Johns Hopkins Medicine Virtual Nursing
Johns Hopkins Medicine provides virtual nurses at select hospital units across The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, Sibley Memorial Hospital and Suburban Hospital.
Virtual nurses are part of the care team while a person is a patient in the hospital. They work alongside bedside nurses to provide the best care possible. Our virtual nurses are experienced Johns Hopkins employees who have worked on their units as bedside nurses.
Protecting Your Privacy
Your privacy is a top priority at Johns Hopkins Medicine. The camera does not record audio or video, so nothing is saved. The camera will be turned away from you when it is not in use. If your virtual nurse would like to access the camera and TV in your room, you will hear a doorbell chime and the nurse will request permission to connect. The virtual nurse will wait for your response before turning on the camera.
Read our frequently asked questions below or download our patient handout to learn more about Johns Hopkins Medicine Virtual Nursing.
Benefits of Virtual Nursing
Reduced Wait Times
Virtual nurses are available so patients don’t have to wait for a nurse to come in person. This helps speed up care, especially for things like taking medicine, checking on progress or answering care-related questions.
Seamless Communication
Patients can easily talk to their virtual nurse. They can ask questions or get instructions without worrying about bothering someone. This easy two-way communication can help patients better understand their care and follow their treatment plan.
Monitoring and Early Intervention
Virtual nurses can keep an eye on patients’ health in real time. If there are any signs of problems, they can quickly step in to help, which can prevent things from getting worse and improve the patient’s recovery.
More Time for Patient Education
Virtual nurses can give patients helpful information and explain medical treatments. Patients can have family or care partners join the conversation virtually. This gives patients the support system they need to feel more confident and ready to recover after discharge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Nursing
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A virtual nurse is a nurse who provides patient care remotely using the TV, camera and speakers in your room. This practice is also called telehealth nursing or remote nursing. Virtual nurses work alongside bedside nurses to provide the best care to patients.
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The virtual nurse can:
- Help with admission.
- Monitor your condition.
- Provide patient and family education.
- Help with discharge and planning for your care after you leave the hospital.
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Yes, the virtual nurse is a real Johns Hopkins nurse, not an avatar or AI.
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There is no charge for this service.
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No, please contact your bedside nurse.
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Virtual nurses work in the hospital. Their offices are set up to keep your information secure. They also make sure the virtual nurse can communicate clearly with you and your care team.
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Virtual nurses work alongside the nurses at your bedside. They do not replace the nurse, who is always your main nurse. Virtual nurses use special technology, like a two-way camera with a powerful zoom, to help with patient care. This camera lets them:
- See your eyes, skin, wounds and bandages clearly
- Read monitors, intravenous (IV) pumps, oxygen meters and medication labels
The team works together to give you high-quality, safe care.
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A doorbell sound lets everyone in the room know when the system is turned on. The camera does not record audio or video, so nothing is saved. When the camera is not in use, it faces away from the patient. It is only turned toward the patient when activated or in use. This system is designed to keep your privacy and safety a top priority.
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Please feel free to ask your care team if you have further questions about virtual nursing.