The gig economy has expanded its reach to include nurses working at hospitals and medical facilities, according to a recent report. This new trend in healthcare employment mirrors the challenges faced by gig workers in other industries, such as Uber drivers. The use of gig-work apps in the nursing profession represents a high-stakes scenario, as it involves the care and well-being of patients.
Apps like CareRev, Clipboard Health, and ShiftKey have adopted a similar approach to companies like Uber and Instacart by utilizing gig workers in the nursing field. However, the report released by the Roosevelt Institute highlights that medical facilities often turn to gig nursing services as a cost-cutting measure, particularly under the direction of private-equity firms. This shift towards gig work in nursing has raised concerns about issues such as low pay and sudden deactivation of accounts without explanation, similar to what other gig workers experience.
Katie Wells, a senior fellow at the think tank Groundwork Collaborative and one of the report’s authors, emphasized that these apps appeal to nurses by offering them more flexibility and control over their work schedules. With the demanding nature of full-time nursing jobs, which often involve long hours and irregular shifts, many nurses have been seeking alternative employment options, especially in light of the strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare facilities.
The gig nursing apps promote the idea of giving workers more autonomy in choosing when and how they work. ShiftKey, for example, advertises that users have the freedom to determine their earnings and work preferences. This flexibility can be enticing for nurses who are feeling burnt out and looking for a change from traditional nursing roles.
The report, based on interviews with 29 nurses and nursing assistants who use gig-work apps, revealed that these workers must compete for shifts by bidding with their pay rates. Once assigned a shift, nurses often find themselves navigating unfamiliar facilities without proper orientation or guidance. This lack of preparation can pose challenges in providing quality care to patients and accessing essential resources within the medical setting.
Moreover, the absence of direct supervision or managerial support for gig nurses can lead to issues when problems arise during a shift. Nurses reported instances where they were unable to contact anyone for assistance, such as in cases of illness or emergencies. This lack of immediate support can jeopardize patient safety and the overall quality of care provided by gig nurses.
Despite the challenges highlighted in the report, some nurses expressed a willingness to continue working for gig nursing apps due to the potential for higher earnings. However, many also acknowledged the need to supplement their income with additional jobs in other industries to make ends meet. The report underscored the financial pressures faced by healthcare facilities that resort to gig nursing services as a cost-saving measure to meet investor expectations.
In conclusion, the integration of gig work into the nursing profession poses unique challenges that differ from other industries. The immediate impact on patient safety and care quality underscores the importance of addressing the issues raised by gig nursing apps. As the gig economy continues to evolve, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being of both healthcare workers and patients in this rapidly changing landscape.
