Early implementation study of a co-caring and virtual nursing model.
Publication Title
Nursing outlook
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-9-2025
Keywords
california; plcmmc; oregon; washington; renton
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Co-Caring Nursing Model, incorporating virtual registered nurses (vRNs) into team-based nursing, aims to address challenges due to nursing shortages, increasing patient acuity, and professional burnout.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the early impact of the Co-Caring Nursing Model on patient experience, safety (as measured by rates of catheter-associated urinary tract infections and central line-associated bloodstream infections), cost of care, and employee experience.
METHODS: This study used a difference in difference approach, analyzing electronic medical records from August 2023 to August 2024. Employee experience with the model and burnout in the workplace were assessed via a survey administered 6 months post implementation.
DISCUSSION: Length of stay increased modestly for intervention units; no significant changes in readmissions, patient experience, or safety metrics were observed. Employee feedback revealed varied experiences: vRNs favored the model, while bedside registered nurses (bRNs) reported more challenges.
CONCLUSION: The model does not adversely affect patient safety or costs but presents challenges in bRN workload and adaptation. Effective change management is crucial for successful implementation.
Specialty/Research Institute
Nursing
Specialty/Research Institute
Health Care Administration
DOI
10.1016/j.outlook.2025.102613
