How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- ShiftKey uses bidding, while Clipboard Health and Nursa focus on direct booking of open shifts.
- CareRev and Medely focus more on hospital shifts, while KARE focuses on senior care.
- IntelyCare offers a path to benefits at hours thresholds, unlike most contractor-only apps.
- Pay timing, rates, and availability vary by facility, shift, and local market on every app here.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 ShiftKey | Bid-based per-diem shifts | See website | Yes |
 Clipboard Health | On-demand shifts with instant pay options | See website | Yes |
 CareRev | Hospital and health-system shifts | See website | Yes |
 Nursa | Direct per-diem facility shifts | See website | Yes |
 ShiftMed | Per-diem shifts with guaranteed options | See website | Yes |
 IntelyCare | Per-diem shifts with benefits at hours thresholds | See website | Yes |
 Medely | Per-diem and local hospital shifts | See website | Yes |
 KARE | Senior care per-diem shifts | See website | Yes |
 ConnectRN | Per-diem shifts with community features | See website | Yes |
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
The best best nursing agency apps
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
For teams that need bid-based per-diem shifts, this is a practical place to start. ShiftKey is a marketplace where nurses and aides bid on per-diem shifts and set a preferred rate. It suits professionals who want to choose shifts and negotiate rate, while availability depends on local facility demand.
In daily use, the deciding factors are usually Bid-based per-diem shifts, how the tool handles your existing stack, and whether the plan limits match your volume. Check the pricing page, the documentation for ShiftKey, and recent public reviews before you buy, and use a trial with a real project rather than a demo dataset. Pricing and plan limits are worth checking on the vendor pricing page before you commit, because tiers and add-ons change over time. If the tool fits your main workflow and its limits are acceptable, it is worth a shortlist spot. If not, move to the next option in this guide.
What we like- Bid on shifts and set a preferred rate
- Long-term care and skilled nursing focus
- App-based scheduling
Watch out for- Work is as an independent contractor
- Shift availability varies by area
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
If your main problem is on-demand shifts, this option deserves a close look. Clipboard Health lets nurses and aides browse and book open shifts in an app, with fast payout options after a shift. It suits professionals who want control over scheduling, while pay and availability vary by facility and area.
In daily use, the deciding factors are usually On-demand shifts with instant pay options, how the tool handles your existing stack, and whether the plan limits match your volume. Check the pricing page, the documentation for Clipboard Health, and recent public reviews before you buy, and use a trial with a real project rather than a demo dataset. Pricing and plan limits are worth checking on the vendor pricing page before you commit, because tiers and add-ons change over time. If the tool fits your main workflow and its limits are acceptable, it is worth a shortlist spot. If not, move to the next option in this guide.
What we like- Book shifts without facility approval in many cases
- Instant payout options
- Wide role coverage
Watch out for- Work is as an independent contractor
- Payout fees may apply for instant pay
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
This option suits groups that want hospital per-diem shifts without a long setup. CareRev connects nurses, CNAs, and other professionals with facilities for flexible per-diem shifts. It suits hospital-focused professionals, while coverage is limited to states where CareRev operates.
In daily use, the deciding factors are usually Hospital and health-system shifts, how the tool handles your existing stack, and whether the plan limits match your volume. Check the pricing page, the documentation for CareRev, and recent public reviews before you buy, and use a trial with a real project rather than a demo dataset. Pricing and plan limits are worth checking on the vendor pricing page before you commit, because tiers and add-ons change over time. If the tool fits your main workflow and its limits are acceptable, it is worth a shortlist spot. If not, move to the next option in this guide.
What we like- Hospital and health-system focus
- Claim shifts in app
- Twice-weekly pay in app
Watch out for- Coverage varies by state
- Facility requirements apply
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
When direct facility shifts matters more than extra features, this tool fits well. Nursa connects nurses and aides directly with facilities for local per-diem shifts, without long-term contracts. It suits professionals who want local work and direct facility contact, while shift volume depends on the local market.
In daily use, the deciding factors are usually Direct per-diem facility shifts, how the tool handles your existing stack, and whether the plan limits match your volume. Check the pricing page, the documentation for Nursa, and recent public reviews before you buy, and use a trial with a real project rather than a demo dataset. Pricing and plan limits are worth checking on the vendor pricing page before you commit, because tiers and add-ons change over time. If the tool fits your main workflow and its limits are acceptable, it is worth a shortlist spot. If not, move to the next option in this guide.
What we like- Direct facility connection
- No long-term contracts
- Local per-diem focus
Watch out for- Work is as an independent contractor
- Availability varies by market
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
A good pick for people who put per-diem with guaranteed options first is this platform. ShiftMed offers per-diem shifts for nurses and aides, with guaranteed-shift options in some markets. It suits professionals who want flexibility with more schedule certainty, where guaranteed options are available.
In daily use, the deciding factors are usually Per-diem shifts with guaranteed options, how the tool handles your existing stack, and whether the plan limits match your volume. Check the pricing page, the documentation for ShiftMed, and recent public reviews before you buy, and use a trial with a real project rather than a demo dataset. Pricing and plan limits are worth checking on the vendor pricing page before you commit, because tiers and add-ons change over time. If the tool fits your main workflow and its limits are acceptable, it is worth a shortlist spot. If not, move to the next option in this guide.
What we like- Per-diem shift marketplace
- Guaranteed-shift options in some markets
- Wide roles
Watch out for- Guaranteed shifts depend on market and schedule
- Contractor model applies
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
Consider this tool when per-diem with benefits thresholds is the deciding factor. IntelyCare offers per-diem shifts through an app, with employer-sponsored benefits for professionals who work enough hours. It suits professionals who want per-diem flexibility plus a path to benefits, while thresholds and availability vary.
In daily use, the deciding factors are usually Per-diem shifts with benefits at hours thresholds, how the tool handles your existing stack, and whether the plan limits match your volume. Check the pricing page, the documentation for IntelyCare, and recent public reviews before you buy, and use a trial with a real project rather than a demo dataset. Pricing and plan limits are worth checking on the vendor pricing page before you commit, because tiers and add-ons change over time. If the tool fits your main workflow and its limits are acceptable, it is worth a shortlist spot. If not, move to the next option in this guide.
What we like- Per-diem app shifts
- Benefits for professionals who meet hours thresholds
- Wide facility types
Watch out for- Benefits depend on hours worked
- Availability varies by area
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
This platform works best where hospital and travel shifts is the daily work. Medely connects nurses and allied professionals with per-diem, local, and travel work, including hospital shifts. It suits professionals seeking higher-acuity hospital work, while vetting and local demand affect start time.
In daily use, the deciding factors are usually Per-diem and local hospital shifts, how the tool handles your existing stack, and whether the plan limits match your volume. Check the pricing page, the documentation for Medely, and recent public reviews before you buy, and use a trial with a real project rather than a demo dataset. Pricing and plan limits are worth checking on the vendor pricing page before you commit, because tiers and add-ons change over time. If the tool fits your main workflow and its limits are acceptable, it is worth a shortlist spot. If not, move to the next option in this guide.
What we like- Per-diem, local, and travel options
- Higher-acuity hospital shifts
- Careful vetting
Watch out for- Vetting can take time
- Availability varies by market
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
For a setup built around senior care shifts, this is a strong candidate. KARE focuses on senior care communities and nursing homes for per-diem shifts. It suits aides and nurses who prefer senior care settings, while hospital-focused professionals may need another app too.
In daily use, the deciding factors are usually Senior care per-diem shifts, how the tool handles your existing stack, and whether the plan limits match your volume. Check the pricing page, the documentation for KARE, and recent public reviews before you buy, and use a trial with a real project rather than a demo dataset. Pricing and plan limits are worth checking on the vendor pricing page before you commit, because tiers and add-ons change over time. If the tool fits your main workflow and its limits are acceptable, it is worth a shortlist spot. If not, move to the next option in this guide.
What we like- Senior care and nursing home focus
- Rates shown upfront in app
- Community features
Watch out for- Senior care focus limits hospital work
- Availability varies by area
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
If you value per-diem with community features above all else, start your shortlist here. ConnectRN offers per-diem shifts through a nurse-focused app with community features. It suits professionals who want shift flexibility plus peer support, while shift volume depends on local facilities.
In daily use, the deciding factors are usually Per-diem shifts with community features, how the tool handles your existing stack, and whether the plan limits match your volume. Check the pricing page, the documentation for ConnectRN, and recent public reviews before you buy, and use a trial with a real project rather than a demo dataset. Pricing and plan limits are worth checking on the vendor pricing page before you commit, because tiers and add-ons change over time. If the tool fits your main workflow and its limits are acceptable, it is worth a shortlist spot. If not, move to the next option in this guide.
What we like- Per-diem shift app
- Community and support features
- Nurse-focused design
Watch out for- Availability varies by market
- Pay varies by facility and shift
How we chose
We compared pricing pages, product documentation, and public reviews on G2, Capterra, and Reddit, then checked features, integrations, and fit for different company sizes. We did not count marketing claims as facts, and we left a price as See website when the vendor page did not publish a clear starting price.
That method favors tools with clear documentation and a plan that matches the job. A large platform can still be the wrong pick for a small team, and a small tool can still be the right pick for a focused job, so size fit mattered as much as feature count.
How to choose a per-diem nursing app for your schedule
Check coverage in your area and setting
An app is only useful if facilities near you post shifts in your setting. Hospital, long-term care, and senior care coverage differ by app and state. Check open shifts in your zip code and role before you spend time on credential uploads.
Compare booking, pay timing, and contractor terms
Bidding apps let you set a preferred rate, while direct-booking apps show a facility rate to accept or skip. Pay timing ranges from instant payout options to twice-weekly or weekly cycles, sometimes with fees for faster pay. Read contractor terms, including taxes, cancellation rules, and credential checks.
Use more than one app at first
Many professionals register on two or three apps to compare shift volume and rates in their area. Keep credentials current in each app, track shifts carefully to avoid double-booking, and note which facilities you prefer for future shifts.
Frequently asked questions
How do per-diem nursing apps work?
Facilities post open shifts, professionals browse them in an app, upload credentials, and claim or bid on shifts. After a completed shift, hours are verified in the app and pay is processed on the app's schedule.
Are per-diem app workers employees or contractors?
Most apps in this list engage professionals as independent contractors, while IntelyCare offers benefits at hours thresholds for eligible professionals. Read each app's terms, because status affects taxes and benefits.
How much do per-diem nursing apps pay?
Pay varies by role, facility, shift time, location, and demand, so this guide does not promise a rate. Check the rate shown for a specific shift in the app before you accept it, and compare across apps in your area.
Do I need to commit to a schedule?
No. Per-diem apps are built for shift-by-shift choice, with no long-term contract in most cases. Some apps offer guaranteed-shift options, but those depend on market and schedule rules.
What credentials do I need to start?
You need a valid license or certification for your role, plus facility-required checks such as background screening, health records, and training. Upload documents in the app and allow time for verification before your first shift.
Sources we checked (9)
- https://www.shiftkey.com/
- https://www.clipboard.com/
- https://www.carerev.com/
- https://nursa.com/
- https://www.shiftmed.com/
- https://www.intelycare.com/
- https://medely.com/
- https://www.dokare.com/
- https://www.connectrn.com/
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.