The Rise of Virtual Nursing
This article was originally published in the May/June 2023 issue of Med-Surg Nurse Life Magazine.
Have you ever thought about working remotely as a nurse? Did you know that many nurses work virtually from the comfort of their homes?
The nursing arena is expanding, and with the changes and integration of technology, the opportunity for nurses is vast. Nurses are no longer confined to the bedside or the traditional method of providing care. The pandemic provided much insight into the need for health care to adopt and incorporate the use of technology more in their daily care. Virtual care allows for access to health care and specialist health professionals that would otherwise be unavailable to clients. Virtual nursing is not new but is growing and expanding in hospitals and other companies, as they seek to provide health care that is accessible.
Virtual nursing allows nurses to connect with the patient using a mobile or computer device. Many organizations have special apps and technology that they use to interface with patients. Gone are the days when people have to visit an office to receive care or to even receive nursing care. Currently, many nurses are working from the comfort of their homes helping clients daily. You may be intrigued to find out how to get a virtual nurse job and what companies hire virtual nurses. Other questions nurses may ponder include special qualifications or experience. While specialization and qualifications are important, many companies are willing to hire nurses with minimal experience. Such requirements are based on the nature of the job and the type of company.
Virtual nursing jobs can be found on different websites such as Indeed, FlextimeNurses.com, and The Remote Nurse, just to name a few. Virtual nursing jobs vary among companies and include positions such as case management, remote appeal nurse, clinical educator, utilization, and review/audit nurse. There are several other virtual nurse positions from which to choose. Exploring what the job entails and the experience required is very important.
I have personally worked in remote positions and have applied for many. Virtual jobs require significant training and dedication. While the job sounds enticing and offers the comfort of being at home, there are a few cons. Nurses who work a remote job require organization and the ability to navigate different systems and apps. Remote jobs require significant sitting and a HIPAA-compliant space from which to work. Many companies provide their equipment and supplies, while some companies require you to use your system. It is important that you read all the requirements before agreeing to the job.
A remote job provides the opportunity for flexibility, especially for those who may have children or certain illnesses. While many require a 9-5 work schedule, there are a few that offer different hours throughout the day. Nurses like remote jobs, as it decreases their stress level and removes them from the wear and tear of providing bedside work. While there are deadlines to meet, many are constantly conversing with patients and agencies. Remote nursing jobs provide many opportunities, and nurses often flex between other jobs, as well. However, many may choose to work only remotely, receiving similar pay and benefits to their counterparts who work in a physical setting. Remote jobs are readily available but tend to receive several applicants because they are competitive. As such, it is important to have a stellar resume and adequate experience to land a job in the remote nursing industry. If you are interested in being a remote nurse, it is important to research and apply for several positions to increase your chances of being hired.