The challenge to overcome in 2024 is: How do we get the next generation of nurses trained and practicing at the top of their license to where they can effectively treat a large, high-acuity patient population quickly?

Healthcare leaders can decrease the workforce gap by providing veteran nurses who no longer want to practice bedside care with new options. Instead of being physically on the floor, these seasoned nurses can take on responsibilities like virtually training and mentoring new RNs, virtually monitoring patients, and managing administrative tasks like admissions and discharges with virtual nursing.


To improve patient care and nurse retention, hospitals and healthcare systems must embrace and invest in technology that addresses the gap in the nursing workforce and provides meaningful options for seasoned nurse talent while developing the next generation of nurses.

3. The healthcare landscape shifts to team-based and virtual care
The traditional one-to-one method of care in the hospital will shift to a team-based, virtual care approach moving forward. These tools focus on patient safety and will also help improve communication between providers, patients, and caregivers. Patients’ families are especially embracing technology. We’re seeing more family members of a younger generation have an active role in their parent’s or grandparent’s care. Virtual care platforms allow them to be part of the conversation with their loved one’s provider, even if they cannot be physically present at the patient’s bedside. This gives patients and their families more influence over their healthcare decisions.

Virtual care models also help address healthcare access in rural and critical-access hospitals, which typically have more staffing shortages and overextended nurses.

Virtual care implementation should be done in multiple phases tailored to each organization’s unique needs to be most successful. For instance, in phase one, an experienced nurse can oversee virtual observations of high-risk patients for fall avoidance. In phase two, these nurses can take on virtual admissions and discharges. In phase three, veteran nurses can do virtual rounding with novice RNs, providing guidance and education.

At the same time, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health is working on an action plan that would allow it to monitor and review software products in various phases, from development to performance once implemented. The goal is to promote positive patient outcomes and protect against bias in healthcare.

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