The gig economy is coming to nursing. Well, to be honest, the gig economy has existed for nurses for a long time – since before we called agency nursing “gig work.”
But these days, more and more nurses see the gig economy as a way to escape the bedside. They dream of the freedom that comes from working when they want to, instead of when their employer demands it. They visualize a lifestyle in which they can make great money while easily juggling family needs with work demands. Some of them secretly yearn to launch a side gig that they can grow into a full-time business.
If you see yourself in any of those pictures, you’re in good company. Each year, untold numbers of nurses leverage the gig economy, either to transition away from the bedside for good or to provide extra cash to pay down debt or fund luxuries like a family cruise vacation. You can get in on this financial gravy train, too.
What is the Gig Economy, Anyway?
‘Gig work’ is a new term for project- or assignment-based work, often of short duration. For example, taking a 13-week travel nursing assignment can be considered a ‘gig job.’ So can giving piano lessons on the side. Within an industry (or even a country), a gig economy relies on independent contractors and freelance workers more than full- or part-time employees to perform all types of work.
Benefits of the Gig Economy for Nurses
Many nurses love the gig economy for the freedom and independence it provides. Unlike the situation with a traditional nursing job – where you might be stuck for weeks or months in an unpleasant working environment before you can secure other employment, give notice, and leave – if a gig doesn’t work out, no problem. It’s easy to move from one gig to the next.
But working in the gig economy confers other benefits, too. For instance, you can use gig work to:
Test your business idea before making a large investment in it, reducing your financial risk.
Make money from a hobby or passion without relying on it for your entire income.
Free up more time to spend with your family.
Relieve feelings of burnout by using your nursing talents in a new way.
Achieve a renewed sense of accomplishment and satisfaction with your career.
How to Get Started in the Gig Economy
Nurses can easily enter the gig economy by taking on side gigs that can be done in their spare time. This strategy works especially well for nurses who work a traditional “three 12s” schedule, but any nurse can do it. Pick a gig you can do on your off days or on weekends.
Maybe you dream about being a writer. That’s an excellent side hustle.
Maybe you want to continue helping patients, but as an independent consultant, such as a geriatric care manager. Another excellent side gig for a nurse.
Or maybe you’re passionate about products and want to become an independent sales rep for…cosmetics or cookware or supplements. Get gigging!
Your nursing license and educational background give you the ideal credentials to enter the gig economy in some sort of health-related role, but, honestly, the sky’s the limit. Some nurses look to their non-nursing passions to provide them with a side hustle. For example, one nurse in Springfield, Missouri, officiates amateur boxing matches as her side gig.
So how can you figure out what type of side gig is right for you? And once you settle on an idea for gig work, how can you get started?
Join the Entrepreneurs/Innovators Hub Discussions
You can find answers to your questions about the gig economy, entrepreneurship and more on the allnurses.com Entrepreneurs/Innovators Hub. Over the coming year, we’ll be chattering a lot about:
How to find the perfect side gig for you
Steps for refining your business idea
Steps to transition from nurse to businessperson
Marketing fundamentals for any nurse-owned business
…and much, much more.
Already, Innovator Hub members are discussing challenges related to nurse entrepreneurship, how to set up an independent nursing practice and other topics to help you launch and sustain your own successful business…or side gig. Join us today and chime in with your own questions and thoughts. Click here to find out more about the allnurses Innovators Program.
You could be earning great money right now, pursuing that business idea that’s been brewing in your head, or monetizing your non-nursing passion. We’re here to help. Let’s get started!
