Virtual Nursing: From Planning to Evaluation of Innovative Care Solutions

Description: In this episode, we explore an innovative approach to addressing nursing workforce shortages through virtual nursing programs. Explore how an inpatient virtual nursing program has made a significant impact, improving nurse retention, enhancing patient safety, and reducing length of stay in rural and critical access hospitals. Discuss model expansion that includes a virtual obstetrics nursing program aimed at improving maternal and neonatal outcomes in underserved areas and the impact these programs had on rural health. Join us as we discuss the technology, operational impact, and real-world results of these initiatives, including key metrics and anecdotal success stories.

Objectives

1.Discuss how virtual nursing programs are helping to alleviate nursing workforce shortages and improve patient care in rural hospitals.
2. Explain the integration of virtual obstetrics nursing and its potential to enhance maternal and neonatal outcomes in underserved areas.
3.Identify operational changes, technology, and impact of a virtual nursing program.
4. Describe how AI-driven monitoring and virtual nursing can improve patient safety by reducing falls and enhances nurse retention.

Guest/Bios

Karna Pfeffer, MSN, RN, RHNC

Karna Pfeffer serves as the Director of Clinical Excellence, Education and Quality at Avera St. Mary’s hospital in Pierre, SD. She has over 15 years of hospital nursing experience, specializing in process improvement and quality with a focus in rural healthcare. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from South Dakota State University, and an MSN in Nursing Leadership from Western Governors University.

Kristine Becker, MA

Kristine Becker serves as the director of Virtual Health at Avera Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. With nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare, Kristine is an experienced professional specializing in process improvement, healthcare technology and telehealth solutions. With a solid background in rural healthcare, she brings expertise in virtual and digital health initiatives and managing complex technology implementations and systems. Kristine holds a bachelor's and a graduate degree in anthropology from the University of Minnesota.

References

The Center for Health Workforce Studies (CHWS). Health Care Employment Projections: 2010-2020, March 2012. Retrieved from www.healthit.gov/sites/default/fi…_report_2012.pdf 2022 March of Dimes Maternity Care Report. Retrieved from www.marchofdimes.org/sites/default/files/2022- 10/2022_Maternity_Care_Report.pdf

2023 South Dakota Department of Health Maternal Mortality in South Dakota. Retrieved from doh.sd.gov/media/2q4nzral/mate…ty-1-pager_2023.pdf