AI Now Institute report says AI gig-work apps disrupt nursing
Updated
Updated · Business Insider · May 3
AI Now Institute report says AI gig-work apps disrupt nursing
11 articles · Updated · Business Insider · May 3
The April study highlights ShiftKey and Clipboard Health, whose automated systems match nurses with facilities, set pay rates and track performance.
Author Katie Wells said the findings show AI can reshape jobs without replacing workers, giving platforms more control over scheduling, earnings and possible account deactivations.
The report likens the nursing apps to Uber-style gig platforms, warning that flexibility may come with unpredictable pay and growing centralised power over healthcare employment as demand for nurses rises.
When nurses trade job security for app-based flexibility, who ultimately pays the price?
Can an algorithm that sets pay and schedules for nurses ever be truly fair and unbiased?
Algorithmic Management and Legal Battles: The High Stakes of Gig Nursing Platforms in U.S. Healthcare
Overview
Between 2022 and 2026, over 17 states pushed bills to deregulate gig nursing platforms by allowing them to classify nurses as independent contractors, reducing pay, protections, and benefits. These platforms use AI algorithms to control scheduling, pay, and performance surveillance, often causing unpredictable shifts, wage suppression, and high-pressure work environments. In response, New York passed Article 29-K in 2025, banning contractor classification and imposing strict regulations, which led major platforms to exit the state. Meanwhile, federal scrutiny of misclassification is increasing, and platforms aggressively lobby for deregulation to maintain their model. This ongoing conflict highlights the tension between innovation and the need to protect nurses and patient care.