The telehealth industry is booming, and the need has only spiked since the beginning of Covid-19, making modern nursing look different than it did even a few decades ago.
As health care providers seek new solutions to handle the unique needs of today’s vulnerable patients, many look to virtual nurses to bridge the gap. Virtual nurses address a variety of patient concerns without requiring them to visit clinics, increasing access in remote settings and limiting the potential spread of disease within clinics or hospitals.
Virtual nursing is increasingly common, and yet, you may still wonder: What is telehealth nursing—and what role will digital services play in the future of nursing?
What Is a Virtual Nurse?
Virtual nursing is, well, virtual. While some clinics offer phone-based services, digital options are increasingly preferred. Regardless of the technology, this approach allows nurses to provide key services without meeting patients in person.
From checking vitals to making specialist referrals, telehealth nurses serve nearly as many functions as their in-person counterparts. They assist both patients and fellow health care professionals in navigating cutting-edge technology, all while making virtual appointments as streamlined and personable as possible.
Why Is Telehealth Nursing So Popular?
A variety of factors can be credited with the recent rise of telehealth nursing. While coronavirus and the need for social distancing have played a key role in this niche’s explosive growth, virtual options were already on the rise long before COVID-19 took over.
Telehealth also presents an opportunity for serving rural communities that lack reliable access to health care. Patients who need to travel extensively for routine checkups are less likely to seek preventative care. If telehealth services are available, however, these otherwise reluctant patients may seek the proactive assistance needed to solve future health problems.
What is a Day Like for a Virtual Nurse?
As with conventional nursing tasks, telehealth can look considerably different from one day to the next. Still, this setup tends to be more structured than many nursing roles, as the technology required for telehealth necessitates strict scheduling. Some flexibility may still be required, however, as many telehealth nurses are placed on call to handle patient concerns as they arise.
Although many virtual nurses are able to spend some of their time working from home, they may also frequent specialized facilities or traditional clinics to follow up on patient results or handle necessary equipment.
What Are the Top Challenges When You Go Virtual?
Although telehealth offers a variety of exciting possibilities, these are accompanied by several notable challenges like:
- Communication
- Building relationships
- High patient volume
- New technology, equipment, and applications
Telehealth can make it possible to better serve patients in need, but it can also include new skills that may be difficult to master, even for nurses who think of themselves technologically savvy.
Are There Education Requirements to Become a Virtual Nurse?
You must meet all the academic and training requirements set in place for registered nurses in general to work as a virtual nurse. This includes passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) at the RN level. Changing careers can be a challenge and some telehealth programs require nurses to undergo specialized training prior to serving in a digital capacity. Given the tech-oriented nature of virtual nursing, the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this niche clearly go beyond those required for conventional practice. Getting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a great way to further your career and gain knowledge in the most relevant areas of nursing so you can make a difference and start your career in virtual nursing.
If you’re passionate about the latest technological opportunities in the health care industry, you may be a good fit for the rapidly expanding field of telehealth nursing. This is your chance to make your mark on the medical field of tomorrow!