How to Become a Telehealth Nurse
Updated on January 26, 2024
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With advances in technology and changes in healthcare delivery due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the field of telehealth nursing has grown exponentially in recent years. As defined by the American Telemedicine Association, telehealth nursing involves using technology to deliver care and advice to patients remotely. For nurses interested in transitioning into this evolving specialty, there are some key steps to take. First and foremost, you’ll need to get the proper training and certification in telehealth practices. Additionally, you’ll need to understand the software platforms and devices used to connect with patients virtually. With the right telehealth nursing credentials and technological know-how, you’ll be well on your way to launching a career as a telehealth nurse. This introductory guide covers everything you’ll need to make the shift smoothly.
Understanding Holistic Nursing
Holistic nursing focuses on caring for the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. As a telehealth nurse, it is important to understand holistic approaches to promote healing and wellness. Some key principles of holistic nursing include:
- Treating each patient as a unique individual with their own values, beliefs, and perspectives on health
- Understanding the interconnectedness of the physical, emotional, mental, social, environmental, and spiritual aspects of health
- Using both conventional and complementary healing approaches as needed for each patient such as meditation, aromatherapy, or acupuncture
- Educating and empowering patients to participate in their own care and make decisions about their health
- Focusing on the health, healing, and well-being of the whole person rather than just disease treatment
Resources like the American Holistic Nurses Association provide more information about the foundations and scope of holistic nursing practices.
Educational Requirements and Pathways
Holistic nursing focuses on caring for the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. As a telehealth nurse, it is important to understand holistic nursing principles and apply them through virtual care. Some key aspects of holistic nursing include:
- Treating each patient as a unique individual with their own values, beliefs, and perspectives on health
- Promoting patient empowerment and self-care through education and coaching
- Considering all aspects of a patient’s life and how they impact health, including relationships, lifestyle, environment, and emotions
- Complementing Western medicine with alternative healing practices like meditation, yoga, or nutritional counseling when appropriate
Embracing a holistic nursing philosophy as a telehealth nurse can lead to improved patient satisfaction, better outcomes, and a more meaningful practice. Continuing education in holistic nursing helps telehealth nurses develop expertise in this specialty.
Specialized Training and Certification requirements
There are several paths to gain the required training to become a telehealth nurse. Many nurses pursue certification through professional telehealth associations like the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) or the Telehealth Credentialing Institute. Some of the most common certifications include:
- ATA’s Telehealth Nursing Certification
- ATA’s Core Telehealth Operational Certification
- Certified Telehealth Clinician from the Telehealth Credentialing Institute
Nurses can also take telehealth coursework when pursuing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees. Additionally, on-the-job training and shadowing other telehealth nurses are great ways to prepare for this career path. With the rise of telemedicine, more universities and hospitals are incorporating telehealth education into their nursing programs and training.
Licensing and Certification
Licensing and certification requirements for telehealth nurses are similar to those for other registered nurses. You must have an active RN license in the state(s) where your patients are located. Although not always required, obtaining certification in telehealth nursing shows your expertise in delivering care virtually. Some options include:
- The Telehealth Nursing Certificate from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) – https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/telehealth-nursing-certificate/
- The Board Certified – Telehealth and eVisit Registered Nurse (BC-TEL RN) credential from the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN) – https://www.aaacn.org/bc-tel-rn
- The Registered Nurse-Board Certified (RN-BC) in Informatics Nursing certification from the ANCC – https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/informatics-nurse/
Check with your state nursing board to see if they have any telehealth-specific licensing available. Continuing education in telehealth modalities and technologies is also encouraged to stay up-to-date in the field.
Skills and Competencies
To be an effective telehealth nurse, you need strong communication, technical, and assessment skills. As you are not physically present with patients, you must build rapport through your words, tone, and active listening. Key skills include:
- Patient-centered communication – Speak clearly and compassionately to gain patient trust and accurately gather health details.
- Technology competence – Learn various telehealth technologies for patient assessments, education, and care coordination across distance.
- Observation ability – Carefully inspect patient appearance, environment, speech patterns, and behaviors through video to identify issues.
- Collaborative care – Expertly consult, refer, and coordinate patient care with onsite nurses, doctors, and caregivers for continuity.
Developing skills in patient triage, chronic disease management, and telehealth solutions can also prepare you to deliver high-quality virtual nursing care.
Career Opportunities and Employment Settings
As telehealth continues to grow in popularity, there are expanding career opportunities for telehealth nurses. Some of the top settings that employ telehealth nurses include:
- Hospitals and health systems – Many major hospitals and health organizations now offer telehealth services and employ nurses to provide virtual care, education, and chronic disease management.
- Telehealth companies – There are various telemedicine companies emerging that provide telehealth software, tools, and services and hire nurses specifically for remote nursing roles.
- Home health agencies – Home health agencies allow nurses to monitor and communicate with patients remotely through telehealth platforms.
- Insurance companies – Insurance providers may utilize telehealth nurses to offer virtual care visits and advice to members.
As telemedicine technology improves and telehealth becomes more mainstream, the settings and job opportunities for telehealth nurses will likely continue to grow. Nurses with strong communication and technical skills are well-suited to transition into these rewarding future-focused nursing roles.
Salary Outlook for Telehealth Nurses
As telemedicine continues to grow in popularity, the job outlook for telehealth nurses is very promising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
With the rise of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for telehealth nurses with strong technology skills has skyrocketed. This increased demand suggests that salaries for telehealth nurses are likely to increase over the next decade as well.
The average annual salary for telehealth nurses can vary based on factors like:
- Geographic location
- Years of nursing experience
- Specialized telehealth certifications
- Employer and setting (hospital system, private company, etc.)
However, telehealth nursing salaries are competitive with traditional nursing roles. Here is an overview of typical telehealth nursing salaries:
| Experience Level | Average Base Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level | $60,000 |
| Mid-career | $75,000 |
| Experienced | $92,000 |
In addition to competitive salaries, many telehealth nursing jobs also offer bonuses and benefits like flexible scheduling, work-from-home options, education assistance, and generous paid time off.
The future looks very bright for nurses who want to transition into telehealth roles. Candidates with strong technological aptitude and experience should have excellent job prospects and earning potential.
Continued Professional Development
As a telehealth nurse, it is important to continuously develop your professional skills and knowledge. Here are some tips for continued professional development:
- Attend conferences and workshops related to telehealth nursing to stay up-to-date on the latest technology, patient care practices, and regulations. Organizations like the American Telemedicine Association host many relevant events.
- Read telehealth nursing publications and blogs, such as Telehealth & Tech, to learn about new research and innovations in the field.
- Consider obtaining Telehealth Nursing Certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center to demonstrate your expertise.
- Join professional associations like the American Telemedicine Association to access peer support and training programs.
Making a commitment to continued learning and growth will help you provide the best possible telehealth nursing care to your patients.
Challenges and Rewards
Transitioning into a telehealth nursing role comes with unique challenges and satisfying rewards. Some of the main difficulties telehealth nurses face include:
- Learning new technologies and online platforms for patient assessments and care
- Adapting communication styles for virtual visits instead of in-person interactions
- Dealing with technical glitches and connectivity issues
However, telehealth nursing also offers many advantages such as:
- Flexible schedules allowing for improved work-life balance (source)
- The ability to reach and treat patients in remote areas
- More time focused on patient education and care instead of paperwork
With proper training and support, nurses can overcome the hurdles and reap the positives of bringing quality nursing care directly to people’s homes through telehealth platforms.
Conclusion
Becoming a telehealth nurse can be a rewarding career path for nurses looking to utilize technology to provide care and expand their impact. With the field of telehealth continuing to grow rapidly, the demand for qualified telehealth nurses will likely continue increasing in the coming years. By obtaining the proper training and certification in telehealth nursing, demonstrating strong communication and technical abilities, and seeking telehealth job opportunities, nurses can successfully transition into this evolving specialty.
In conclusion, the main steps to become a telehealth nurse are:
- Earning a BSN degree and obtaining RN licensure
- Gaining relevant nursing experience in your specialty
- Completing a telehealth nursing certificate program
- Getting certified in telehealth nursing through the ANCC or other organizations
- Highlighting telehealth skills on your nursing resume
- Applying for open telehealth nurse roles
For more details on entering this field, check out this telehealth career guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is telehealth nursing?
Telehealth nursing is a field of nursing where healthcare professionals use information and communication technologies to deliver nursing services remotely.
What qualifications are needed to become a telehealth nurse?
In addition to having an active RN license, it is recommended that telehealth nurses have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Telehealth nursing certification, although not always required, can also be beneficial.
What skills are important for a telehealth nurse?
Strong communication, technical, patient-centered care and assessment skills are critical for a telehealth nurse. They should be able to use various telehealth technologies and excel at patient triage and chronic disease management.
What does a telehealth nurse do?
A telehealth nurse provides virtual care to patients. This can include monitoring, educating, and providing care coordination for patients remotely.
What are the benefits of being a telehealth nurse?
Telehealth nursing offers benefits such as flexible schedules, the ability to reach and treat patients in remote areas, and more time focused on patient care and education.
What kind of job opportunities are there for telehealth nurses?
Telehealth nurses can work in various settings, including hospitals, telehealth companies, home health agencies, and insurance companies.
What are the challenges of being a telehealth nurse?
Telehealth nurses may face challenges such as learning new technologies, adapting to virtual communication, and dealing with technical glitches.
What is the job outlook for telehealth nurses?
The job outlook for telehealth nurses is very promising, with employment projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.
How can I continue to develop as a telehealth nurse?
Continued professional development can include attending conferences and workshops related to telehealth nursing, staying informed through publications and blogs, obtaining telehealth nursing certification, and joining professional associations.
What resources are available for aspiring telehealth nurses?
Resources for aspiring telehealth nurses include the American Nurses Association, Nurse.com, Telehealth and Medicine Today, and the American Telemedicine Association.
Additional Resources
For more information on pursuing a career as a telehealth nurse, check out the following additional resources:
- The American Nurses Association provides telehealth nursing standards, advocacy for the profession, and networking opportunities.
- Nurse.com offers telehealth nursing certifications, career advice, and job listings for open positions globally.
- The journal Telehealth and Medicine Today publishes the latest research and developments in telehealth nursing.
- Associations like the American Telemedicine Association provide education, advocacy and industry resources for telehealth nursing.
With the field of telehealth nursing growing rapidly, these organizations help nurses stay up-to-date on innovations in technology, patient care best practices, current open roles and career growth opportunities.