The ongoing nursing workforce crisis has prompted MercyOne Dubuque (Iowa) Medical Center, in collaboration with its parent company, Livonia, Mich.-based Trinity Health, to roll out a new virtual care model.
The model, TogetherTeam Virtual Connected Care, uses technology that aims to create a cohesive team dedicated to patient care, according to a Feb. 7 news release from Mercy. This care team will include a direct care registered nurse, an on-site nursing assistant or licensed practical nurse, and a registered nurse connecting virtually to a patient's room.
These virtual nurses will be based on local campuses rather than at an off-site call center, and they will have access to complete medical records, allowing them to conduct detailed examinations.
According to Mercy, the presence of an experienced virtual nurse offers valuable mentoring and support, particularly for new graduates and those in need of guidance.
MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center is the fifth Mercy location to roll out this program