Travel Nurses Win $500 Payout After Agency’s Job Cancellations Spark Legal Battle
A federal judge has approved a settlement requiring SnapCare, formerly known as SnapNurse, to pay $500 to each travel nurse whose assigned job was canceled. This decision marks the resolution of a class action lawsuit filed by nurses against the company during the pandemic.
About The Dispute
According to legal documents, SnapNurse actively recruited travel nurses for positions in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The company had secured a contract with the state of Florida to provide COVID-19 testing services, creating a sudden demand for healthcare professionals. Many nurses, eager to contribute to the pandemic response accepted these assignments.
However, the situation took a turn when the promised positions failed to materialize. Nurses who had made arrangements to travel and work in Florida found themselves without the jobs they had been promised. This sudden change in circumstances led to financial hardships and professional setbacks for many of the affected nurses.
The Class Action Lawsuit
Frustrated by the turn of events, a group of nurses decided to take legal action. The nurses filed a class action lawsuit against SnapNurse (now SnapCare). The lawsuit alleged that the company had failed to fulfill its obligations to the nurses it had recruited, leaving them in a precarious position both professionally and financially.
The legal action brought attention to the broader issues of job security and fair treatment in the healthcare staffing industry, particularly during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlighted the need for clearer communication and more robust protections for healthcare workers who often put themselves at risk to serve in high-need areas.
The Settlement
After more than two years of legal proceedings, a federal judge approved a settlement on October 11, 2024. Under the terms of the agreement, SnapCare will pay $500 to each travel nurse whose assigned job was canceled.
By coming together to file a class action lawsuit, these nurses were able to hold a large staffing firm accountable and secure some form of compensation for their experiences.
While the $500 settlement may not fully compensate for the challenges faced by these nurses, it represents a step towards greater accountability in the healthcare staffing industry.
Nurse.org has attempted to contact SnapCare about the case and will update the article once a statement is received.
