The Gig Economy Comes to Healthcare: Nurses Hired Like Ubers

Gig nursing apps like Clipboard and ShiftKey have gained popularity among nurses and investors as the healthcare industry faces a shortage of nurses. However, concerns have been raised about the impact of these apps on patient care and nurse well-being. Nurses working through these apps often face issues such as inconsistent training, lack of familiarity with patients, and limited recourse for complaints. The gig structure also degrades the bonds between patients and nurses, potentially compromising patient safety. Critics argue that proper training and staffing practices are essential for patient outcomes, and classifying nurses as contractors limits their ability to demand better working conditions and hold companies accountable.