Looking for freelance or contract work as a registered nurse in Pennsylvania? Whether you want to supplement your income or transition to independent practice, Pennsylvania offers several high-paying options. Here's how the top opportunities compare.
Legal nurse consultants review medical records, analyze standards of care, and provide expert opinions for attorneys in cases like medical malpractice or personal injury. They may prepare reports, assist with case strategy, and serve as expert witnesses by testifying in court or depositions. This freelance role bridges medical and legal fields using RN clinical expertise.[1][3][7]
Malpractice Insurance: Yes ($500-$2000/year)
Pennsylvania notes: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are primary litigation centers; remote consulting standardized; Consulting/chart review $100-$200/hr; Testifying expert $225-$375/hr; Deposition $200-$325/hr; Philadelphia corridor high litigation volume
Typical start timeline: 2-6 weeks
Healthcare AI companies hire registered nurse professionals to review, annotate, and validate training data for medical AI systems. Work involves nursing protocol and patient assessment ai training — tasks like nursing assessment validation, care plan review, patient education content.
Malpractice Insurance: No
Pennsylvania notes: Fully remote — available regardless of state. Pay based on specialty expertise, not location.
Typical start timeline: 1-2 weeks
Getting started: Join the expert community and make a free profile on Folio to browse current registered nurse AI training projects.
Per diem nursing involves working short-term shifts at healthcare facilities to fill staffing gaps, offering flexibility in shift selection. Travel nursing requires assignments at various locations across Pennsylvania or beyond, typically lasting 8-13 weeks, involving temporary relocation. Registered Nurses provide direct patient care in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care settings.
Malpractice Insurance: Typically provided by employer
Pennsylvania notes: Philadelphia metro highest; Pittsburgh metro competitive; Rural central PA +10-20% crisis; State BLS avg $43.67/hr staff; ICU $58-$85/hr; ER $55-$80/hr; L&D/OR $50-$75/hr; Med-Surg $42-$60/hr; Night shift +15%; Weekend +$2-5/hr
Typical start timeline: 1-4 weeks for per diem; 6-12 weeks for travel
Utilization review nurses assess medical necessity of treatments and ensure compliance with insurance guidelines for freelance clients like insurers. Case management involves coordinating patient care plans, resources, and transitions across healthcare settings. RNs work independently to optimize outcomes and reduce costs.
Malpractice Insurance: Yes ($800-$2500/year)
Pennsylvania notes: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh facility-based at top of range; remote roles standard; Remote UR nurse $38-$50/hr; RN Case Manager $42-$55/hr; Large insurer presence (UPMC/Highmark/Independence Blue Cross)
Typical start timeline: 4-8 weeks
Telehealth nurses conduct virtual patient assessments, triage, education, and follow-ups via phone or video. They manage chronic conditions and provide remote monitoring for freelance platforms or clinics. This role leverages RN skills in a digital format without physical presence.
Malpractice Insurance: Yes ($600-$1800/year)
Pennsylvania notes: Remote - no geographic variation; Triage RN $36-$48/hr; After-hours triage $42-$55/hr; Chronic care management $38-$50/hr
Typical start timeline: 2-4 weeks
Clinical research nurses recruit and screen participants, administer study protocols, collect data, and monitor safety in freelance research trials. They ensure compliance with regulations like FDA guidelines and Good Clinical Practice. RNs collaborate with investigators on drug, device, or behavioral studies.
Malpractice Insurance: Yes ($700-$2200/year)
Pennsylvania notes: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh academic medical centers (Penn/UPMC/Jefferson) drive demand; pharma companies in suburbs; Research nurse $40-$55/hr; CRC with RN $36-$48/hr; Philadelphia biotech/pharma corridor premium +10-15%
Typical start timeline: 4-10 weeks
Q: What are the highest-paying freelance options for registered nurses in Pennsylvania?
A: Based on current market data, the top 3 are: Legal Nurse Consulting / Expert Witness ($100-$375/hr), AI Training & Annotation ($35-$145/hr), Per Diem / Travel Nursing ($42-$85/hr).
Q: Which freelance options for registered nurses don't require malpractice insurance?
A: 1 options don't require malpractice insurance: AI Training & Annotation ($35-$145/hr).
Q: Can registered nurses work remotely in Pennsylvania?
A: Yes, 5 options are fully or partially remote: Legal Nurse Consulting / Expert Witness ($100-$375/hr), AI Training & Annotation ($35-$145/hr), Utilization Review / Case Management ($38-$55/hr), Telehealth / Telemedicine Nursing ($36-$55/hr), Clinical Research Nursing ($36-$55/hr).
Q: What Pennsylvania license do registered nurses need for freelance work?
A: An active Pennsylvania license from Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing is required for most clinical freelance options.
Q: How quickly can registered nurses start freelance work?
A: Timeline varies by option: Legal Nurse Consulting / Expert Witness typically takes 2-6 weeks, while AI Training & Annotation typically takes 1-2 weeks, while Per Diem / Travel Nursing typically takes 1-4 weeks for per diem; 6-12 weeks for travel.
Q: What's the pay range for registered nurses doing AI training work?
A: AI training pays $35-$145/hour for registered nurses, varying by experience level and project complexity. No malpractice insurance required.
Folio connects Pennsylvania registered nurses with frontier research labs and healthcare AI companies looking for clinical expertise. The platform vets AI companies for project quality, handles contracting and payment, and matches projects to your area of expertise.
Typical timeline:
- Application: 3 minutes
- Credential review: 2-3 business days
- Platform orientation: 1 hour
- First project: 3-7 days from application
Current project focus (February 2026): Nursing assessment validation, care plan review, patient education content
Most registered nurses start with 5-10 hours weekly, then scale based on preference. No minimum commitment.
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Questions? Email experts@folioworks.com
