How Virtual Nursing Works In Real Time
Virtual nurses work alongside your bedside nurse to handle paperwork and other tasks, so they can spend more time caring for you in person.
Your Enhanced Care Team
At Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, you have a whole team focused on your care. Virtual nursing adds another registered nurse to your team using secure video, giving you extra support along with your bedside nurse, day and night. Working together, we can check in with you more often, communicate better and make your hospital stay smoother and even better connected
A secure camera, speaker and microphone located above your television allow you to have live conversations with your virtual nurse. A rainbow indicator light lets you know when the camera is active, and every virtual interaction begins only with your permission. No conversations or videos are ever recorded. Participation in virtual nursing is always your choice. If you prefer not to participate, simply notify your bedside nurse or select the decline option on your screen. You may also end a virtual visit at any time by asking the virtual nurse to disconnect or by informing your bedside nurse. Your privacy, comfort and control remain our highest priorities.
How Virtual Nurses Support Your Recovery
One of the most challenging parts of bedside nursing is balancing direct patient care with the many responsibilities that happen behind the scenes, such as admission documentation, discharge planning and patient education. Virtual nursing helps support that balance. By assisting with these important tasks, the virtual nurse allows your bedside nurse to spend more meaningful time focused on your hands-on care. Together, we can provide more consistent education, smoother home transitions and an added layer of clinical support and safety throughout your hospital stay.
Technology That Respects Your Privacy
I want you to feel completely comfortable with this technology. The camera and microphone only turn on during live conversations and are never used for recording or background monitoring. You control every interaction and can decline a virtual visit at any time. Virtual nurses follow the same privacy rules as your bedside staff. They only access the medical information they need and keep everything confidential. Even though they work remotely, they're fully credentialed registered nurses who are part of your care team and work closely with the nurses and doctors in your room.
Making the Most of Your Virtual Nurse
Your virtual nurse is a great resource for questions about your diagnosis, test results, medication and what to expect after you leave the hospital. They're especially helpful during admission and discharge, making sure you understand your instructions and have what you need to recover at home.
Don't hesitate to ask your virtual nurse to explain something again or go into more detail. You can also reach out to your virtual nurse for non-urgent questions, so your bedside nurse can stay focused on your physical needs.
This is modern health care at Chesapeake Regional. Our goal is clear communication, easy access to care that puts you first.
Contact us at 757-312-8121 or visit ChesapeakeRegional.com to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the camera is on?
The rainbow light is lit during live conversations. The camera never records and only turns on with your permission.
Can virtual nurses replace bedside nurses?
No. Virtual nurses handle education, paperwork and discharge planning while on-site nurses focus on hands-on care at your bedside.
What if I don't want to use virtual nursing?
You can decline any interaction. The camera requires your permission before it turns on.
How is my privacy protected when receiving care from a virtual nurse?
Virtual nurses follow the same privacy rules as your on-site nurse. The camera only turns on during approved interactions and never records.
What do virtual nurses help with?
Admission, medication education, discharge planning, care coordination and questions about your diagnosis and treatment.
Is virtual nursing available around the clock?
Yes. Chesapeake Regional Medical Center provides 24/7 virtual nursing in equipped rooms, starting with select units and expanding throughout the facility.
How do virtual nurses stay in sync with my care team?
They use dedicated screens showing your electronic medical records and a workflow tool to coordinate with the rest of your bedside team and me.
This article was written by Kimberly L. Green, MSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC, director of Acute Care Services at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center.
