AI Now Institute Publishes Report on AI's Role in Gig Nursing Apps Like Clipboard Health and ShiftKey

The AI Now Institute published a report in April 2026 detailing how artificial intelligence is influencing nursing professions through gig-work apps. Titled 'Uber for Nursing: Part II,' the report focuses on apps such as Clipboard Health and ShiftKey, which allow nurses to claim shifts as gig workers.

These apps use automated systems to match nurses with healthcare establishments, set pay rates, and monitor performance metrics, according to the report.

Clipboard Health and ShiftKey have raised funding over the last few years. The AI Now Institute, a nonprofit group that researches AI's impacts on society, produced the report to address changes in how nurses work. Wells highlighted that AI's role extends beyond full job replacement, affecting jobs like nursing that involve physical work and specialized knowledge.

The report cites one nurse in Georgia who has used a gig-work nursing app along with DoorDash and Uber Eats. This nurse noted similarities, including automated screening of applications and algorithm-determined pay. Nursing is among the professions viewed as least at risk from AI disruption.

However, the report argues that gig-work apps introduce AI-mediated relationships between workers and employers, potentially centralizing power. These apps offer flexibility, such as claiming one shift at a time, similar to ride-hailing apps. The report also points to drawbacks, including unpredictable pay rates and risks of declining earnings over time.