Pioneering Virtual Nurse Certifications in Healthcare

The Future of Healthcare: UnityPoint Health Leads the Charge with Virtual Nursing

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, UnityPoint Health is making headlines by embracing a modern solution to age-old staffing challenges. Nestled in Moline, Illinois, this pioneering health organization is among the first in the nation to employ a new breed of caregiver: virtual nurses. Yes, you read that right—nurses who can provide care from hundreds of miles away, all while ensuring that patients receive the quality attention they need.

UnityPoint Health initiated its Certified Acute-Care Virtual Registered Nurses (CAVRN) program in 2021, setting a new precedent for the nursing profession. By pioneering this initiative, UnityPoint Health is reshaping how patient care is delivered, especially during a time when healthcare professionals are in high demand across various settings.

What Do Virtual Nurses Do?

So, what exactly does a virtual nurse do? These nurse practitioners are not just a digital presence. They work closely with bedside staff to monitor patients’ vital signs, facilitate patient admissions and discharges, and provide critical education for families during discharge. Although they operate remotely, they are adept at intervening when necessary—summoning in-person medical staff for assistance should a patient show signs of distress or danger.

This comprehensive model has not only proven effective but also beneficial for patients. UnityPoint Health’s data reveals an impressive 8% improvement in patients’ understanding of their post-discharge care. This boost in comprehension is crucial, as it can directly affect readmission rates—a pressing issue for hospitals grappling with patient volume and resource management.

Growth of the Program

Since the program’s inception, UnityPoint Health has successfully expanded its virtual nursing scope to cover 12 hospitals, 34 inpatient units, and a staggering 1,038 beds. A dedicated team of over 50 virtual registered nurses has made this possible, working tirelessly to ensure that every patient receives the care and attention they deserve.

Earlier this year, UnityPoint Health made a significant contribution to the national nursing community by helping to develop the CAVRN certification exam. Seven nurses from UnityPoint Health were instrumental in creating this exam, providing further validation of the skill set required to serve as a virtual nurse.

Meet the trailblazers from UnityPoint Health who became the first in the nation to earn CAVRN certification:
– Brett Bullis, RN, CAVRN
– Camella Wright, BSN, RN, CPEN, CAVRN
– Cheyenne Zeien, RN, CAVRN
– Emily Niebuhr, RN, CAVRN
– Kimberly Pittman, RN, CAVRN
– Lori Babcock, RN, CAVRN
– Sarah Brown, MSN, RN, CENP, NEA-BC, CAVRN

Sarah Brown, UnityPoint Health’s Chief Nursing Officer, emphasized the significance of this certification, stating, “This certification reflects the expertise of our virtual nursing team and demonstrates to our patients and communities that we have the knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality virtual care in the inpatient environment.” Her words underscore not just the operational impact of virtual nursing but also the trust it fosters in communities reliant on these modern healthcare solutions.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While the program is thriving, it’s essential to acknowledge the broader context: the ongoing staffing challenges in healthcare systems across the United States. With the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating the departure of many nursing professionals from the workforce, innovative solutions like virtual nursing offer a lifeline. Virtual nurses can alleviate some of the pressures faced by their bedside counterparts, enabling them to focus on more critical aspects of patient care.

As technology continues to advance, and with telehealth services becoming more mainstream and accepted, the future appears bright for virtual nursing. UnityPoint Health’s early adoption could very well serve as a model for other healthcare institutions grappling with staffing shortages and patient care demands in both rural and urban settings.

Conclusion

With the integration of virtual nursing into traditional roles, UnityPoint Health is paving the way for a future where healthcare is more adaptable, accessible, and efficient. As the industry grapples with myriad challenges, this innovative approach not only addresses current needs but also sets the standard for patient-centered care in the digital age. For families and communities, this means more reliable access to high-quality healthcare—regardless of geographical limitations.

In a world increasingly reliant on technology for communication and connection, UnityPoint Health’s virtual nursing program is a significant step toward transforming the patient experience and ultimately improving healthcare outcomes. If you haven’t tuned in yet, be sure to catch The Current from 4 to 5 p.m. on weekdays for insights and stories that matter to you and your family!