The Expanding Role of Virtual Nursing in Healthcare

This document is an interview with Tammy Cress, Vice President of Clinical Solutions & Innovation for Hospitals & Health Systems at Teladoc Health, discussing the evolving landscape of inpatient virtual nursing. It outlines the challenges faced by hospitals, particularly workforce shortages and rising costs, which have led to an increased interest in virtual nursing solutions. Cress explains that the need for virtual nursing emerged from staffing shortages exacerbated by the pandemic, with a significant projected deficit of nurses in the U.S. by 2025. The document details two common approaches for implementing virtual nursing programs: redesigning workflows to incorporate telehealth and adjusting bedside staffing to include virtual nurses. Cress emphasizes the importance of sustainability and scalability in virtual nursing solutions, encouraging healthcare organizations to prepare for future needs by connecting with industry experts. The interview highlights the potential benefits of virtual nursing, including improved care delivery and operational efficiency.