Transforming Patient Care: MercyOne’s Innovative Virtual Nursing Experience

Lerene Clinton recently experienced virtual nursing during her week-long hospital stay at MercyOne in Des Moines. A nurse, Brad Jahner, appeared on a screen above her bed to assist with her discharge process. A small camera allowed him to examine her room details. Clinton described the experience as “unbelievable” and “amazing.”

MercyOne introduced virtual nursing during the COVID-19 pandemic out of necessity. The program has now expanded. Jennifer Misajet, a nursing administrator at MercyOne, explained that virtual nurses do not replace bedside nurses. Instead, they work as part of a team with bedside nurses and patient care technicians.

Clinton, who grew up on a farm, found virtual nursing strange initially. However, she soon recognized its benefits. She appreciated how virtual nurses helped with tasks, allowing other medical staff to focus on patient care.

The program’s inception was a response to the pandemic. Misajet recalled how a physician sought solutions to provide adequate care to more patients. Current and former MercyOne nurses shared mixed feelings about the program. While some found it beneficial, they also noted challenges, particularly related to staffing levels.

The virtual nursing team operates similarly to a call center. Virtual nurses like Michael Del Bosque, who previously worked in the ICU, provide support and engage with patients. Del Bosque noted some patients feel uncomfortable with the remote setup. However, virtual nurses can help by giving staff clear instructions on patient needs.

How is MercyOne addressing staff concerns regarding the transition to virtual nursing?

Interview: Exploring the ‍Future of Virtual Nursing at MercyOne

Interviewer: Thank you for‌ joining us ‌today, Jennifer. Can you tell ⁤us what initially motivated MercyOne to implement virtual nursing during​ the‌ pandemic?

Jennifer Misajet: Absolutely. The COVID-19 pandemic ⁤presented unprecedented challenges in healthcare delivery. At that time, we recognized a⁣ need to provide adequate care to an increasing number of patients while also ensuring the safety of both⁣ patients and staff. A physician on our team looked for innovative solutions, and that’s how the⁢ concept ‍of virtual nursing was born.

Interviewer: Lerene Clinton recently shared⁤ her experience with ‌virtual nursing at MercyOne,⁢ describing ‍it as “unbelievable” and “amazing.” How ​have patients⁤ responded to the virtual nursing model?

Jennifer‌ Misajet: Responses have varied. Many, like Ms. Clinton, find it to ‍be a helpful ‍enhancement to their care. ⁣They appreciate having constant access to guidance, especially during processes like discharge. However, some patients do‌ express discomfort with the remote nature of the service. ⁣It’s essential for ⁣us to continually gather feedback to ⁢improve the experience.

Interviewer: ⁣ You mentioned that virtual nurses don’t replace bedside nurses but work alongside them. Can you elaborate on‌ the roles these virtual nurses ⁣play?

Jennifer Misajet: Virtual nurses indeed complement ⁤bedside staff. They⁣ operate much like a call center, providing support, managing patient ⁣queries, and relaying important information to the healthcare team.⁣ This⁣ allows bedside nurses and patient care technicians to focus more on direct patient care. It’s a collaborative effort ‍aimed at maximizing efficiency and care quality.

Interviewer: Lerene found the process a bit strange at first but soon recognized the benefits. What are some⁤ specific ways virtual nursing has ‌improved care delivery at MercyOne?

Jennifer Misajet: ⁤One significant advantage is that virtual nurses assist in routine tasks, which ‌frees up time for ​bedside nurses. This division of labor can lead to quicker responses to patient ​needs and‍ ultimately a better overall experience. During discharges, for instance, ‌the virtual nurse can assist⁤ in answering questions from family members, facilitating a smoother process.

Interviewer: There have been mixed feelings among staff regarding this model. What ‌challenges do traditional nurses face with the adoption of virtual nursing?

Jennifer Misajet: Challenges do exist, particularly concerning staffing levels. Some staff feel overburdened as we adapt to this new structure. It’s​ crucial for us to ensure that the implementation of ⁣virtual nursing comes with adequate support for all team‍ members to avoid adding⁤ pressure to ⁢their roles.

Interviewer: It’s‍ interesting that ⁣you mention staffing issues.​ How can virtual​ nursing help ⁣address some of the challenges posed by​ nursing shortages?

Jennifer Misajet: ‍ Virtual nursing can significantly ‌alleviate⁣ stress and burnout among nurses by allowing them to take on less ⁤physically demanding roles. This flexibility is essential in retaining experienced ​staff and ensuring a ​robust care delivery framework.

Interviewer: There’s also mention of potential expansion into emergency services. What does the future look like for virtual nursing at MercyOne?

Jennifer Misajet: We see tremendous potential⁣ for growth. Leveraging technology will be key in supporting ⁣nurses at the bedside. As we explore⁢ other areas, like emergency services, we hope to​ enhance our capacity to care for patients across various contexts, ensuring the virtual nursing model is adaptable and beneficial.

Interviewer: Thank you for your ⁣insight, Jennifer. It’s clear that virtual nursing is⁤ shaping the future of⁤ healthcare at MercyOne.

Jennifer Misajet: Thank you ​for having me! We’re​ excited about the possibilities ahead and committed to providing the best care for our patients and support for our staff.

Virtual nursing can address nursing shortages by allowing burnt-out nurses to take on less physically demanding roles. Jahner mentioned that this role involves solving problems that would have traditionally taken more time.

Misajet believes that virtual nursing has potential for growth, possibly expanding into emergency services. She highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to support nurses at the bedside. The program has cost implications and clarifies that virtual nurses are local and not a substitute for bedside professionals.

A virtual nurse assisted Clinton with her discharge, allowing her family to ask questions. Clinton remarked on her surprise at how hospitals operate in this manner.