Remote RNs: The Role and Importance of Telenursing

Telemedicine is a growing field. Advances in technology have made telehealth a natural alternative to in-person health services. The COVID-19 pandemic widened its scope and showed the crucial role such services play when access to traditional hospitals is compromised. One such critical telehealth role is telenursing. Telenursing is a great option for nurses or nursing students who wish to explore alternative nursing career paths. 

This article will cover everything you need to know about telenursing, its importance and if telenursing is the ideal option for you.

What is Telenursing?

Telenursing involves the application of telecommunication technology, such as television and radio broadcasting, phones, etc. to facilitate nursing and care services. Nurses can provide health services, offer support, manage chronic conditions, and monitor patients remotely via phone calls, video conferencing, email, or mobile applications.

Telenursing has been around for a while, dating to the invention of the telephone itself. One of the earliest examples of telenursing can be found in 1929, when remote nurses used pedal radios to aid flying doctors in the Australian outback. Significant milestones in telenursing emerged during the 1960s and 70s, particularly NASA’s employment of telemedicine to check on their astronauts’ health. Telenursing has evolved significantly with advancements in telecommunications.

Why is Telenursing Important?

Nurses are the lifeblood of the healthcare system. They serve as the vital link between patients and physicians, assisting in healthcare education, administering medications, and delivering care. The U.S. currently faces a nursing shortage and projections indicate that this shortage will not be slowing down anytime soon as older nurses retire in the coming years. Telenursing can aid nursing shortages by connecting nurses with hospitals in need of staff. 

Burnout is a major cause of nursing shortages. Pairing telenurses with on-site nurses helps to alleviate some of the pressures placed on in-person staff. Telenurses can fulfill training, mentorship, and support roles while also managing various administrative tasks. This arrangement allows in-person nurses the opportunity to focus on more urgent tasks.

Telenursing, and telemedicine in general, provides access to healthcare for patients living far from medical centers. Many individuals in rural or isolated areas suffer from a lack of healthcare centers and personnel. Through telemedicine, doctors and nurses can connect with patients who are unable to travel to hospitals, including physically disabled individuals and those who experience medical anxiety, for whom receiving treatment at home may be easier. 

Why Telenursing Might Be the Right Choice for You

From Freepik

Telenursing offers a different set of challenges and requires a different skill set compared to traditional nursing. If telenursing has piqued your interest and is a path you’d like to explore, there are some things to keep in mind before you commit to becoming a telenurse.

Advantages of Being a Telenurse

• Work from home: As long as you have an internet connection, you can work anywhere you want, be it in the comfort of your own home or 5.000 miles away. Though telenurses still have to work long hours, they have a more flexible schedule compared to traditional nurses.
• Greater work-life balance: As you’ll be working from home, you won’t waste any time commuting. You may have more time to spend with your loved ones than if you were working in a clinic.
• Fewer health risks: As a telenurse, you won’t come face-to-face with your patients, so there’s a lesser chance of getting sick and you don’t have to worry about disinfecting yourself before coming home. Similarly, if you’re suffering from chronic illnesses or joint pain like arthritis, telenursing is a great way for you to continue doing your job while taking care of yourself.
• A growing field: the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the market for registered nurses will grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031. With the virtual health market in the United States being projected to grow more than 23 percent annually over the next five years, there will definitely be a demand for more remote RNs.

Disadvantages of Being a Telenurse

• Lack of social interaction: As a telenurse, you’ll spend much less time socializing with patients. So, if you’re a people person, being a remote nurse may not be for you. 
• You need a lot of experience: Many employers prefer to hire telenurses with years of experience, so if you’re a newer nurse, you may find it difficult to land a job.
• You may need multiple state licenses: If you’re treating patients in other states, you may need to be licensed within their state to be able to treat them. Acquiring and maintaining multiple state licenses can be a big drain on time and money.
• You have to be tech-savvy: As a remote RN, you’ll be working closely with technology like computers, webcams, TVs, etc. You need to be comfortable with medical apps and electronic charting. You’ll also need to know how to handle technical difficulties that may come up along the way. 

Remote nursing has quickly become a legitimate and impactful branch of care. Especially with the world turning more towards digital services than ever before. While telenursing does have its unique challenges, being employed as one can be incredibly rewarding.