New research suggests telehealth-powered nurses might offer a lasting solution to the global staffing crisis. With nurse shortages intensifying, more hospitals are adopting virtual nurse (VN) programs, with results showing clear improvements in care and efficiency.
Bridging the nursing gap with technology
A new study from the University of North Carolina (UNC) Kenan-Flagler Business School examined 28,000 inpatient encounters across two hospitals, one of which implemented a virtual nurse (VN) program.
The findings were compelling: the hospital using VNs reduced the average patient length of stay by 7.18%, equivalent to about six fewer hours per admission. Additionally, 30- and 60-day readmission rates dropped by around 2%, showing better post-discharge outcomes.
Researchers attributed these improvements largely to early intervention during the admission process. VNs standardized patient intake, verified medical histories, and expedited treatment plans. These activities accelerated care and lowered complication risks.
“The VN program leverages very senior nurses with deep institutional and clinical knowledge,” explained Blaire Liu, one of the researchers and doctoral students. “That drives those care quality impacts.”
Success relies on skilled staff and strong infrastructure
The study, which started from “curiosity and an operations lens,” found that not all VN programs deliver the same results. Their success depends on nurse expertise and technological reliability. In moderately busy units, VNs functioned efficiently. However, bedside nurses had to intervene during peak congestion or with poor internet connectivity, reducing program success.
The most significant benefits emerged when VNs had more experience than bedside staff. Retiring nurses or those seeking flexible schedules could fill these roles, offering expertise and easing shortages. In 2025, the U.S. faces a gap of about 10% to 20%, or between 200,000 and 450,000 nurses, making such hybrid strategies crucial to maintaining care quality.
Empathy: the irreplaceable advantage in a tech-driven future
The VN study also aligns with broader workforce trends, showing that empathy-driven roles remain highly valued and AI-resistant. According to Zety’s Empathetic Jobs Report, 14 careers pay at least $50,000 annually, rank high in “concern for others,” and are projected for faster-than-average growth while resisting automation.
Zety’s findings emphasize that emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and interpersonal judgment are increasingly vital to job security. These include nurse practitioners, physical therapists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and dieticians. According to the report, the most enduring opportunities belong to those who bring humanity to their roles.
This human-centered demand resonates with younger workers. About 43% of Gen Z say they want jobs that AI can’t replace, and 53% consider blue-collar or skilled trades for their stability, flexibility, and faster entry into the workforce.
As hospitals adopt VN to address immediate staffing challenges, the broader labor market is reaffirming the value of human connection. Technology might transform care delivery, but empathy and expertise remain irreplaceable.
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Briones, J. A. (2025, August 7). Virtual nurses cut hospital stays by 7%, reducing readmissions: study. Outsource Accelerator. Retrieved August 13, 2025, from https://news.outsourceaccelerator.com/virtual-nurses-cut-hospital-stays/
Ball, J. Virtual Nursing: What is it? (n.d.). American Nurses Association. Retrieved August 13, 2025, from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/innovation/blog/virtual-nursing-what-is-it/
