AHA podcast explores how virtual nursing gives nurses more time

In an American Hospital Association podcast, AONL member Wendy Kim, DNP, RN, vice president and CNO of the Henry Ford Health central market, discusses how the Detroit-based system’s virtual nursing program is decreasing documentation burden, improving patient safety and giving nurses more time at the bedside. Before implementing the program, Kim met with front-line nurses to determine their needs. Front-line nurses within the system initially served as virtual nurses to identify problems and build support for the program. Kim meets with them on a weekly basis to improve the program. The hospital has gradually added cameras to patient rooms and is incorporating ambient technology to record information into patient records. Family members also can virtually join care discussions and help to coordinate care.