What documents do gig nursing apps require?

Almost always an active license for the shift's state, a current BLS card (often ACLS or PALS by specialty), and a photo ID. Depending on the facility you may also need a TB screen, immunization records, references, and a short resume. The exact list varies by platform, state, and facility, so check each app's onboarding.

Why do I have to re-upload my license for every gig app?

Each platform, and often each facility within a platform, runs its own credentialing and verification. Your documents generally do not transfer between them. Keeping one current, organized copy of every credential is what makes each onboarding fast instead of a scramble.

How do I keep an expired BLS or ACLS card from blocking a shift?

Track every card's expiration date and renew before it lapses. A single expired certification can pause your ability to book shifts on most platforms, even if your license is fine. Setting reminders well ahead of each expiration is the simplest fix.

Does RenewRN submit my documents to gig apps?

No. RenewRN helps you keep your license and certifications current and lets you keep your documents in one place to export; you still upload them to each app yourself. RenewRN is independent and not affiliated with any staffing platform.

Is per-diem gig nursing worth it?

It can add flexible income using the license you already hold, but pay, shift availability, and cancellation policies vary a lot by app and local market. Treat posted rates cautiously and read each platform's terms before relying on the income.

Nurse side income

Get gig-ready before the credentialing black hole eats your first shift

Built by Keegan, a travel RN · verified against official board sources

Per-diem apps let you pick up shifts on your own schedule, then make you prove your license and cards before you can book, and again for the next facility. Here is exactly what they ask for and how to keep it all current so an expired card never costs you a shift.

What per-diem apps ask for

Nursa, ShiftMed, Clipboard Health, and hospital float pools each run their own credentialing, but the core list is consistent. Exact requirements vary by app, state, and facility.

Active, unencumbered license

Your RN or LPN/LVN license in the state where the shift is, or a multistate compact license that covers it. This is the one non-negotiable across every platform.

Current BLS, and often ACLS/PALS

A valid CPR/BLS card is near-universal; ED, ICU, and peds shifts usually add ACLS or PALS. One expired card can pause your ability to book.

Photo ID and, sometimes, health records

A government photo ID, and depending on the facility, a recent TB screen, immunization records, or a physical. These vary the most between platforms.

References and a short work history

Many apps ask for one or two professional references and a brief resume before you can pick up your first shift.

Why it feels like a black hole

Documents rarely transfer between platforms, so you re-upload the same license and cards over and over. The real trap is timing: a BLS or ACLS card that quietly expires can freeze your account mid-week, even when your license is perfectly fine. The fix is not more uploads, it is keeping one current set of credentials and never letting a card lapse.

Keep one current set of credentials

RenewRN is where nurses keep their license and certifications current. It does not replace any app's onboarding, it makes sure you are always ready for it.

Track every credential

License plus every BLS, ACLS, PALS, and specialty card on one timeline. Free covers your first credential; the full stack is Pro.

Renew before it lapses

A free 90-day heads-up in the app before an expiration. Email reminders at every stage (90, 60, 30, 7, and 1 days) are part of Pro.

Keep the files together

Store the actual license copy and card PDFs and export them together when an app asks. Document storage is a Pro feature.

Frequently asked questions

What documents do gig nursing apps require?: Almost always an active license for the shift's state, a current BLS card (often ACLS or PALS by specialty), and a photo ID. Depending on the facility you may also need a TB screen, immunization records, references, and a short resume. The exact list varies by platform, state, and facility, so check each app's onboarding.
Why do I have to re-upload my license for every gig app?: Each platform, and often each facility within a platform, runs its own credentialing and verification. Your documents generally do not transfer between them. Keeping one current, organized copy of every credential is what makes each onboarding fast instead of a scramble.
How do I keep an expired BLS or ACLS card from blocking a shift?: Track every card's expiration date and renew before it lapses. A single expired certification can pause your ability to book shifts on most platforms, even if your license is fine. Setting reminders well ahead of each expiration is the simplest fix.
Does RenewRN submit my documents to gig apps?: No. RenewRN helps you keep your license and certifications current and lets you keep your documents in one place to export; you still upload them to each app yourself. RenewRN is independent and not affiliated with any staffing platform.
Is per-diem gig nursing worth it?: It can add flexible income using the license you already hold, but pay, shift availability, and cancellation policies vary a lot by app and local market. Treat posted rates cautiously and read each platform's terms before relying on the income.

Never lose a shift to an expired card

Track your license and certifications in one place and get a renewal heads-up before it matters. Free for one credential, 60-second setup.

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Weighing whether per-diem work is worth it? See the side income for nurses guide and the nurse career paths hub.