Raleigh Durham, NC, September 28, 2026 —

UNC Health has altered its strategy for compensating nurses who work extra shifts following significant pushback from its nursing staff. The healthcare system, located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, initially proposed implementing a new system utilizing BidShift software, which would have required nurses to bid on available extra shifts. This method raised concerns among nurses, who feared it could lead to a competitive environment where they might accept lower pay rates for additional hours.

The proposal faced widespread criticism and public outcry from nurses concerned about fair compensation and the potential impact on staff morale and patient care standards. In response to these concerns and the vocal opposition, UNC Health has abandoned the BidShift plan.

Instead, the organization has introduced a revised approach named “Carolina Premium Shifts.” This new system is designed to offer a fixed premium rate for nurses undertaking extra shifts. According to the updated plan, nurses will not be subjected to a bidding process, and the compensation for overtime will be standardized at a premium rate, aiming to provide clearer and more equitable compensation for additional work.

The shift away from the competitive bidding model signifies a direct response by UNC Health to the expressed worries of its nursing workforce. The details surrounding the initial implementation timeline for the BidShift software and specific figures regarding potential pay reductions were not publicly disclosed. However, the organization’s decision to adopt the Carolina Premium Shifts program indicates a move towards a more predictable and potentially more attractive compensation structure for nurses choosing to work beyond their regular schedules.



Story summarized from the original created by Johanna F. Still on indyweek.com, see more information here.

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