TogetherTeam Virtual Connected Care™

Join the innovative team at St. Mary’s Hospital as part of our TogetherTeam Virtual Connected Care™ model—a transformational approach to nursing that integrates a three-person care team: Direct Care RN, Care Partner, and Virtual RN (vRN). This collaborative model uses advanced technology to improve patient care, reduce nurse burnout, and create new pathways for mentorship and career advancement.

• Virtual RN – Our cutting-edge virtual nursing program allows experienced RNs to extend their careers without the physical demands of direct patient care. Working from a dedicated office space within the hospital, Virtual Nurses utilize advanced HD video cameras on swivels to interact with patients, read even the smallest text on a pill bottle, and provide crucial support through two-way video calls.
• Direct Care RN – provides direct patient care support at the bedside. This role provides traditional bedside nursing care, giving colleagues valuable experience, more time with patients and families, and on-demand support from the entire care team. Nurses beginning their careers benefit from support and mentoring from our experienced virtual RNs.
• Care Partner (NA, CNA, PCT) – partners with bedside RN and Virtual RN to provide exceptional care for patients. This role is an important part of our innovative care model and provides a path to career advancement for colleagues.

Benefits of Virtual Connected Care:

• Increased Patient Safety & Satisfaction: Virtual tools help ensure timely responses and improved patient support.
• Improved Mentorship & Nursing Expertise: vRNs offer guidance to Direct Care RNs and other colleagues to strengthen bedside nursing knowledge and skills.
• Career Advancement Opportunities: This model supports nurses and care partners at every stage of their careers.
• Clearly Defined Roles: Every team member operates at the top of their licensure to maximize their unique skill set.
• Stable & Predictable Working Environments: Addresses workforce challenges, including the national RN shortage.

Nursing duties of the onsite Virtual RN include but are not limited to:

• Virtual safety rounds
• Detailed physical examinations using technology
• Responding to patient calls
• Patient education
• Collaboration on discharge planning with the case management staff

Qualifications of a Virtual RN:

• Active RN license and a minimum of 8 years of Inpatient experience as an RN
• Graduate of an accredited nursing program
• Experience must include adult acute care and working with an electronic health record.
• Ability to work in a virtual nurse hub within the hospital or other designated site.
• The vRN communicates with the bedside team through the phone system, secure messaging, and use of the call light system when in a room.
• A vRN will only work as a vRN and will not be pulled to work as a direct care RN. It is possible that direct care RNs will cross-train to the vRN role.