In every industry technology is constantly evolving and improving the way we live our lives. And that’s a good thing. More people are able to manage their careers both remotely and in-person and in the healthcare industry the widespread use of telehealth visits allow many more patients to access the care they need when they need it.
Telehealth allows healthcare professionals, such as nurses, to perform their jobs more efficiently and connect with their patients through electronic means such as email, FaceTime, videoconferencing and mobile apps. The ease of accessibility offers benefits for both patient and healthcare professionals. In fact, as long as there is an internet connection telehealth remains accessible to everyone.
But what does this modern convenience mean for the healthcare job outlook? And how does it improve patient care? Here we look at the impact of telehealth on the healthcare job outlook and how it carries the potential to improve patient care.
How Telehealth Impacts Healthcare Jobs
The term “telehealth” covers an array of healthcare opportunities. It includes telemedicine which is essentially a means to diagnose and treat some patients via electronic video communication. Telehealth also describes the way nurses monitor patients, healthcare teams share information and, in more and more instances, a way to convey education.
Obviously, with all that telehealth does it has a direct impact on the healthcare job outlook. Here are some opportunities for nurses to respond virtually and via telehealth.
- Telehealth Nurse: Today many insurance companies, home health services, clinics and hospitals offer access to a registered nurse who can answer questions and qualify the need for medical attention. The need for quality nurses to man these positions is great.
- Virtual Nurse Educator: Nurses with an aptitude for telehealth are able to teach, train, mentor, educate and promote telehealth in the healthcare industry. Training other nurses or nursing students in best telehealth practices is essential to the profession as technology continues to move forward. Virtual nurse educators may find employment in nursing programs and healthcare organizations. In many cases virtual nurse educators are instrumental in helping design and develop software, workshops and simulators for telehealth companies.
- Virtual NP: As an NP you have an advanced degree which allows you to diagnose and treat patients. Telehealth platforms throughout healthcare organizations offer plenty of opportunities for nurse practitioners. Telehealth companies, insurance companies, urgent care, doctors offices and clinics hire NPs specifically to work in telehealth. As a telehealth NP your job allows you to order tests, prescribe treatment and refer patients to specialists as necessary.
- Clinic Coordinator for Telehealth: As a telehealth coordinator your job includes developing, implementing and evaluating your clinic’s telehealth program. You’re in charge of choosing equipment and programs, coordinating telehealth teams and accessing the appropriate resources. Some technical knowledge is helpful.
Telehealth Benefits Patients and Healthcare Organizations
Telehealth benefits patients and providers by improving patient care in a few different ways. They are:
- Access: Underserved and rural communities benefit from telehealth through the ease of access to care. Seniors and the homebound can access the care they need without having to leave their homes.
- Efficiency: Telehealth appointments are much more efficient and timely for both patients and healthcare professionals. Because telehealth increases productivity the organization benefits in revenue.
- Quality: Because telehealth appointments are much more accessible than in-person appointments nurses and healthcare providers can manage chronic conditions, follow-up on treatment and detect issues much earlier than if the patient has to arrange for an in-person appointment.
Are you interested in the latest in healthcare technology? Contact BOS Medical Staffing for more on available healthcare jobs for nurses in telehealth.
