TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Stormont Vail Hospital has stepped up its virtual nursing programs, combining the latest technology with experienced human care to better serve patients.

The hospital connects nurses with patients through cameras and secure web connections, allowing virtual care team members to assist with various tasks throughout a patient’s stay.

“It’s another member of the care team,” said Lucas Haefner, RN, who works with the virtual nursing program at Stormont Vail

Haefner demonstrated how the system works. In the room, patients will notice a camera pointed up at the ceiling. A chime sounds, and the virtual nurse will ask permission to enter the room. If the patient agrees, the camera will tilt down and the nurse’s image will appear on the television screen.

The virtual nurses can help with admissions and discharges, review documents with patients, and serve as a second set of eyes for medication administration. They also facilitate communication between bedside teams, doctors and specialists.

“It really kind of take some different tasks that the bedside nurse would really have to do, we’re able to take those off their hands and complete those for them which makes them more available to spend more time with their patients and provide more direct patient care,” Haefner said.

Enhanced capabilities include translation services

An upgraded system allows the virtual nursing team to provide additional services, including integrated translation capabilities.

“If a patient is Spanish speaking, we’re able to include a translator within the virtual nursing call in the room,” Haefner said. “We’re also able to, if another virtual nurse or a different member of the care team wants to be entered into the call to visit with the patient, we’re able to do that as well.”

The system functions like a group chat, allowing multiple care team members to join patient consultations when needed. It also can include patients’ family members who might not be able to make it to the hospital in person.

Over the years, Stormont Vail has transitioned from using third-party providers to building its own team of on-site employees. The program attracts experienced nurses who want to extend their careers but may need a break from the physical demands of bedside nursing.

“That’s such an advantage to have on your team, and what a resource it is to the bedside team to have someone with that much experience,” Haefner said. “They’re able to still apply their clinical expertise that they’ve learned throughout the many years of their nursing career and offer mentorship to the bedside staff and each patient situation.”

The virtual nurse always asks before connecting with a patient’s room. Apatient can decline the virtual visits if it’s not right for them.