Healthcare is undergoing a significant transformation, and at the forefront of this change is virtual nursing. In a recent webinar co-hosted by Caregility and the American Telemedicine Association (ATA), healthcare leaders from various institutions shared their insights and experiences in implementing Virtual Nursing programs. Wendy Deibert, CNO at Caregility, led the discussion, featuring key professionals from healthcare organizations that have embraced virtual nursing.

Key Takeaways:

Adoption Drivers
– Nursing workforce challenges, including shortages and burnout, are driving the adoption of virtual nursing.
– Technology and ROI (Return on Investment) must align for successful implementation.

Addressing Nursing Shortages and Burnout
– Virtual nursing helps distribute workloads evenly, alleviating staffing shortages and reducing nurse burnout.
– The model aims to future-proof healthcare by ensuring efficient patient care.

Technology Aligns with Strategic Goals
– Virtual Nursing programs leverage existing technology to support remote patient observation and tele-ICU programs.
– These programs align with healthcare organizations’ strategic goals to centralize and scale virtual care.

Demonstrated ROI
– Justifying costs is crucial and often vetted through pilot programs.
– ROI includes factors like quality metrics, patient satisfaction, and reduced turnover.

 Staffing Models
– Virtual nurse staffing models vary among organizations, from flexible schedules to 24/7 coverage.
– Some virtual nurses are assigned to specific tasks, while others focus on admissions and discharges.

Goals and Results:

1. KPIs 
– Core objectives include improving both the nurse staff and patient experiences.
– Key outcomes involve nurse retention, reduced workload and stress for bedside nurses, increased time for patient care, enhanced nurse and patient satisfaction, and cost savings.

 Time Management & Efficiency
– Virtual nursing significantly improves time management, reducing the workload of bedside nurses.
– Time studies demonstrate measurable time savings, particularly in the discharge process.

Conclusion:

Virtual Nursing programs are not mere trends; they represent a significant step towards enhancing healthcare delivery. These programs effectively combat staff burnout, elevate patient experience, and provide tangible financial returns. With insights from leaders in the field, it’s clear that Virtual Nursing is a viable and vital part of the future of healthcare.

Virtual nursing is a dynamic approach to address healthcare challenges, and the experiences shared by these healthcare leaders showcase its real-world impact. As technology continues to advance and healthcare organizations adapt to the changing landscape, virtual nursing is poised to play an even more substantial role in improving patient care and nursing efficiency.