Dissertation
Development of an Inpatient Virtual Nursing Program for Medical-Surgical Units
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2025
Abstract
Background: Inpatient virtual nursing (IVN) is an innovative telemedicine model designed to support bedside nurses by redistributing non-hands-on tasks. It offers a potential solution to the nationwide nursing shortage and aligns with quality improvement efforts in patient care delivery. Purpose: This evidence-based practice (EBP) project aimed to develop a standardized IVN program for use on medical-surgical units at an academic medical center. The goals included creating a standard operating procedure (SOP), improving nurses' knowledge and attitudes about IVN by at least 20%, and developing an implementation plan approved by leadership. Methods: Guided by the Iowa Model, the project included pre- and post-intervention surveys distributed to nurses in three pilot units. An educational video about IVN was disseminated between surveys. Survey results and qualitative feedback were analyzed to evaluate program impact and inform SOP and implementation plan development. Findings: The SOP and implementation plan were both approved by organizational leadership. Survey data showed a clinically significant improvement in knowledge scores (p < .001) and attitudes (mean p = .029), with agreeability increasing by 32%. The educational intervention effectively enhanced understanding and support for IVN among nurses. Discussion: The IVN program demonstrated organizational readiness for adoption and highlighted the positive effects of education on staff engagement. By reallocating tasks like admissions and discharges to virtual nurses, the program has potential to alleviate bedside burden, improve communication, enhance patient care quality, and support nurse satisfaction and retention. Despite limitations such as small sample size and non-validated survey tools, this project laid a strong foundation for broader IVN implementation and future research into its long-term impact.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Development of an Inpatient Virtual Nursing Program for Medical-Surgical Units
- Creators
- Megan Wright - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Barbara St. Marie (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Date degree season
- Spring 2025
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright 2025 Megan Wright
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9984841527402771
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