Nursing is the latest industry to be impacted by the gig economy

In the bustling city of St. Louis, Dana, a 29-year-old nurse, starts her day by checking her phone to see if the gig nursing app CareRev still has her scheduled at the local hospital. For Dana, this routine is a gamble as cancellations are common. She has already arranged child care for her son, but a cancellation means missing out on a day of pay. The uncertainty of whether she will work or not adds stress to her already demanding job.

Furthermore, Dana worries about what will happen at the hospital if her shift doesn’t get canceled. Sometimes, she shows up and finds herself caring for 30 patients on her own or realizing she should have brought her own medical supplies. The lack of orientation before working at a new health care facility leaves Dana feeling unprepared and overwhelmed. The challenges she faces highlight the downside of the gig economy’s labor model infiltrating the healthcare sector.

In recent years, the gig economy has made its mark in the healthcare industry, with large U.S. hospital systems integrating “gig” nurses into their operations. Apps like CareRev, Clipboard Health, ShiftKey, and ShiftMed use algorithmic scheduling and staffing technologies to connect understaffed medical facilities with nurses and nursing assistants seeking work. While these apps offer flexibility to healthcare workers, the reality of gig nursing is far from the glamorous image portrayed by these companies.

To secure shifts on these apps, workers often bid against each other, leading to algorithmic wage discrimination. Nurses end up being paid different rates for the same work, creating financial instability. Additionally, workers like Ashley, a nursing assistant in rural Pennsylvania, face additional fees and are classified as independent contractors, leaving them without the protection of minimum wage standards. The financial strain and legal risks associated with gig nursing paint a grim picture for healthcare workers.

Patients also suffer under the gig nursing model, as the lack of continuity in care and unfamiliarity with the healthcare facility’s protocols can compromise patient safety. The reliance on algorithmic systems for performance management and the absence of face-to-face interviews further exacerbate the disconnect between healthcare workers and patients. The impersonal nature of gig nursing leaves both patients and healthcare workers feeling isolated and unsupported.

Despite the challenges faced by healthcare workers and patients, gig nursing firms are lobbying regulators to legitimize their business model. The push to exempt these companies from existing legislation mirrors the struggles faced by other gig economy sectors, such as ride-sharing services. The impact of gig nursing on the healthcare industry raises concerns about patient care quality and the well-being of healthcare workers.

In conclusion, the rise of gig nursing poses significant challenges for both healthcare workers like Dana and patients. The push towards an Uber-style model in healthcare only serves to exacerbate existing issues within the industry. As the debate around gig nursing continues, it is crucial to prioritize patient safety and the well-being of healthcare workers to ensure a sustainable and ethical healthcare system.