What Are Healthcare Gig Jobs? Overview and FAQ

The gig economy goes beyond rideshare and food delivery apps. Today, healthcare workers — including RNs, CNAs, LPNs, and NPs — can pick up shifts and get paid by the day, without having to commit to full-time or part-time work. Healthcare gig jobs let clinicians choose their hours and work for several institutions, flexing their skill set in a variety of care settings.

In the last decade, the gig economy has risen as cost of living has increased and wages in many industries have stagnated. Mobile apps help flexible workers contract themselves out as drivers, food delivery workers, dog sitters, and more. Most have transparent pay and many contractors get paid by the week or even daily.

These flexible gigs let workers choose their own hours, but they can come at a cost; most pay lower wages, offer no health insurance, and lack retirement assistance. Still, it’s projected that more than half of the U.S. workforce will be doing gigwork by 2027.

These flaws in the gig economy don’t have as much impact on healthcare workers, but there are still some drawbacks to healthcare gig jobs that you should know about. First, let’s dig into what healthcare gig jobs are and who can work in the healthcare gig economy.

What Are Healthcare Gig Jobs?

Healthcare gig jobs are short-term, temporary, or flexible assignments that healthcare workers can pick up on a freelance basis. Instead of committing to part-time or full-time work for an indeterminate amount of time, gig workers are independent contractors. Gig jobs give individual workers more flexibility to make their own schedules and work where they want.

On the facility side, gig staffing helps address changes in patient volumes and staffing shortages. Facilities call in workers, sometimes at the last minute, to fill shifts. The flexibility of this model is attractive for parents, students, and caregivers, because it lets them build a work schedule around their personal lives. And these gig jobs are available to nearly every type of healthcare worker.

Check out some of the professionals who can work in gig jobs:

• Registered nurses (RNs) can take on per diem nursing assignments, travel nursing contracts, or work as independent contractors. They often have the flexibility to choose their shifts and healthcare settings.
• Licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/LVNs) may explore gig work in long-term care facilities, clinics, or home healthcare, providing nursing care on a per diem or temporary basis.
• Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) can work per diem shifts or temporary assignments in nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare settings, assisting with patient care.
• Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) may work as locum tenens providers or offer telehealth services on a freelance basis.

Types of Healthcare Gig Jobs for Nurses

Different types of gig jobs can bring flexibility for CNAs, LPNs, RNs, NPs, and other nursing professionals. Nursing gig jobs sometimes go by other names, like:

• Per diem nursing: A nurse picks up shifts at one or more facilities.
• PRN nursing: A nurse works in one facility on a more flexible basis, setting their own schedule.
• Travel nursing: A nurse signs a time-limited contract to work in one facility, usually on a full-time basis.
• Locum tenens nursing: A clinician comes into facilities to substitute for another clinician for a contracted period of time.

Benefits of Nursing Gig Jobs

Working on a contracted or shift-by-shift basis can be a great solution for nursing staff who are tired of working under a traditional employer model. Here are some benefits:

• More control and flexibility: You decide when and where you work, and that can make for a better work-life balance.
• Variety: Working across different settings can grow your skill set and open you up to new opportunities.
• Wage control: Most gig jobs offer transparent pay at the outset, and some even let you negotiate your rate.
• Independence: Because gig workers don’t rely on one employer, they have more career autonomy. And if you have a bad experience at a facility, you don’t have to go back.
• Temporary: If you’re in between permanent jobs, picking up a gig job can help you bridge your income — and sometimes gig jobs can become permanent positions.

Drawbacks of Nursing Gig Jobs

Now here are some of the drawbacks or challenges you should know about:

• Lack of job security: If you’re working on contract or by the shift, there can be times when you go without working for days or weeks.
• Limited or no benefits: Healthcare staffing agencies offer zero healthcare benefits or retirement plans to 1099 workers, though some agencies hire workers as W2 employees and provide benefits. Additionally, gig workers may not get the same legal protections and rights as traditional employees, like workers’ compensation or unemployment benefits.
• Lack of facility support: Facilities may not be as invested in training gig workers because facilities know they’re not permanent. Some healthcare contractors feel unsupported or unsafe at their jobs.
• Potential for isolation: Because healthcare gig workers move between facilities and units, they may not have the sense of camaraderie that can be a benefit to in-house positions.
• Limited career advancement: Gig jobs might not provide a clear path for career advancement or long-term professional development.

5 Things to Know Before Picking Up a Nursing Gig Job

If you’re thinking about taking on a gig job in healthcare, you’ll need to be prepared for the unique aspects of this type of employment. Here’s what you should consider before accepting gig work in healthcare:

1. Tax Classifications: 1099s vs. W2

Depending on the agency you contract with, you will either be a 1099 contractor or a W2 employee. The classification can impact your tax liability, deductions, and access to certain benefits. Be aware of your tax obligations and consider consulting a tax professional for guidance. Learn more about working as a 1099 contractor vs. W2 employee.

2. Liability Insurance

Malpractice insurance is essential for in-house staff and healthcare gig workers. This insurance can provide protection in the event of legal claims or allegations of negligence while providing patient care. It’s particularly important for nurses in gig positions, as it offers peace of mind and financial protection.

3. Financial Planning & Retirement

Gig workers typically don’t have access to employer-sponsored retirement plans like 401(k)s. It’s a good idea to proactively save for retirement by opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or a similar retirement savings vehicle. Consistently contributing to retirement savings is crucial for your long-term financial security.

4. Insurance

Gig workers often lack access to employer-provided health insurance. Explore your options for obtaining health coverage, such as purchasing an individual health insurance plan through a healthcare exchange or a private insurer.

5. Do Your Research

Not every gig work site and job board is built alike. Before signing on with staffing agencies, check to see if they offer benefit plans, training programs, and other perks.

FAQs About Healthcare Gig Jobs

What is a gig in nursing?

Gig shifts are short-term or temporary nursing assignments that you can find through staffing agencies and scheduling apps like IntelyCare. The benefits of nursing gigs is that they offer more control over your schedule, you get to pick where you work every day, and you can get paid quickly.

What side hustle can I do as a nurse?

Picking up gig shifts can help you make more money every week while still controlling your schedule. Temporary or contracted shifts are just one way nurses can make more money

How much do per diem nurses make?

Per diem nurses make an average base salary of $68,639 per year, or $33 per hour.

Does healthcare gig work pay well?

Medical gig jobs generally pay better than other gig work because they require specific expertise. In addition, gig work tends to pay better because there are fewer benefits and because facilities may ask staff to come in to fill a last-minute need.

Find Healthcare Gig Jobs on IntelyCare

IntelyCare is a healthcare talent platform helping nursing professionals take control of their careers. If you’re looking for a work schedule that fits your life, apply to IntelyCare to find nursing gig jobs in your area. You’ll enjoy benefits, continuing education resources, and the support of a team that has your back.