 Each of these questions is meant to ask potential NP students to think deeply about the factors that are most important in their educational and professional journey.
Choosing the right specialty for your Nurse Practitioner (NP) career is critical, both for your long-term job satisfaction and for your success in the job market after graduation. Finding the balance between an area that suits your skills, interests, lifestyle, and personality and one where you can actually successfully land a job takes a lot of consideration and research. It’s a decision that you must take seriously, and there is much to consider. Here are a few thoughts to help you through the decision-making process:
Once you’ve answered those questions, it’s time to do some research. You can comb through LinkedIn and other job board postings, talk to mentors in the field, and reach out to current practitioners in your area to find out more about their experiences. Facebook groups for NPs can be a great way to connect with experienced practitioners and learn a little bit about their stories. Although this can be hard in today’s healthcare environment, see if you can shadow NPs in different specialties to get a firsthand experience of their day-to-day work. This can help you better understand the nature of their practice, patient interactions, and job responsibilities. It can also help you determine if a particular specialty is the right fit for you. What you’re looking for is that “sweet spot” where location, job market, and your healthcare passions all intersect. This extra effort in the short run, before you commit to a program of study, can save you a lot of trouble and disappointment in the long run!
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 Who doesn’t want to earn a little extra income while still putting your Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) skills to good use? If that’s you, you're in the right place! We've got a list of intriguing side hustles tailored for NPs and PAs and PAs that not only let you do what you know and love but also pad your wallet a bit. Let's dive into the possibilities! I’d always recommend that you “stay in your lane” and not fake your area of expertise, however. 1. Home Healthcare Assessments: Conduct home healthcare assessments part-time, helping patients with chronic conditions manage their health in the comfort of their homes. I did this and loved it. A love of seniors and reliable care are beneficial. I had to drive a lot, and you need to make sure that they allot you enough time for the visits AND drive time. Try to make sure you are in one drivable area. This can also be a great job if you only want a part-time job with some flexibility. 2. Online Health Coaching: Offer part-time virtual health coaching services to individuals seeking guidance on nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being. This can be done via video calls or chat platforms. Health coaching is very popular these days, and there are even health coaches for specific medical diagnoses, like Diabetes, Arthritis, Cancer, etc., so you can specialize in what you know! There are also Health Coach Certifications that you pay for. 3. Freelance Medical Writing: Sharing Expertise through Words As NPs and PAs, we possess a wealth of medical knowledge, which can benefit a wider audience through the art of writing. Freelance medical writing allows clinicians to educate and inform through articles, blog posts, and e-books. This side hustle not only offers a creative outlet but also contributes to the dissemination of valuable healthcare information. 4. Medical Consulting: Shaping the Future of Healthcare Do you have a penchant for problem-solving and innovation? You might venture into medical consulting. This role involves providing strategic guidance to healthcare organizations, startups, or clinics. NPs and PAs' clinical experience and insight can help shape the future of healthcare delivery and management. Try using LinkedIn to reach out to those who might need your services, and, of course, make sure your LinkedIn profile and resume support your skillset. 5. Health and Wellness Blogging: Consider starting a health and wellness blog where you share your expertise on staying healthy and balanced in life. You can monetize your blog through ads, affiliate marketing, or sponsored content. 6. Educator for Certification Prep: Leverage your knowledge to teach and prepare aspiring nurses or NPs and PAs for certification exams. Create online courses or offer one-on-one tutoring sessions. Many NPs (like the amazing Margaret Fitzgerald, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP, and Amelie Hollier, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP) have started or moved into this space (like Sarah Michelle, FNP). 7. Health-related YouTube Channel: Start a YouTube channel where you discuss health topics, provide advice, and share tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Monetize through ads and affiliate marketing. 8. Virtual Second Opinion Consultations: Offer virtual second opinion consultations for patients seeking additional insights on their healthcare decisions. Provide your expertise through video consultations. Ok, I have to be honest, this makes me nervous. Talk about HIPAA and liability concerns. So, if you do this, I’d consult with a lawyer first. 9. Holistic Health Workshops: Host part-time workshops on holistic health practices, such as meditation, mindfulness, or herbal remedies. Charge participants for attending. Such a growing area! 10. Health-related Affiliate Marketing: Promote health and wellness products as an affiliate marketer. You can earn commissions for every sale generated through your referral links. 11. Teach Nursing School Clinicals or be PT Clinical Faculty or Adjunct Faculty: Whether it’s LPN, RN, BSN, MSN, or DNP, there is a shortage of faculty for nursing programs. My colleague did 2 classes a year for several years at a State University, and now she has qualified for a pension! 12. Chart Reviews for Attorneys: Many seasoned NPs love this little side gig! 11. Precepting: Educating the Next Generation of NPs and PAs! You know we love this one! Mentoring aspiring NPs and PAs as a clinical preceptor is not only a fulfilling side hustle but also a way to give back to the profession. By sharing their expertise and experiences, NPs and PAs play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare by educating and guiding the next generation of Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. (Explore more through www.PreceptorLink.com, where we can offer an honorarium for preceptors.) In the world of healthcare, Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants are not limited to their primary roles. Side hustles allow NPs and PAs to diversify their careers, impact their communities in new ways, and enhance their financial well-being. Whether it's through telehealth consultations, wellness coaching, medical writing, consulting, or preceptorship, NPs and PAs can harness their skills and passion to unlock a world of opportunities. Tell us what you have done and what your experience was like. And tell us about other side hustles we might not have listed! |
About Lynn:As a longtime NP with a desire to help and make positive changes to her beloved profession, Lynn often writes opinion pieces about the NP profession. Archives
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