Psychiatric registered nurse Jessica Martinez, 38, speaks during an interview in Paramus, New Jersey. The availability of gig work comes as US hospitals try new ways to alleviate a staffing crunch, drawing comparisons to convenience associated with apps like Uber. But critics warn this could impact patient care or fuel tensions within the workforce. — AFP
PARAMUS, United States: When Jessica Martinez moved away from home in 2020, a temporary contract brought her to New Jersey as a nurse on the frontlines of the pandemic. But her earnings slipped as Covid-19 faded.
Drawn by higher pay and greater flexibility, the 38-year-old is among a growing number of nurses turning to gig work – picking up individual shifts on an app as an alternative to months-long contracts or direct employment by a hospital.
