Hackensack Meridian Health is leading the way in streamlining administrative tasks for bedside teams by implementing a virtual nursing program. This innovative approach aims to reduce the documentation burden on frontline staff, allowing them to focus more on direct patient care.
Virtual nursing at Hackensack Meridian Health serves as a partner in care, providing on-site teams with real-time nursing support. By integrating remote nurses into existing care teams, the health system is able to enhance patient monitoring, discharge support, and care planning. This shift in responsibilities allows bedside nurses to concentrate on high-acuity care, ultimately improving efficiency and satisfaction.
The program, developed in collaboration with telemedicine company Equum Medical and AvaSure, is designed to scale across different units and seamlessly integrate with existing hospital systems. Virtual nurses, who are highly trained registered nurses, work remotely and are directly integrated into clinical workflows through electronic health records and patient monitoring platforms.
One of the key factors driving the success of virtual nursing at Hackensack Meridian Health is executive-level commitment to implementing and scaling the program. By leveraging real-time video consultations and AI-driven decision support tools, virtual nurses can assist with tasks such as monitoring vital signs and discharge planning, ultimately expediting patient progression and capacity management.
Change management is a critical component of implementing virtual nursing, as it involves redefining workflows and ensuring effective collaboration between virtual and on-site teams. By focusing on team member retention, reduced vacancy rates, and improved patient throughput, the health system aims to enhance the overall hospital experience and increase patient satisfaction.
For organizations considering virtual nursing, it is essential to align technology choices with existing infrastructure, provide comprehensive education and training for virtual nurses, and prioritize change management to address workflow concerns. By viewing virtual nursing as an enhancement rather than a replacement to existing care models, organizations can maximize the benefits of this innovative approach.
In conclusion, Hackensack Meridian Health’s virtual nursing program is revolutionizing care delivery by empowering bedside teams, improving efficiency, and enhancing the overall patient experience. By embracing this technology-driven approach, healthcare organizations can optimize clinical workflows, streamline communication, and ultimately deliver higher quality care to their patients.
