‘Gig work’ on the rise among nurses

Editor's Note

Seeking higher pay and greater flexibility, many nurses are turning to gig work, MedicalXpress November 8 reports. The article defines gig work as “picking up individual shifts on an app as an alternative to months-long contracts or direct employment by a hospital.”

Also according to the article:

• 100,000 RNs left the workplace as a result of burnout and stress prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing
• 610,000 more are planning to leave nursing by 2027 due to stress, burnout, or retirement.
• Digital applications like CareRev and Aya Healthcare are helping to fill the gap
• Aya Healthcare saw a 54% rise in the number of gig shifts filled by nurses in the last year
• One hospital, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in New Jersey, fills 80% of its nurse vacancies with gig workers. 

While gig work has allowed hospitals to maintain necessary workforce, on-staff nurses say there are issues around lack of institutional knowledge and consistency of care which can ultimately create more work.