Discover How Ardent Transformed Nurse Retention in a Texas Health System

In recent times, Ardent Health Services has adopted virtual nursing, and the results are impressive. They’ve reported saving $13 for each patient per day through their virtual nursing program. This is not just about saving money; it also enhances care quality. With fewer contract workers, there’s a smoother flow in patient care since new hires usually take time to adjust.

A significant part of this initiative involves specialists in fields like cardiology and neurology. According to Dolan, doctors appreciate the chance to see patients through virtual platforms. This approach reduces travel time and allows more focus on patient needs. As a result, hospitals in East Texas have seen an 11% increase in admissions. Patients are receiving timely care, reducing the need for transfers.

Looking ahead, Ardent is gearing up to expand its virtual care strategy. By mid-November, they plan to select a main vendor from their current testing pool. They aim to refine what virtual care means for their hospitals while ensuring they don’t lose creativity in the process. Gardenhire emphasizes the technical requirements, like bandwidth, as well as the human aspect—how to maintain strong relationships with patients and clinicians.

Ardent’s progress mirrors a similar program at American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. Their virtual care initiative in the neonatal unit reduced new nurse turnover from 38% to zero in just one year. This success demonstrates the potential of virtual nursing to retain talent and improve care.

As Ardent moves forward, Dolan envisions integrating virtual nursing more closely with other healthcare elements. Opportunities like using wearable devices or enhancing home care services could further improve outcomes while lowering costs. “This technology is going to take us into whole new spaces,” Dolan stated, highlighting the transformative potential of virtual nursing.

With healthcare evolving rapidly, programs like these are paving the way for more innovative solutions. It’s not just about technology; it’s about reimagining patient care for the future.

For those interested in the effectiveness of virtual nursing, recent studies suggest a growing acceptance among both patients and healthcare providers. According to a 2022 survey by the American Medical Association, 70% of physicians now support telehealth as a sustainable option in the long term. This shift indicates a broader acceptance of virtual care in our healthcare system, making it a critical focus for future developments.

For more detailed insights into the benefits and challenges of virtual nursing, you can refer to the American Hospital Association’s report on telehealth.

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