Sentara Health expands virtual nursing to 12 hospitals by 2025
VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES — Sentara Health, a not-for-profit healthcare delivery system, is rolling out a virtual nursing program across all 12 of its hospitals, aiming for completion by October 2025.
This initiative, which began at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in late 2024, is designed to reduce bedside nurse workloads and enhance patient care by delegating administrative and educational tasks to experienced virtual nurses.
By the end of the rollout, nearly 1,800 medical-surgical and intermediate care beds will be supported by virtual nurses working remotely from a centralized hub at Sentara Independence Medical Center in Virginia Beach.
Streamlining admissions and discharges with virtual nurses
Virtual nurses will handle non-hands-on responsibilities such as patient admissions, discharges, and education.
“This frees up time for the bedside nurses to focus on the care that requires the physical presence and touch of a nurse,” explained Jaime Carroll, vice president of clinical support services at Sentara.
The program will also expand to include tasks like dual verification of medications and safety monitoring. Sentara developed its model after studying successful virtual nursing programs at institutions such as Houston Methodist Hospital and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Positive feedback from patients and staff
Patients and staff have praised the program’s efficiency and impact. Margaret Roberts, a patient at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, described her virtual admission process as seamless and personal.
“If my eyes were closed, I would have thought he was in the room,” she said.
Bedside nurses are equally enthusiastic. Danielle Gillespie, a veteran nurse with 23 years at Sentara, noted that virtual nurses significantly reduce their workload.
“Now, if I get an admission or discharge, I can request a virtual nurse and focus on my other patients,” she stated.
Experienced virtual nurses lead the way
Every virtual nurse has at least five years of experience, with an average tenure of 14 years. Cheryl Gallahue, a virtual nurse with nearly 15 years at Sentara, highlighted the overwhelmingly positive patient response.
“One patient told me he loved the virtual discharge process but wished he could give me a hug before leaving,” she shared.
A game-changer for healthcare delivery
Sentara’s virtual nursing initiative reflects a growing trend in healthcare aimed at addressing workforce challenges while improving patient outcomes.
Carroll called it “a game-changer,” emphasizing its potential to enhance nurse satisfaction and reduce turnover rates.
With plans to streamline additional tasks in the future, Sentara is setting a new standard for integrating technology into patient care delivery.
