Intermittent Virtual Nursing
Janet L. Davis, Cynthia A. Oster, Alison A Bruckner, Glen Griesheim, Shannon Eastman, Margaret J Virden, Nancy L. Yates, Atlanta C Madone, Nicole Capra
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To analyze effects of an intermittent virtual nursing (IVN) care model when nursing personnel resources are not available to meet unit staffing needs. BACKGROUND: Virtual nursing programs can improve patient outcomes. No studies were found describing IVN care models. METHODS: A nonrandomized quasi-experimental study was conducted over 6 months on 4 medical-surgical units at 2 hospitals. The central staffing office assigned a virtual RN (VRN) each shift to 1 unit at each hospital when a unit would be working 1 or more RNs short. Nurse job satisfaction and patient safety were measured. RESULTS: Outcomes improved when a VRN was assigned. Missed breaks and incidental overtime hours decreased. Nurse perception of work efficiency was 73.3%, and having needed resources was 59.3%. Provider notification of critical laboratory values increased to 99.25%. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of IVN improved nurse perception of workflow and patient safety outcomes when a VRN was assigned.