To begin, download the ShiftMed app via ShiftMed's website or through your phone's app store:
Once you have downloaded the app and you are registered with ShiftMed, you can attempt to claim a shift by selecting the "Claim" button on your desired shift.
This will prompt the app to begin the onboarding process allowing you to create your ShiftMed profile and submit documentation.
Please see the video link below for a step-by-step process:
Claiming Your First Shift
What’s the Difference Between “Claiming” a Shift and “Unlocking” a Shift?
Claiming a Shift:
Once you’re marked as “Hired” with ShiftMed, you’ll be able to start claiming shifts. However, if a facility has additional credentialing requirements, the shift will display an “Unlock” option instead of “Claim.”
“Unlocking” a shift means you’re working toward meeting the specific requirements for that facility. Once you’ve completed the necessary steps and are compliant, you’ll then be able to claim shifts at that location.
Note: If you haven’t worked with ShiftMed before, you’ll need to attempt to “Claim” a shift first to begin your onboarding process and move toward becoming “Hired.”
Unlocking a Shift:
You’ll see the “Unlock” option on shifts that you cannot claim yet—usually because you’re missing facility required credentials, have expired credentials, or haven’t completed a facility-specific orientation.
When Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) don’t meet the requirements to claim a shift, the “Unlock” button will appear. This feature helps provide transparency by showing which credentials are needed for that facility, and which ones you’ve already completed.
Think of “Unlocking” a shift as a way to view and understand what’s required to become eligible for that facility. Since some facilities have more requirements than others, this gives you a clear picture of what’s needed to become compliant and ultimately claim the shift.
Types of Shifts That Can be Claimed
Regular Shifts
Regular shift selected in Red
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Orientation Shifts
Orientation Shift selected in Red
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Guaranteed Shifts
Guaranteed shift selected in Red
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Low Cancel Rate Shifts
Low Cancel Rate Shift selected in Red
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Unlock Shifts
Unlock Shifts' is triggered by one of the following conditions: missing credentials, expired credentials, or incomplete orientation. |  |
Remind Me
Healthcare professionals who are unable to claim a shift due to claim limitations or claiming guidelines will have the option to select 'Remind Me,' provided they are not restricted from claiming due to show rate concerns or Do Not Return (DNR) status. |  |
Invite HCP
This error is displayed to healthcare professionals when they attempt to claim an invited shift that has already been claimed by another individual. |  |
State Requirements
To see where we staff and what your state requires, click on your state below.
Summary of Our Onboarding Process
1. Download App
2. Register with Phone Number
↳ Already have a ShiftMed profile but changed your number?
→ Contact Care Team via the app Menu > Help Center > Help Articles & Chat > Messages > Send Us A Message!
3. Complete Registration Steps
4. Try to "Claim" a Shift
5. Complete ShiftMed/State-Specific Requirements
→ Status becomes “Available” (Hired)
6. Try to "Unlock" a Shift
7. Complete Facility-Specific Requirements
8. Become Compliant with Facility
→ Unlock More Shifts
→ Claim More Shifts
→ Earn More Money
9. Work First Shift
10. Register for Paylocity
11. Access Next Day Pay / Instant Pay *if applicable
12. Get Paid
Supporting Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs - Downloading & Registering With the App
Why can't I login into the app?
Check out this article for more information.
Already have a ShiftMed profile but changed your number?
Contact Care Team via the app Menu > Help Center > Help Articles & Chat > Messages > Send Us A Message!
What if I don't pass the quiz?
If you do not pass the quiz the first time, no worries, you have 3 chances to pass the quiz. If you have taken the quiz 3 times and have not passed, you will not be able to move on with ShiftMed.
FAQs - Claiming & Unlocking Shifts
Why can I only claim one shift at a facility?
Some facilities may require that you work one shift before attempting to claim additional shifts at that location. You must claim and work your first shift at that facility before you can ˈunlockˈ more opportunities at that location.
How do I know if a facility is locked?
You'll see a message in the shift details that says, "work a shift to unlock this facilityˈ.
Why can't I claim a shift?
What happens when I claim a shift in a different state?
When you claim a shift at a facility in another state, you won’t be able to work that shift until the required background check for that state is completed. The first step is verifying that you hold a valid professional license in that state.
FAQs - Onboarding Requirements (ShiftMed, State & Facility)
What should I do if I'm not licensed in the state where I claimed a shift?
If you’re not licensed in the state where the shift is located, you cannot proceed.
What if I am licensed in the state where I claimed a shift?
Every facility has its own credential requirements. For example:
If a facility requires a drug screening and you don’t have one on file, you will receive a failed claim.
If you have a 1-step TB test and the facility requires a 2-step TB test, the claim will also fail.
What if one of my credentials is missing or expired?
If your TB test or physical exam credential is missing or expired, you can’t claim shifts.
Use the “Tap to Renew” option in the app to extend credentials (except in California, Illinois, and Indiana, where extensions aren't allowed).
Remember: If a credential is active now but expires before the shift date, the claim will fail.
What if I don’t have the proper license for a shift?
You must hold the correct professional license for the shift type:
For example, if you try to claim an LPN shift but only have a CNA license, you’ll get a failed claim.
What documents do I need to upload to work?
Required Credentials are dependent upon the specific state and facility the HCP is attempting to work at.
While ShiftMed has a set of core credentials that you'll need to upload—such as your government-issued ID, professional license, and Social Security Number—please note that each state has its own specific requirements and regulations for employment. Be sure to review the mandates applicable to your location.
What additional credentials may be required to work at a specific facility?
Please note that these documents are not required for employment with ShiftMed. However, some of our partner facilities may have specific requirements, and submission of these documents may be necessary to qualify for placement at those locations.
FAQs - Claiming Your First Shift
Why do I need to complete an orientation shift at a facility?
Some facilities require an orientation shift before you can work regular shifts.
These are labeled “Orientation” in the app.
Claim it early if you plan to work at that facility regularly.
Make sure all active licenses (CNA, LPN, RN, etc.) are entered in the app for verification.
Why do I need to work my first shift before claiming others at a facility?
Some facilities require you to work one shift first to ensure it’s a good fit—for you and for them—before you can claim additional shifts.
What if my show rate is below a facility's requirement?
If your show rate falls below a facility’s required minimum, you won’t be able to claim shifts there.
To improve your show rate, claim shifts at other facilities and arrive on time.
Your rate updates in real time, so once you meet the minimum, you can claim again.
What if my show rate is under 30%?
If your show rate is below 30%:
You can only claim up to 3 shifts at a time.
You can only claim shifts that start within 72 hours.
Use the app’s reminder feature to track shifts you want to claim later.
Can I claim more than one shift at the same time?
No. You can only claim one shift per time slot per day.
Even if you cancel a shift, you cannot claim another shift that overlaps with that time.
Can I work more than 40 hours in a pay period?
You can only work up to 40 hours per pay period (Saturday to Friday) unless you have special approval.
If you’ve already worked or claimed enough shifts to hit 40 hours, new shifts won’t appear in your feed.
Why are shift claiming reminders important?
As more healthcare professionals fall under the 3-shift maximum within a 72-hour window, it’s not always possible to immediately claim every shift you're interested in.
Shift claiming reminders help by allowing you to flag a shift you want but can’t claim yet. Once you're eligible, you'll get a notification to return to the app and claim it—reducing missed opportunities and frustration.
Is there a limit to how many reminders I can set?
Yes. You can set up to 15 shift reminders at a time.
Will I get more than one reminder at once if I set multiple?
Yes. Since reminders are tied to individual shifts, you may receive multiple notifications at the same time if several shifts become available to you at once.
Questions?
If you have any questions, reach out to us in chat by going into the ShiftMed App > Menu > Help Center > Help Articles & Chat > Messages > Send Us A Message!