New Nurses Meet AI & Virtual Care

The integration of virtual care and artificial intelligence (AI) into the standard care delivery model is permanently reshaping nursing practice. This leads to the pivotal question: How do we best prepare the next generation of nurses to thrive in this environment? 

Let’s discuss how innovative technologies are being integrated into nursing curricula, the transition from education to clinical practice, and leadership strategies to foster resilience and innovation within nursing teams.

Interested in listening in on the discussion? Check out the webinar here: Educating Nurses for the Age of AI and Virtual Care

How to integrate innovative technologies into nursing criteria

It’s no longer optional for Academic institutions to adapt to the rise of virtual care, it’s a necessity. Universities such as Chamberlain University, the nation’s largest nursing school, have implemented virtual nursing courses and certifications to better prepare students for the new care delivery model they’ll see in practice. President of Chamberlain University, Dr. Karen Cox, confirms that the traditional nursing education model needs to evolve rapidly to incorporate digital competencies, ensuring that new graduates are proficient in virtual patient care technologies.

What should nursing education institutions do today?

• Shift nursing curricula to include AI and virtual care competencies
• Provide opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience with telehealth platforms and remote monitoring
• Be flexible and responsive to technological advancements

“Chamberlain’s approach allows us to be more nimble compared to traditional academic settings, ensuring students are prepared for real-world challenges.” – Dr. Karen Cox

The importance of supporting new nurses in the transition to practice

The transition from school to practice is a critical time for new nurses, and health care organizations like Community Health Systems (CHS) are integrating virtual care into their onboarding programs. Karen Henson, Corporate Vice President of Nursing Operations at CHS, suggests that facilities build virtual care competencies from day one. Workforce challenges today differ significantly from those a decade ago and organizations need to be adaptable to survive. 

Key tips for healthcare institutions:

• Embed virtual care training into new nurse onboarding
• Prioritize nurse retention by implementing strategies that better support early-career nurses.
• Add virtual care programs, presenting an opportunity to bridge workforce gaps and enhance patient safety

“The challenges facing new grads today—like adapting to technology-driven care models—were not issues 5-10 years ago. We have to ensure they feel supported and competent in this new environment.” – Karen Henson

The Role of Nurse Leaders in Driving Change

As virtual care adoption grows, nurse leaders play a pivotal role in shaping policy, accreditation, and workplace culture. Cole Edmonson, CEO of the Nurses on Boards Coalition, emphasizes the importance of leadership advocacy in removing barriers to virtual care implementation. From influencing accreditation standards to creating supportive environments for new nurses, nurse leaders must actively participate in shaping the future of nursing.

Tips for nurse leaders:

• Advocate for policy changes that support virtual care transitions
• Work to develop a strong culture of mentorship and support, this is crucial for the success of new nurses. Using virtual technology can help overcome the resource gap preventing the same level of preceptorship from pre-pandemic times
• Foster collaboration between academia and healthcare organizations to ensure smoother transitions from education to practice.

“Accreditation standards must evolve alongside nursing practice. Leaders have a responsibility to push for policies that facilitate, rather than hinder, virtual care adoption.” – Cole Edmonson

Shaping the Future of Nursing

Nursing leaders, educators and healthcare organizations must collaborate in preparing the next generation of nurses for an AI-driven, virtual care-centric future. As healthcare continues to evolve, fostering a tech-savvy, adaptable nursing workforce will be essential for ensuring high-quality patient care.

• Institutions must integrate virtual care and AI into nursing education
• Healthcare organizations should support new nurses with robust transition programs
• Nurse leaders must play a key role in driving policy changes and cultural shifts in healthcare

AvaSure is committed to keeping this important conversation going, that’s why we create a community of virtual care leaders and bring them together to discuss the pressing issues of healthcare transformation. Join us at the Annual AvaSure Symposium to be a part of the discussion and work with us on bridging the gap between nursing education and practice in the era of virtual care.