Gig Nursing

Hear how Mercy developed Gig Nursing and why providing greater flexibility has helped retain experienced nurses while strengthening patient care.

Like many professions, burnout can be a serious issue in healthcare. So when Mercy saw an increase in the number of nurses leaving the profession, it saw an opportunity. “We heard from our nurses that they needed more flexible scheduling, so we launched Gig nursing,” said Nicki Gamet, chief nursing officer for Mercy Springfield Communities. “Gig nursing allows nurses to pick up shifts that fit into their schedules, and it has allowed us to fill gaps in our workforce, especially in our rural communities, and retain many of our trained nurses who are not wanting a full-time position. This really helped us meet our nursing workforce where they were, and anytime we can keep our trained nurses, that is a huge win.”

Why This Matters

Recruiting new employees is only one part of workforce development. Retaining experienced employees is equally important.

Mercy's Gig Nursing program reflects a broader shift occurring across many industries. Today's workforce increasingly values flexibility, autonomy and opportunities to balance work with other priorities. Organizations willing to adapt can often retain talented employees who might otherwise leave entirely.

Rather than viewing workforce flexibility as a challenge, Mercy saw it as an opportunity to keep experienced professionals engaged while continuing to meet patient needs.

For employers in every industry, the lesson is clear: listening to employees and adapting to changing expectations can become a competitive advantage.

Key Takeaways

• Retention is just as important as recruitment.
• Flexibility can strengthen employee loyalty.
• Listening to employees leads to better workforce solutions.