Implementing a Virtual Discharge Nurse Pilot: Utilizing the Pathway to Excellence® Framework

The virtual nurse (VN) pilot was developed to assist bedside nurses in administrative tasks, including discharges and education, from a remote location.

Bedside nurse vacancies have increased, leading to a shortage of resources for the care team and less time for nurses to provide hands-on care to patients.

A survey showed 77% of nurses spend more than 3 hours per shift on admissions, discharges, and patient education. A pilot was conducted on a 45-bed unit with the VN focusing on discharges and patient education.

During the pilot, the VN completed 1375 tasks, increasing patient and nurse satisfaction while reducing turnover and adverse events.

With the program's early success, the VN role is expanding into additional units.