By Jennifer Melham, Updated February 2025 by Tara Drosset
Virtual nursing, in various forms, has existed for decades, but it’s now at the forefront of care delivery transformation. Health systems are embracing virtual nursing to expand care capabilities, ease the burden on overworked nurses, and ensure patients receive the attention they deserve, no matter where they are.
Patti Artley, Chief Nursing Officer at Medical Solutions, sheds light on the essential factors healthcare facilities should consider when implementing virtual nursing programs, from cost considerations to staffing strategies and overall benefits.
What is Virtual Nursing?
Virtual nursing is a transformative care model that leverages technology to provide remote nursing care and support. By utilizing telehealth platforms, remote patient monitoring systems, and electronic health records, virtual nursing ensures high-quality patient care without requiring in-person visits.
Critical levels of nursing burnout affect nurse morale and patient care, and virtual nursing can address this by redistributing workloads and providing support in various ways.
For example, virtual nursing allows more experienced nurses to offer medical guidance, patient education, and continuous monitoring, improving patient outcomes. Virtual nurses can track vital signs and health conditions in real time, allowing for timely interventions and seamless care delivery. Additionally, virtual nursing allows nurses to focus on complex patient care while handling administrative tasks that do not require hands-on care.
How Virtual Nursing Improves Patient Outcomes and Quality Care
Increased Staff-to-Patient Ratios
Virtual nursing effectively increases the number of healthcare professionals available to each patient. Instead of relying on a single registered nurse, patients benefit from having both a bedside nurse and a virtual nurse monitoring their care.
Continuous Monitoring for Early Interventions
Virtual nurses use technology to track patient vitals and detect subtle changes in their condition. This proactive monitoring enables early intervention, helping to prevent complications and ensuring timely communication with bedside nurses and attending physicians.
Enhanced Medication Reconciliation
Virtual nurses play a crucial role in medication reconciliation by working alongside bedside RNs to review medication regimens. This collaborative approach helps identify redundancies or inconsistencies, improving medication safety and reducing errors.
Comprehensive Patient Assessments
Virtual nurses contribute to holistic patient care by assisting bedside nurses in conducting thorough assessments. They validate skin integrity checks, ensure sterile fields are maintained, and serve as additional witnesses for critical medical information, enhancing overall patient safety.
Key Benefits of Virtual Nursing
Enhances Patient Satisfaction
Virtual nursing significantly improves patient satisfaction by providing timely and convenient access to medical care. Through video calls, phone consultations, and messaging platforms, patients receive real-time guidance and support from the comfort of their homes. This accessibility empowers patients to take an active role in their healthcare, leading to improved engagement and overall well-being.
Strategic Staffing Placement
Artley maintains that strategically placing virtual nurses ensures they remain dedicated to their roles. Virtual nurses should not be pulled away to fill in-person staffing gaps, as this compromises the integrity of the model. She notes that the most effective virtual nursing programs keep virtual nurses stationed outside of hospital settings, maximizing their impact.
Reduces Nurse Workload & Enhances Support
While any change in healthcare operations presents challenges, virtual nursing provides a unique opportunity to optimize workloads and enhance support systems.
By making time management easier, virtual nursing allows nurses to spend more time on patient care rather than administrative tasks. This leads to improved patient outcomes while reducing burnout and stress among nurses.
Workflows and Use Cases
Virtual nursing workflows and use cases are designed to support bedside nurses and enhance patient care. Here are some common scenarios where virtual nursing proves invaluable:
- Admissions: Virtual nurses can assist with patient intake, gathering medication history, and providing initial education. This allows bedside nurses to focus on hands-on care, ensuring a smooth and efficient admission process.
- Discharge Teaching: Virtual nurses play a crucial role in discharge planning by providing patients with detailed instructions and answering any questions. This ensures a smooth transition from hospital to home, reducing the likelihood of readmissions.
- Medication Management: Virtual nurses assist with medication reconciliation and education, significantly reducing the risk of medication errors. Their involvement ensures that patients understand their medication regimens and adhere to them correctly.
- Chronic Disease Management: For patients with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart failure, virtual nurses provide ongoing education and support. They work closely with patients to manage their conditions effectively, improving long-term health outcomes.
Cost Considerations
The growing market of virtual platforms is exciting, but it’s important to note that adopting virtual technology is a significant investment. Integrating technology, training, and making operational adjustments requires a heavy financial commitment. Acknowledging this front-line expense is essential for successful implementation.
“My advice to facilities considering this is to do your due diligence—understand what it takes to build a successful virtual nursing program and the investment required.” – Patti Artley
Implementing Virtual Care Teams
Healthcare organizations have multiple approaches to implementing virtual nursing programs.
Dedicated Virtual Nursing Teams: Experienced nurses who work remotely to provide patient care and support.
Integrated Virtual Nurses: Embedded within existing care teams to collaborate closely with bedside staff.
Outsourced Virtual Nursing Services: Partnering with specialized companies to access experienced virtual nurses and advanced technology.
Regardless of the model chosen, ensuring proper training and support for virtual nurses is essential for delivering high-quality patient care. Implementation requires careful planning and execution.
Here are some tips to ensure success:
- Start Small: Begin with a pilot program to test workflows and identify areas for improvement. This approach allows for adjustments before a full-scale rollout.
- Engage Bedside Nurses: Involve bedside nurses in the planning and implementation process. Their insights and feedback are crucial for developing practical and effective workflows.
- Provide Education and Training: Offer comprehensive education and training to both virtual and bedside nurses on the new workflows and technology. This ensures that all staff are comfortable and proficient with the new system.
- Monitor and Evaluate: Continuously monitor and evaluate the program to identify areas for improvement. Regular assessments help ensure that the program meets its goals and can be adjusted as needed.
- Communicate with Patients and Families: Educate patients and their families on the benefits of virtual nursing and how it will impact their care. Clear communication helps build trust and ensures that everyone is on the same page.
By following these tips, healthcare facilities can successfully implement virtual nursing programs that enhance patient care and support bedside nurses.
Medical Solutions is here to support your staffing strategy with managed services, travel, local, per diem, international staffing, and more. Contact our team today!
