Are you considering working in telehealth nursing? Or maybe your employer is starting to offer or grow their telehealth services? In telehealth nursing, nurses provide remote healthcare services to patients using video conferencing, phone calls, or other digital platforms. Telehealth nurses use their nursing skills and expertise to assess, diagnose, treat, and educate patients virtually while following all established guidelines and regulations, just as you would in person.
Telehealth nursing can include triage, health assessments, patient education, monitoring, and care coordination. All care is delivered through remote communication, allowing nurses and other providers to support patients' health and well-being without in-person visits. If you’re considering or preparing for a telehealth nursing role, here are a few tips for providing virtual care to patients.
1. Establish a professional virtual environment
Set up a dedicated professional workspace for your telehealth sessions. Ensure good lighting, minimal background distractions, and a clutter-free environment. Dress professionally and use a headset with a microphone for clear communication.
2. Master the telehealth technology
Familiarize yourself with the telehealth platform or software you are using, including the basic functions as well as any advanced features. Test your equipment, internet connection, and audio and video settings before each session, so that you’re less likely to have technical issues while interacting with patients.
3. Build rapport with your patients
Building trust and rapport is especially crucial in telehealth because patients may feel more disconnected in a virtual setting. To combat this, be sure to establish eye contact, use active listening skills, and be empathetic. Make patients feel comfortable by explaining the telehealth process, addressing their concerns, and involving them in their care plan.
4. Communicate clearly
Use simple, jargon-free language, as is always best practice for patient interactions. Be sure to speak clearly, confirm patient understanding, and provide explanations as needed. You can also use visual aids, like diagrams, charts, or videos, to help with communication.
5. Ensure patient privacy and confidentiality
Protecting patient information during telehealth sessions is just as important as it is in person. Use secure and encrypted communication platforms when talking with patients or other providers, and avoid discussing patient information in public or shared spaces.
6. Be prepared for technical challenges
As a telehealth nurse, you may occasionally encounter technical challenges like poor audio or video quality, dropped calls, or connectivity issues. Be prepared to troubleshoot or have a backup plan (like switching to a phone call or rescheduling the appointment if needed).
7. Practice good time management
Telehealth sessions may require additional time for technical setup and patient education. Plan ahead, show up on time or early, and do your best to provide care that is both efficient and effective.
8. Stay current with guidelines and regulations
Stay updated with telehealth guidelines, regulations, and best practices, as they may vary by where you’re practicing. They are also likely to change over time, so make sure you’re informed on current legal and ethical standards for telehealth nursing.
9. Collaborate with your peers
Even though it’s remote, telehealth nursing still requires working with other healthcare providers. Make an effort to regularly communicate and collaborate with other members of the care team to ensure quality coordinated care for your patients.
10. Continuously evaluate and improve
Reflect on your telehealth nursing practice regularly. Seek feedback from patients and colleagues and continuously strive to improve your skills and knowledge in telehealth nursing care.
Advancing Your Skills for Telehealth Nursing and More
Beyond technical nursing skills, providing virtual care requires effective communication, technological proficiency, strong time management abilities, and more. At South University, our nursing programs can help prepare you with the skills to provide quality care to patients in both virtual and in-person environments. Request information today to learn more.
