Saint Joseph Health System implements virtual nursing during hospital visits

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- Saint Joseph Health System has initiated Together Connected Virtual Care to implement virtual nursing, a new element added to ensure patient safety and way to provide direct accessibility to the nurse.

The program started around March of 2023 and now they are reintroducing the resource upon receiving feedback, testing their detailed equipment, and understanding the process.

The virtual patient care is made up of a three-person team that includes the registered nurse, virtual RN, and care partner collaborating to put patient safety and satisfaction at the forefront.

The virtual nursing program is an addition not a replacement of patient bedside care because the nurses are still on-site in the hub of the building.

The national nurse shortage is critical and programs like this will help reduce the strain in the workplace by providing a pipeline for new nurses and nurses at the bedside.

Shannon Walsh, a virtual RN, elaborates on their success with feedback from staff, patients, and surveys.

“Their eyes light up because this is something new, families are in the rooms and were able to talk with them, show them the call light, how to reach us 24/7, and everybody has been very receptive," said Walsh.

In an effort to open doors to innovative healthcare opportunities, they are expanding and implementing virtual nurses at their Plymouth location and a few more in Mishawaka.

Saint Joseph Health System is encouraging experienced nurses that excel at troubleshooting, consider themselves well- rounded, and very personable without being present, to apply.

“Transforming care like how we're providing it here in our backyard is amazing,” said Walsh "It's unlike anything else I've done in my career but yet I'm able to use all my years of experience every single day.”

Virtual nursing plans to provide listening ears for the patients and their families alongside two extra hands on the nursing staff to ensure patients are at the center of their care.

Benefits of Virtual Connected Care will ensure each colleague is working at the top of their licensure as frequently as possible to offer a stable working environment that’s not so physically demanding.

You can find the link and requirements to apply as a virtual nurse on their website.