Over the past years, the field of telehealth has emerged as a transformative force in healthcare, presenting unique opportunities for all healthcare professionals as well as for patients around the world.
As a nurse looking to level up your career, it is important to explore the field of telehealth nursing, examine its pros and cons, and understand the opportunities it can bring.
In this guide, we’ll shed light on this emerging field and help you choose whether it may represent the change you’ve been looking for.
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Understanding How Telehealth Works
Simply, telehealth refers to the use of digital information and communication technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access health care services remotely.
Over the past years, also in response to the growing stress on the healthcare sector caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a continuously aging population, telehealth has significantly matured as a field.
According to a recent survey conducted by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, 22.0% of adults have utilized telehealth services, reflecting a shift in how patients are accessing care.
Today, telehealth also represents a long-term solution to many healthcare challenges. For example, telehealth provides critical care access to those living in remote or under-served areas, where conventional medical facilities might not be readily accessible.
Additionally, telehealth can often make healthcare services more affordable, eliminating travel costs and reducing extra charges associated with traditional clinical care. It also eases the burden on the healthcare system by saving hospital beds, streamlining prescription programs, and enhancing the efficiency of clinics.
As technology develops even further, new benefits and uses of telehealth continue to emerge.
Telehealth Nursing: Setting The Right Expectations
When considering a career in telehealth nursing, it’s important to have an accurate picture of what’s ahead. Often, telehealth nurses find themselves wearing many hats during each day at work, shifting between providing remote patient care, coordinating care plans, and acting as a bridge between patients and their physicians.
Telehealth nursing services are delivered primarily through digital platforms, allowing health assessments, education, and follow-ups to happen virtually.
As in any other nursing career, telehealth nurses need to be quick-thinking, highly organized, and skilled in communication with diverse patient populations.
As an overview, telehealth nursing might involve the following key responsibilities:
- Conducting remote patient assessments
- Developing individualized care plans
- Coordinating with physicians and healthcare teams
- Using hipaa compliant telehealth platforms
- Providing patient education on their health status and care management
3 Key Benefits of Telehealth Nursing
If you are unsure how choosing a career in telehealth nursing may benefit you, the following advantages can help you make a well-informed decision. Let’s dive in.
Increased Flexibility
Telehealth nursing offers an amazing level of flexibility that traditional nursing roles may not provide. For example, it allows you to work from anywhere, as long as you have a stable internet connection.
Ultimately, if you are seeking a better work-life balance, this may be an alternative to consider.
Access To New Career Opportunities
As a telehealth nurse, you open the door to a wealth of new career opportunities. You’ll gain unique experiences and skills that can make you stand out in the increasingly competitive healthcare sector. Given the rise in telehealth services, this career change can also potentially catapult you towards higher-paying positions in the future.
Taking Part In Making Care More Affordable and Accessible
Telehealth nursing presents a unique opportunity to make healthcare more affordable and accessible. This career choice allows you to provide quality care remotely, eliminating barriers such as high travel costs or limited local resources.
Your role could directly influence patient outcomes by making essential health services more readily available for those who need them.
Partner With a Career Advisor
Making a drastic career change decision is never easy. If you are unsure what fields offer the best opportunities or what to expect from a role in telehealth nursing, partnering with a career advisor or mentor can offer you all the guidance you need.
It could be just the chance you have been waiting for!
