Early implementation study of a co-caring and virtual nursing model

The Co-Caring Nursing Model, incorporating virtual registered nurses (vRNs) into team-based nursing, aims to address challenges due to nursing shortages, increasing patient acuity, and professional burnout.

To evaluate the early impact of the Co-Caring Nursing Model on patient experience, safety (as measured by rates of catheter-associated urinary tract infections and central line-associated bloodstream infections), cost of care, and employee experience.

This study used a difference in difference approach, analyzing electronic medical records from August 2023 to August 2024. Employee experience with the model and burnout in the workplace were assessed via a survey administered 6 months post implementation.

Length of stay increased modestly for intervention units; no significant changes in readmissions, patient experience, or safety metrics were observed. Employee feedback revealed varied experiences: vRNs favored the model, while bedside registered nurses (bRNs) reported more challenges.

The model does not adversely affect patient safety or costs but presents challenges in bRN workload and adaptation. Effective change management is crucial for successful implementation.