On July 31, virtual nurses began supporting the 14 bed med-surg unit at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital.
Having virtual nurses enhances our nursing care delivery model as the virtual RN role provides our bedside nursing staff increased time with patients and support in their direct care.
Who are our virtual RNs? The virtual RN program uses BJC RNs who have spent years at the bedside caring for patients. They assist with admission, care plans, education, discharge planning and education, staff resource and mentoring. Virtual RNs can dedicate their time going over instructions and answering questions from upcoming procedures to medication questions so nurses on the unit can be available for direct patient care.
Virtual nurses are outside the unit and often outside the HSO facility. They communicate with and monitor patients through an iPad on wheel mounts the unit nurse brings into the room.
In January 2023, Barnes-Jewish St. Peters and Progress West hospitals implemented this program to great success.
We ask for your support and collaboration to make virtual nursing a success at MBSH.