ShiftMed has entered an exclusive partnership with LCMC Health, a healthcare provider in New Orleans, to address nursing shortages in Louisiana, US.

Through ShiftMed's W2 workforce platform, local nurses will have access to work opportunities at LCMC Health facilities, allowing them to pick up shifts based on their preferences.

The collaboration aims to alleviate the nursing shortages in Louisiana, which were exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, with a projected shortage of 6,000 registered nurses by 2030.

To address this crisis, LCMC Health has implemented various strategic initiatives, including a healthcare profession pipeline programme with 12 regional academic partners.

The partnership with ShiftMed is expected to contribute to improvements in staffing ratios at two LCMC Health facilities.

ShiftMed CEO Todd Walrath said: “ShiftMed is dedicated to empowering healthcare professionals and changing the way they work.

“Our partnership with LCMC Health marks a significant milestone in providing flexible and innovative workforce technology to Louisiana-based nurses in a way that benefits both providers, healthcare facilities, and ultimately patients.”

ShiftMed will serve as LCMC Health's exclusive, on-demand partner, offering incentives such as Instant Pay, Guaranteed Shifts, and integration with Uber Health.

In addition to meeting the immediate staffing needs, the alliance will enable nurses to control their schedules.

LCMC Health Nursing and Clinical Services corporate vice-president Allison Guste said: “At LCMC Health, we are committed to delivering the highest quality of care, and we are confident that this partnership with ShiftMed will enable our hospitals to operate even more efficiently and smoothly while creating workplace solutions for our nurses.

“This collaboration represents a strategic move towards patient care, ensuring our facilities are optimally staffed so we can continue providing our patients with the extraordinary care they deserve.”