Virtual Nurses Working Bedside Day and Night

Hospital patients in Prescott, along with their families, can now talk to a nurse on demand, virtually, at any time, with the tap of a screen. Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) West is the first hospital in the Southwest to provide this high-tech service. Hospital officials say the new Virtually Integrated Care program (VIC) is designed to improve the patient experience and reduce the workload of bedside nurses.

Through a high-definition camera, video screen and two-way audio, each patient at YRMC West can talk with a live human registered nurse 24/7. Chief Nursing Executive Officer Tracey McCollum says virtual nurses can answer questions, provide information about procedures, follow through on dietary requests and make rounds with physicians.

“The virtual nurses can look into the room and see if everything is in place,” she said, pointing out that this is especially important for patients who are at risk of falling.

The virtual program also helps to address the nursing shortage that is an issue in Arizona and nationwide. March statistics show that nationally, 75% of hospitals have a 15.7% vacancy rate for nurses. Making the shortage worse, in the West, there is a 22.4% annual turnover rate on average. At YRMC, it is reported to be about 18% per year.

By 2027, officials say the U.S. could be short 800,000 nurses. “We need to be creative to stretch our workforce,” said McCollum. “This virtual program expands the ability of the staff to take care of the patient.”

So far, five nurses have been hired for the VIC program. When fully staffed, that number is expected to increase to 11. Those joining the virtual nurse team must have a bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in surgical nursing.

While working to retain current nurses, Dignity Health also encourages people to join the profession. McCollum says those with nursing aspirations can start as nursing assistants, so they are making money while they are going to school. She adds that many nursing students at Yavapai College have their school paid for by grants, and new graduates can start working at $35 per hour.

The VIC program was developed by the Dignity Health/CommonSpirit network. It is expected to be available for patients at YRMC East in Prescott Valley in 2024. QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Courtesy Photo: Virtual nurses are registered nurses hired specifically for the new YRMC program, available to talk with patients in real time around the clock.