What does a Telehealth Nurse do?
Telehealth nursing is a relatively new and rapidly growing specialty in the nursing field. Telehealth nurses provide healthcare services to patients using remote communication technologies, such as phone, video conference, or online chat. They may work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices, and are especially important in underserved areas.
The duties of a telehealth nurse vary depending on the specific role and setting but generally include providing advice and guidance to patients on managing their health conditions, assessing symptoms and providing diagnoses, helping patients to navigate the healthcare system, and providing emotional support and counseling. They also educate patients on health promotion and disease prevention, coordinate care with other healthcare providers, and manage patient records.
The future outlook for telehealth nursing is optimistic due to the increasing demand for remote healthcare services. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telehealth technologies, and this trend will likely continue. Telehealth nurses can work from virtually anywhere, and there is a high demand for their services in rural or remote areas, as well as in urban centers.
As with any profession, there are both pros and cons to working as a telehealth nurse. Some of the main advantages include the ability to work remotely, the flexibility to set your schedule, and the opportunity to help people who might otherwise have limited access to healthcare services. However, some of the challenges include the potential for miscommunication due to the lack of face-to-face interaction, the need to maintain a high level of technological proficiency, and the possibility of experiencing burnout due to the high demand for their services.
How to become a Telehealth Nurse
To become a telehealth nurse in the United States, there are several steps that you will need to take:
– Obtain a nursing degree: telehealth nursing requires a nursing degree, which can be obtained through a two-year associate degree program, a four-year bachelor’s degree program, or a graduate-level nursing program.
– Get licensed: Once you have completed your nursing degree, you will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to obtain your nursing license.
– Gain experience: Many telehealth nurse positions require nurses to have experience in a traditional clinical setting. To gain experience, consider working in a hospital or clinic.
– Get certified: While certification is not required to become a telehealth nurse, obtaining certification from organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the Telemedicine Certification Commission can increase your chances of being hired for telehealth nursing positions.
– Develop technology skills: Telehealth nursing requires a strong understanding of digital communication platforms, so it is important to develop your technical skills. Consider taking courses or attending workshops to improve your skills.
– Apply for telehealth nursing positions: Once you have met the requirements, you can begin applying for telehealth nursing positions. Look for job postings on healthcare job boards, hospital and clinic websites, and professional nursing organizations.
Skills of a Telehealth Nurse
Here are some essential skills for becoming a successful telehealth nurse:
– Strong communication skills: telehealth nurses must have excellent communication skills, including active listening, empathy, and the ability to communicate medical information clearly and effectively to patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
– Technical proficiency: telehealth nurses must be comfortable using technology such as video conferencing, remote monitoring devices, electronic medical records, and telehealth platforms. They must also be able to troubleshoot technical issues and help patients navigate these systems.
– Critical thinking: telehealth nurses must be able to assess patient needs and make informed decisions based on limited information, often without the benefit of in-person assessments or testing.
– Flexibility: telehealth nurses must be adaptable and able to work in a constantly changing environment. They may need to quickly adjust to new technologies, care models, and patient populations.
– Patient advocacy: telehealth nurses must be strong patient advocates, ensuring that patients receive appropriate care and have access to necessary resources.
– Cultural competence: telehealth nurses must be able to provide care that is sensitive to the cultural and linguistic needs of diverse patient populations.
– Time management: telehealth nurses must be able to manage their time effectively, particularly if they are working remotely. Telehealth nurses must be able to prioritize tasks, complete documentation promptly, and maintain a high level of productivity.
Salary of a Telehealth Nurse
The average salary for a telehealth registered nurse in the United States is approximately $122,558 per year, with an estimated total pay of $129,349 per year, according to Glassdoor. In addition, the estimated extra pay amounts to $6,791 per year and may include cash bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit-sharing.
In general, the salary of a telehealth nurse is quite competitive, especially considering the flexibility and potential for remote work that the field offers. As telehealth continues to grow, likely, the demand for telehealth nurses will also continue to increase, potentially leading to even higher salaries and more job opportunities in the field.
FAQs
Q: Do telehealth nurses work from home?
A: Yes, telehealth nurses typically work from home. They use technology to communicate with patients remotely, which allows them to work from anywhere with an internet connection.
Q: Is telehealth nursing hard?
A: Like any nursing job, telehealth nursing has its challenges. It requires strong communication and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to work independently. It can also be emotionally taxing, as telehealth nurses may deal with patients who are in distress or dealing with mental health issues. However, many nurses find it rewarding to help patients access care conveniently and efficiently.
Q: Are telehealth nurses in demand?
A: Yes, telehealth nursing is a growing field and is in high demand. As more healthcare services move online and patients seek out remote care options, the need for telehealth nurses is expected to continue to grow. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telehealth services, making telehealth nurses more essential than ever before.
Q: What is a telehealth nurse practitioner?
A: A telehealth nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who uses telecommunication technologies to provide healthcare services remotely. They may perform virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and prescribe medications. Telehealth nurse practitioners have completed graduate-level education and have the authority to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of medical conditions.
Q: Are informatics nursing and telehealth nursing the same?
A: No, informatics nursing and telehealth nursing are not the same. An informatics nurse is a specialized nurse who uses their knowledge of healthcare and technology to manage, analyze, and interpret healthcare data. They may work with electronic health records (EHRs), clinical decision support systems, and other health information technology (HIT) tools to improve patient outcomes and support clinical workflows.
On the other hand, a telehealth nurse is a nurse who uses telecommunication technologies to provide remote healthcare services to patients. They may work with telemedicine equipment, video conferencing platforms, and other virtual care tools to deliver care from a distance. While both informatics and telehealth nurses work at the intersection of healthcare and technology, their roles and responsibilities are distinct.
References:
HIMSS. (n.d.). About HIMSS. Retrieved from https://www.
himss.org/who-we-are
American Nurses Credentialing Center. (n.d.). Informatics Nurse Certification. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certification
s/informatics-nurse/
National Association of School Nurses. (n.d.). Telehealth. Retrieved from https://www.
nasn.org/search?executeSearch=true&SearchTerm=telehealth&l=1#?wst=27a68816111af1a26d73908236b5867d