Uncovering the Hidden Costs and Risks of "Uber for Nursing"
Impact on Nurses' Pay and Working Conditions
Twenty-nine workers interviewed disclosed having to pay fees to bid on shifts and winning them by offering lower pay rates than their peers. Some also faced app issues that led to missed pay for completed work. Dr Katie Wells, a senior fellow at GroundWork Collaborative and co-author of the report, emphasized that many facilities are in a difficult situation and turn to these gig nursing apps as a quick fix. She pointed out that the issue lies in insufficient compensation and inadequate care for workers, making them seek control in the gig economy.As Ashley, one of the interviewed nurses, stated, "This is what I went to school for and what will pay my bills in this scary economic crisis. I have no choice but to do this to survive, even though it's not what I truly want. These greedy, immoral corporate companies have ruined healthcare."
Rating System and Shift Cancellations
Workers are subject to a rating system that discourages them from canceling shifts due to illness or personal conflicts. Moreover, if an employer cancels or shortens shifts, workers are often not compensated. This further exacerbates the challenges faced by gig nurses.Wells highlighted that data from these gig companies is not made public, and the industry is unregulated. Despite this, the growing capital valuations of nurse gig platforms and surveys suggest that it is a rapidly expanding trend.
Training and Supply Issues
The interviewed nurses explained that they often work in facilities where they receive no training and are unfamiliar with the operations and the location of supplies. Some even had to bring and use their own medical supplies for patients. They also claimed to be treated poorly by permanent staff and given the most difficult job tasks.The report argues that it was unimaginable a few years ago for a person unfamiliar with a hospital to take over a shift without proper preparation. Additionally, the gig model shifts costs typically borne by the employer onto the workers, including taxes, uniforms, supplies, and health insurance.
Post-Pandemic Popularity and Nursing Shortages
Gig companies in nursing gained popularity after the COVID-19 pandemic and the claimed nursing shortages. However, the report noted that the US currently has over 5 million licensed registered nurses, more than ever. It claims that understaffing and hiring/retention issues in workplaces are due to nurses refusing to accept poor pay and working conditions.The report emphasizes that human frailty, the core of nursing, cannot be effectively managed through algorithms.