedom and flexibility. You can choose when and where to work, whether in hospitals, care homes, or clinics.
Agency nurses are usually paid at a higher hourly rate to fill urgent or last-minute gaps. It’s ideal if you already have some experience and want control over your schedule.
If you’re based in the Midlands, Secure Healthcare Solutions, a trusted nursing agency in Wolverhampton, offers regular shifts across the region.
Private duty nursing involves one-on-one care for patients at home. It may include helping elderly patients, people recovering from surgery, or those with long-term conditions.
These roles often pay more than standard hospital shifts because they require individual attention and flexible hours. You can find openings through private care agencies or local home health providers.
If you prefer to keep your weekdays free, weekend locum work can be a good source of extra income. Locum roles aren’t just for doctors; many private hospitals, clinics, and community centres also hire locum nurses for cover.
Pay is generally higher for weekend and night shifts, so even one or two shifts a month can make a noticeable difference.
Experienced nurses can earn additional income by teaching or mentoring others. This can range from running in-person training sessions to online tutoring.
If you enjoy helping student nurses prepare for exams or clinical placements, platforms like Tutorful, Superprof, and Preply are great places to start.
There’s also rising demand for nurse tutor jobs in the UK, both in universities and private healthcare training centres.
If you have a passion for sharing your knowledge, consider starting a health blog or YouTube channel. Topics can include real nursing experiences, daily routines, mental health advice, or study tips for nursing students.
Once your content starts gaining views, you can earn from ads, affiliate links, or brand partnerships. It takes time to build, but consistency can turn it into a steady side income stream.
Many healthcare websites and medical publishers hire nurses to write articles, patient guides, or training materials.
You don’t need to be a professional writer to begin, just a good understanding of clinical concepts and the ability to explain them clearly.
Look for medical writing jobs for nurses on freelance platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer, or ProBlogger. This type of work can be done entirely online, making it perfect for evenings or days off.
Technology has opened new doors for nurses who want to work from home. Telehealth nurse jobs in the UK are increasing across the private and public sectors.
These roles involve providing advice or triage support to patients over the phone or video calls. You’ll still use your nursing knowledge, but without the physical demands of ward work.
Check with private healthcare providers, insurance companies, and NHS 111 services for remote opportunities.
If you’ve gained enough experience and want long-term independence, starting your own care-related business can be rewarding.
This could be a small home-care agency, private wound-care service, or wellness support business. You’ll need to meet CQC (Care Quality Commission) registration standards and have a solid business plan.
While it takes more effort to set up, the financial potential is much higher once you build a trusted client base.
You can also join clinical trials or healthcare research panels. Nurses are often invited to take part in studies or surveys because of their clinical background.
Websites like Prolific, Respondent.io, and ClinicalTrials.gov list ongoing opportunities. Some sessions take less than an hour and pay £20–£100 depending on complexity.
Balancing extra work with your main nursing job requires planning. Here are a few simple rules to avoid burnout:
Any additional income you earn, whether from bank shifts, tutoring, or freelance work, must be declared to HMRC.
If you make under £1,000 per year from self-employment, you’re covered by the trading allowance, and no extra paperwork is required. For earnings above that, register for Self Assessment and set aside a small portion for tax.
Many nurses also find it helpful to open a separate bank account for side income to track payments and expenses easily.
Secure Healthcare Solutions is one of the leading names supporting nurses across the West Midlands. From flexible bank work to long-term placements, the agency provides options for those who want to grow their income while maintaining a work-life balance.
If you’re based nearby and looking for reliable opportunities, partnering with a nursing agency in Wolverhampton like Secure Healthcare Solutions can make the process smoother, safer, and more rewarding.
Recovery nurses play a vital role in helping patients safely regain consciousness and stability after…
Many families in the UK hesitate to consider live-in care because of the many misconceptions…
Finding the right balance between independence and support becomes important as people grow older. Many…
Understanding the terms “learning difficulty” and “learning disability” is important, especially in the UK, where…
Moving from student life into professional nursing is one of the biggest changes in a…
Making the home safer for someone with dementia is not just about reducing risks. It…