How To Maximize Your Income As A Nurse?

(Estimated reading time: 5 minutes)

Nursing is a rewarding career that provides more than 3 million registered nurses, or RNs, in the United States with numerous workplace choices and good salaries. However, living in the US can be expensive. So, it’s natural to maximize your income to cover your living expenses while leaving money for fun experiences. 

As you can see, nurses have quite a higher average salary. However, not everyone earns an average or above-average wage. So, many professionals are wondering how to earn more money as a nurse. Although compensation is not the primary driving factor for most nurses who enter the profession, there are several options for RNs who want to know how to make extra money as a nurse.

Nurses, like other professionals, can benefit from specialization. However, not every RN is familiar with perfecting skills that increase your value to employers, many of whom are willing to pay for that value. Undeniably, if you can demonstrate your specialty skills through certification, you can earn up to $9,000 or 450,000 Php or more per year than the average RN.

Moreover, nurses can choose from immediate and long-term options. This includes nursing side jobs, travel nursing assignments, and continuing their education to prepare for future opportunities. While nursing can be a lucrative career path, it may not be so instantly. You may need to do some of the following to ensure you get what you deserve.

Grow your career and earn more money by helping patients or educating others about healthcare. 

Become a Family Nurse Practitioner

As a registered nurse, your earning potential may be reasonable. However, upskilling through online MSN FNP programs to become a family nurse practitioner (FNP) may open many doors of opportunity to increase your earning potential.

While you may think you do not have the time to devote to furthering your education, many of the best FNP courses are primarily online. In addition, clinical practicum and residency are the only in-person courses. As a result, you might find it easier than you think to fit study into your daily routine.

Choose a Specialty

Assisting with patient care, monitoring, medicine administration, and other duties as a registered nurse can make each day rewarding. In addition, you can educate and assist patients and their families, communicate with doctors and work in various environments such as clinics, homes, and schools.

However, depending on where you live, you may find that completing certification courses in a specialty allows you to earn more than you do now. Consider the type of nursing that most interests you early in your career, such as cardiac care, critical care, flight, or forensics.

Work Overtime

Nursing shortages exist all over the United States. That is why most nurses are typically permitted to work more shifts per week than they are allowed. Working overtime and volunteering to fill any roster vacancies can help you earn more money and maximize your income. However, maintain a work-life balance to avoid burnout, even if it means earning less money.

Get a Compact License

Nurses holding multi-state licenses can practice in 39 ENLC states under the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact, or ENLC. This compact aims to enable nurses to offer more timely and effective treatment to patients in the most vulnerable areas.

You can get a new assignment in a different city more quickly if you have a compact license. If you decide to become a traveling nurse, the entire country is your playground without having to worry about getting a new license every time.

Become a Travel Nurse

If you have the personal flexibility to travel the country without worrying about responsibilities at home, becoming a travel nurse may be a perfect match for you. Travel nurse firms cover most of your costs. Hence, allowing you to work temporary contracts at hospitals and clinics around the United States. Benefits such as free accommodation, travel expenses, 401K, and health insurance may also be available.

Take On Extra Nursing Jobs

Your nursing abilities are invaluable at your primary workplace. Still, you may also find various side jobs that allow you to earn money while putting your expertise to use. For example, sign up to give flu vaccines at a special clinic or provide care for patients in their homes.

In addition, tutoring nursing students and providing patient education classes might also be options you can consider to maximize your income and boost your professional image. Some nursing training programs will be looking to hire tutors to help students who are learning to be nurses. 

Community events may also hire nurses for a few days to assist them during their activities. You might find a cause you are passionate about and assist your community while also making a little more money by looking outside your typical employment environment.

Final Thoughts 

By thinking outside the box, nurses can earn far more than their regular income. Consider your educational options, study about specialties, and decide whether you’re ready to take on new responsibilities to increase your income.

It’s no secret that many places such as the US and Middle East pay their nurses more compared to others. That alone is a significant raise compared to your salary here in the Philippines. So, what are you waiting for? Contact IPASS Processing now to start your international nursing journey!

Disclaimer: IPASS Processing is not a recruitment agency. We do not hire or deploy medical professionals abroad. IPASS Processing is a processing agency that provides license exam application assistance in the United States, the Middle East, and Australia.