Implementing a Standardized Education Program to Enhance Nurses' Utilization of Virtual Nurse Support

Emma Steck, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University

Abstract

The rapid expansion of telehealth and virtual nursing support necessitates the development of standardized education programs to optimize the utilization of virtual support systems. This quality improvement project aimed to address the problem of inconsistent and outdated orientation methods for hospital nurses working with virtual registered nurse (ViRN) support staff at a large Midwest hospital. The project engaged over 800 nursing staff across more than 30 inpatient care units, with a focused pilot conducted on three intervention units. The intervention involved the development of an online learning module designed to standardize training and improve utilization of ViRN support. Utilizing the CIPP Evaluation Model and the FADE quality improvement framework, the project measured outcomes through pre- and post-surveys and electronic health record data. A mixed-methods design was used to analyze data through thematic review and descriptive statistics. Results demonstrated increased ViRN-assisted admissions and discharges, and enhanced knowledge of available resources. However, challenges such as trust, time, and perceived usefulness remain barriers to widespread adoption. The project highlights the effectiveness of technology-based, standardized training in improving virtual nursing adoption and suggests potential for broader application in similar healthcare settings. Future recommendations include ongoing evaluation, adaptation of training programs, and exploration of long-term impacts on patient outcomes.