With the cost of living rising and pay feeling stretched, many nurses are looking for extra ways to boost their income without burning out. The good news? You don’t need to leave nursing – just get smarter with how you use your skills. From extra shifts to building a personal brand, here are five practical ways to earn more this year.
1. Pick Up Extra Shifts Through an Agency
Quickest win, best rates.
If you want to earn more without turning your life upside down, agency shifts are probably the quickest and least complicated way to do it. The pay is often better than what you’d get through the NHS, especially if you’re willing to cover nights, weekends, or last-minute gaps. It’s not unusual to find roles paying double what you’d usually get paid on a standard Band 5 contract.
The beauty of agency work is that you’re in control. You can pick up a few extra shifts here and there to pad out your monthly pay, or you can use it as your main source of income. Some nurses go full-time with agency just for the flexibility alone – no fixed rota, no politics and no waiting to swap shifts. If you’ve got other commitments like childcare, study, or even just the need for a bit more breathing room in your week, it can make a real difference.
Signing up with an agency is usually pretty straightforward. Once you’re cleared and all your documents are sorted, you’ll get access to a wide range of shifts (some local, some further afield if you’re up for it). Some nurses prefer to stay close to home, while others enjoy the variety of moving around. You’re typically paid weekly, and because you’re not tied into a contract, you can work when it suits you and take a break when it doesn’t.
This route isn’t just for the ultra-experienced either. Whether you’re newly qualified or a seasoned nurse with years behind you, there’s usually something that suits. Just be ready to be flexible as agency work rewards people who are reliable, quick to respond, and open to varied settings.
2. Try NHS Bank Work at Your Own Trust
Extra income with zero onboarding stress.
If you’re already working in the NHS, one of the easiest ways to bring in extra income is to join your trust’s staff bank. You won’t need to go through a big onboarding process because you’re already part of the system, knowing the wards, the policies and the people. It’s familiar, and that makes a difference when you’re doing extra hours on top of your usual shifts.
Bank work is flexible, so you can pick up shifts as and when you want which is ideal if you’ve got a free weekend or want to make up for a quieter week. And like agency work, the rates are usually higher than your normal pay. Unsocial hours like nights, weekends, and bank holidays come with built-in enhancements, so even a single shift here and there can add up quickly.
Some trusts manage their own staff banks, others run them through NHS Professionals. Either way, the process is simple enough – just ask your manager or staffing team how to get started. Once you’re in, it’s one of the lowest-effort ways to give your income a boost.
3. Use Your Voice: Teach, Write, or Influence
Turn your knowledge into income.
There’s more than one way to earn from nursing and not all of them involve being on the ward. If you’ve got experience, insight or even just a good way of explaining things, you can absolutely turn that into extra income.
Plenty of nurses get into medical writing, whether that’s blog content, patient info sheets, or contributing to health websites. If you can write clearly and confidently, there’s a market for it, especially as more health brands and NHS services try to improve how they communicate.
Teaching is another option. You don’t need to be a lecturer to make it work, some nurses create bite-sized courses or revision guides for students, others offer one-to-one tutoring or host webinars. If you enjoy mentoring or explaining things in plain English, there’s definitely a need.
And then there’s influencing which for some nurses has become a great side income. Sharing day-in-the-life clips, tips for new starters, or reflections on the job can build an audience surprisingly quickly. Brands, from scrubs and stethoscope makers to CPD platforms and meal prep companies, are always looking to partner with people who have an authentic voice and real clinical experience.
You don’t need a fancy camera or thousands of followers to get started. A short LinkedIn post, a simple reel on your phone, or a quick blog-style write-up is all it takes to test the waters. And if you stick with it, this can turn into a steady side hustle that grows alongside your nursing career.
Here’s a few healthcare professionals that made it big with their influencing:
4. Get Certified in a High-Demand Skill
Short-term effort, long-term gain.
If you’re open to a bit of short-term effort, upskilling can be one of the most effective ways to increase your earning potential. Courses in things like IV therapy, catheterisation, wound care, or vaccinations don’t take long to complete and can quickly lead to better-paid, more flexible roles.
Some shifts, particularly in community settings or private care, require specific skills. If you’ve got the right training, you’ll find yourself in higher demand and with more control over the kind of work you take on. It also gives you an edge in areas where competition for general nursing shifts is high.
These courses are widely available, often affordable, and many can be completed online with just a short practical element. They’re not just for senior nurses either. Whether you’re newly qualified or have years of experience, adding a few specialist skills to your CV is always a smart move.
If you’re feeling stuck or underpaid in your current role, this is one of the most reliable ways to change that without needing to take on more hours or jump into a completely different job.
Here’s a few course providers for you to look into:
5. Explore Private, Travel or Specialist Roles
Broaden your horizons – and your payslip.
If you’re open to doing something a bit different, there’s good money to be made in roles outside the usual NHS rota. Travel nursing, private home care, and contract-based work often come with much higher pay, as we mentioned, sometimes double what you’d earn in a standard post.
These roles can take you across the UK, from remote clinics in the Highlands to private clients in central London. Some are short-term contracts designed to fill urgent gaps. Others are longer stints with perks like free accommodation, travel expenses or tax-free allowances. They’re not for everyone, but if you’re in a position to relocate or adapt quickly to new settings, they can be well worth considering.
There’s also the option to specialise. Roles in areas like prison healthcare, clinical research, or mental health support can come with higher rates and less competition, particularly if you’ve got relevant experience or are willing to train.
It’s not just about the money either. These jobs can offer more autonomy, variety, and in some cases, a better work-life balance than the typical shift pattern. If you’re looking to shake things up, or just want to boost your income over a few months, it’s an option worth exploring.
You don’t need to work double shifts to earn more this year – you just need the right strategy. Whether it’s one extra shift a week, a new qualification, or starting a side hustle, every step helps. Lucam Consultancy is here to support you with flexible roles, career advice, and high-paying opportunities across the UK.
