Best App for Part-Time Nursing Jobs in 2025: ShiftMed vs Nursa Comparison
Top Apps for Part-Time Nursing Jobs in 2025: Quick Comparison Guide
RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and PRN nurses in the USA often juggle full-time roles, family, or side hustles while looking for flexible per diem or gig shifts through mobile apps. This guide compares the main options based on pay models like W-2 (employer-handled taxes) versus 1099 (independent contractor, self-managed taxes), shift availability, and support features from industry sources.
No single app wins for everyone--it depends on your location and what matters most to you. ShiftMed leads for W-2 employment with coverage in 40+ states and 165 metro areas (ShiftMed Blog). Nursa excels at quick per diem shift claims where facilities reportedly fill shifts three times faster via the app (Nursa Blog). Check local reviews and tax setups, since this advice may not fit if you want full-time benefits or prefer desktop platforms over mobile gigs.
Detailed profiles, comparisons, and tools below help you match the right app to your needs.
Why Apps Are Key for Part-Time and Per Diem Nursing Gigs
Mobile apps have changed how nurses access flexible shift work, letting RNs, LPNs, and CNAs claim per diem or PRN gigs on demand without traditional agency commitments. They cut out phone calls and paperwork, giving you real-time shift visibility in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
Industry sources show the scale. ShiftMed connects about 48,000 clinicians monthly across 40+ states and 165 metro areas (ShiftMed Blog). Nursa helps facilities fill open per diem shifts three times more effectively than manual methods (Nursa Blog). NurseGrid remains a top shift planner for organizing schedules and syncing calendars (VOKA.io, 2025; VOKA.io). These tools support side hustles by fitting shifts around your life.
But 1099 models in some apps mean handling your own taxes and no benefits--plan for quarterly withholdings. Older scheduling apps from 2021 may lack current gig features, so stick with recent platforms.
Top Gig Apps for Nurses: ShiftMed, Nursa, and Key Players
Leading apps streamline per diem and part-time nursing by listing shifts from facilities facing shortages, with nurses claiming them directly. ShiftMed offers W-2 status with instant pay after your shift and no clinician fees across 40+ states (ShiftMed Blog; USAHS). Nursa focuses on per diem as 1099 contractors, with easy search-and-claim for quick pickups (Nursa Blog).
Jento uses 1099-only with 24/7 human support and compliance checks for scalable shifts (1 to 100) (Jento Solutions, 2025). SnapNurse lets you start within 24 hours in 28+ states (Solguruz). Vivian provides nationwide healthcare jobs with proposal tools (Vivian App Store). Users flag bidding frustrations in apps like ShiftKey, where caps limit offers to $1.50 over base rates (ShiftKey App Store).
W-2 makes taxes simpler but may cap flexibility; 1099 offers higher potential pay but requires self-withholding.
ShiftMed vs Nursa for Part-Time RN and LPN Shifts
ShiftMed and Nursa get the most mentions for RN/LPN part-time shifts, differing mainly in pay structure and how fast you can start.
| Feature | ShiftMed | Nursa |
|---|---|---|
| Pay Model | W-2 (taxes handled, instant pay) (ShiftMed Blog) | 1099 (independent contractor) (Nursa Blog) |
| Coverage | 40+ states, 165 metro areas | Per diem focus (state count unspecified) |
| Pros | Tax simplicity, no fees, weekly pay | Quick claims, facilities fill shifts faster |
| Cons | Less contractor freedom | Self-tax management |
| Best For | Beginners wanting payroll ease | Experienced nurses seeking speed |
Pick ShiftMed for hassle-free taxes and broad reach; Nursa if you want rapid per diem grabs and manage your own finances.
Pros, Cons, and Real User Feedback on Nursing Job Apps
These apps give you flexibility but come with trade-offs revealed in reviews. ShiftMed's W-2 model eases tax season, with instant pay helping cash flow (ShiftMed Blog). Nursa speeds up shift pickups, though 1099 status means you handle tax prep (Nursa Blog).
App Store feedback on ShiftKey mentions bidding limits ("capped at $1.50 over rate") and support delays ("24-hour help would be great") (ShiftKey App Store). NurseGrid users report calendar sync issues after years of use (NurseGrid App Store). Vivian scores 3.6/5 on Trustpilot with mixed recruiter experiences--some praise quick contracts, others mention poor follow-up (Vivian Trustpilot).
Positive reviews highlight speed in SnapNurse, but complaints cluster around competition in bidding apps. Avoid them if you hate auctions; go for claim-based like Nursa.
Step-by-Step: How to Pick Up Shifts on Per Diem Nursing Apps
Getting started means verifying credentials and browsing locally. Here's your checklist:
- Download and upload credentials (background check, TB test, license)--ShiftMed and Nursa require this upfront (ShiftMed Blog; Nursa Blog).
- Set location radius (e.g., 50 miles) and filters (RN/LPN/CNA, day/night).
- Browse open shifts, claim instantly (Nursa for per diem; ShiftMed as W-2).
- Show up, clock in and out via app for fast pay on ShiftMed.
For your first Nursa shift: Review facility details, pack essentials, and confirm as independent contractor. Facilities using these fill faster, per sources (Nursa Blog; Solguruz).
Evidence Pack
| App | Pay Model | Shift Coverage | Key Features | User Notes (from RAG) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ShiftMed | W-2 (taxes handled, instant pay) (ShiftMed Blog) | 40+ states, 165 metro areas | No clinician fees, weekly pay | Payroll managed (industry source) | Tax simplicity, wide reach (RN/LPN/CNA) |
| Nursa | 1099 (independent contractor) (Nursa Blog) | Per diem focus | Quick claims, facilities fill more shifts | First-shift prep tips (industry source) | Fast per diem pickups |
| Jento | 1099-only (no benefits) (Jento, 2025) | Scalable (1-100 shifts) | 24/7 human support, compliance | Partnership focus (industry source) | Quick facility fills |
| SnapNurse | Not specified | 28+ states (Solguruz) | 24-hour start | Speed praised (industry source) | Urgent gigs |
| Vivian | Not specified | Nationwide healthcare jobs (Vivian App Store) | Proposal enhancements | Mixed recruiters (3.6/5 Trustpilot) | Job variety |
Decision Matrix: Score 1-5 on your priorities--e.g., W-2 (ShiftMed) if taxes stress you out; coverage for travel; skip bidding if you hate competition.
When General Job Sites Like FlexJobs Fit Better Than Gig Apps
Gig apps work great for on-demand shifts, but broader sites suit remote or non-shift part-time nursing. FlexJobs vets PRN and remote listings like telehealth (historical data, 2022--market conditions may have changed; FlexJobs). Vivian adds variety beyond gigs (Vivian App Store).
Use general sites for remote work (e.g., case management) over in-person shifts--apps may not have these.
Apply This to Your Situation
Think about these factors to match an app to your needs:
- Do you want W-2 tax handling (ShiftMed) or max flexibility (1099 like Nursa)?
- Need shifts in your state (check coverage maps)?
- OK with bidding (ShiftKey) or want instant claims?
FAQ
What's the difference between W-2 and 1099 nursing apps?
W-2 apps like ShiftMed handle taxes and send you year-end forms, making compliance easier (ShiftMed Blog). 1099 apps like Jento or Nursa treat you as an independent contractor, so you handle withholding and quarterly filings yourself--no benefits included (Jento, 2025; Nursa Blog).
Is ShiftMed good for part-time CNA gigs?
Yes, it covers CNAs alongside RNs/LPNs in 40+ states with W-2 pay and no fees, making it solid for flexible home health or facility shifts (ShiftMed Blog).
How fast can I start with Nursa per diem shifts?
Facilities fill shifts faster through Nursa; get ready as a 1099 contractor with your credentials for quick claims and first-shift work (Nursa Blog).
Are there free apps for nursing side hustles?
Most like ShiftMed, Nursa, and Vivian are free to download with in-app shift claims--no paid tiers mentioned in app stores; revenue comes from facilities (Vivian App Store).
What do user reviews say about ShiftKey?
Reviews mention bidding caps at $1.50 over base rates, support delays, and inconsistent facility contacts--works better if you're OK with auctions (ShiftKey App Store).
Does FlexJobs have part-time nursing jobs?
Yes, it features vetted remote/PRN listings like documentation roles (historical data, 2022--market may have evolved; FlexJobs).
Download ShiftMed or Nursa, verify your credentials, and claim a test shift in your area this week.