TeleICU and Acute Care SIG

Presentation: “The Viability of Virtual Nursing: Do we really need this?”

The nursing labor shortage is a global problem creating skill mix and workload imbalances. This is especially true in complex environments where critically and acutely ill patients are located. Expert nurses working remotely from a controlled environment can observe and respond to clinical alerts, assist with tasks that do not require physical proximity to the patient, support translation of evidence into practice, and guide nursing practice patterns. This presentation will examine the current nursing labor landscape and its consequences, determine if a virtual nursing program might be needed in your organization, and explore what is needed to design a staffing structure, model, and business plan for a sustainable virtual nurse program.