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Recommended Citation
Brindise T, Welsh C, Rashleger L, Lemke J, Deane B, Ferraro K. Using a Virtual Nurse Program to Alleviate Bedside Nurse Burden. Nurse-driven Innovations in Care Redesign and Delivery poster presentation at Elevating Nursing Excellence: Purpose, Profession, Passion; Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2024; November 13, 2024; virtual.
Presentation Notes
Nurse-driven Innovations in Care Redesign and Delivery poster presentation at Elevating Nursing Excellence: Purpose, Profession, Passion; Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2024; November 13, 2024; virtual.
Abstract
Introduction and Context
The Virtual Nurse Program emerged as a solution to address nursing workforce shortages. The program used an innovative approach to care to create an integrated care model that enhanced patient and RN satisfaction, throughput, turnover, vacancy, and demonstrated a financial impact.
Implementation Strategy
The Virtual RN (VRN) Program was implemented at five pilot hospitals within a 27-hospital region. Stakeholders were engaged to discuss unit culture, patient demographics, and program focus. SharePoint technology and links accessible via QR code facilitated communication, resource sharing, and knowledge dissemination. Workflows supported admissions and discharges. Daily huddles identified opportunities in real time.
Outcomes and Impact
Patient encounters totaled 464 discharges and 2420 admissions for a total of 2884. This returned 1364 hours to the bedside over the five-month pilot. Patient engagement showed significant enhancements, with improvements in nursing communication and discharge processes. Through streamlined workflows and enhanced communication, patient throughput increased, with a 4% increase in discharges achieved by noon, and 17% increase by 2pm. Reduction in RN turnover is multifactorial, however three of five VRN pilot sites outperformed the 27-hospital region as a whole.
Insights
Positive feedback demonstrated eagerness to integrate, expand, and optimize the support for the bedside nurse beyond admissions and discharges. Workflows continue to be streamlined to promote the most effective and efficient use of the program. Clinical practice gap identification by the VRN has occurred supporting the potential for further expansion and optimization of the program beyond admissions and discharges.
Implications for Practice
The VRN Program is an innovative approach with implications to support nursing shortages. The VRN Pilot proved scalable through repeated, rapid implementation. Virtual nursing complements the healthcare ecosystem by alleviating bedside burden and promoting workforce sustainment. Beyond supporting admissions and discharges, virtual nursing offers a platform to expand innovative solutions to improving patient outcomes and provide at the elbow support to nurses practicing at the bedside.
References
Cloyd, B., & Thompson, J. (2020). Virtual Care Nursing: The Wave of the Future. Nurse Leader, 18(2), 147-150.
Schuelke, S., Aurit, S., Connot, N., & Denney, S. (2020). The effect of virtual nursing and missed nursing care. Nursing administration quarterly, 44(3), 280-287.
Tibbe, M., Arneson, S., & Welsh, C. (2023). Rise of the Virtual Nurse. AACN advanced critical care, 34(4), 314-323.
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
11-13-2024
Using a Virtual Nurse Program to Alleviate Bedside Nurse Burden
Introduction and Context
The Virtual Nurse Program emerged as a solution to address nursing workforce shortages. The program used an innovative approach to care to create an integrated care model that enhanced patient and RN satisfaction, throughput, turnover, vacancy, and demonstrated a financial impact.
Implementation Strategy
The Virtual RN (VRN) Program was implemented at five pilot hospitals within a 27-hospital region. Stakeholders were engaged to discuss unit culture, patient demographics, and program focus. SharePoint technology and links accessible via QR code facilitated communication, resource sharing, and knowledge dissemination. Workflows supported admissions and discharges. Daily huddles identified opportunities in real time.
Outcomes and Impact
Patient encounters totaled 464 discharges and 2420 admissions for a total of 2884. This returned 1364 hours to the bedside over the five-month pilot. Patient engagement showed significant enhancements, with improvements in nursing communication and discharge processes. Through streamlined workflows and enhanced communication, patient throughput increased, with a 4% increase in discharges achieved by noon, and 17% increase by 2pm. Reduction in RN turnover is multifactorial, however three of five VRN pilot sites outperformed the 27-hospital region as a whole.
Insights
Positive feedback demonstrated eagerness to integrate, expand, and optimize the support for the bedside nurse beyond admissions and discharges. Workflows continue to be streamlined to promote the most effective and efficient use of the program. Clinical practice gap identification by the VRN has occurred supporting the potential for further expansion and optimization of the program beyond admissions and discharges.
Implications for Practice
The VRN Program is an innovative approach with implications to support nursing shortages. The VRN Pilot proved scalable through repeated, rapid implementation. Virtual nursing complements the healthcare ecosystem by alleviating bedside burden and promoting workforce sustainment. Beyond supporting admissions and discharges, virtual nursing offers a platform to expand innovative solutions to improving patient outcomes and provide at the elbow support to nurses practicing at the bedside.
References
Cloyd, B., & Thompson, J. (2020). Virtual Care Nursing: The Wave of the Future. Nurse Leader, 18(2), 147-150.
Schuelke, S., Aurit, S., Connot, N., & Denney, S. (2020). The effect of virtual nursing and missed nursing care. Nursing administration quarterly, 44(3), 280-287.
Tibbe, M., Arneson, S., & Welsh, C. (2023). Rise of the Virtual Nurse. AACN advanced critical care, 34(4), 314-323.