Hendrick Health expands virtual nursing program

Hendrick Health is expanding its virtual nursing program to provide additional support to bedside nurses on two hospital units.

On Oct. 20, the virtual care team was activated for Hendrick Medical Center South's (HMCS) Progressive Care Unit (PCU) on its second floor. In November, virtual nursing support will be launched for Hendrick Medical Center's (HMC) PCU.

All members of the virtual care team are experienced Hendrick Health nurses and work from a command center at HMC in north Abilene. The program is designed to support bedside nurses, while enhancing patient care. It will not replace the hands-on, in-person care bedside nurses provide.

What to Know: Virtual nursing is not new to Hendrick Health. The program began in 2025 with mobile video communication systems in Hendrick Health's four Emergency Departments (ED) in Abilene and Brownwood. More than 2,500 virtual admissions have been completed in the EDs since the program began, with positive results in patient experience.

At HMCS, the inpatient virtual nursing system uses cameras connected to the patients' televisions. When the live, two-camera feed is activated, the virtual nurse assists with admissions, education, assessments and discharges, allowing bedside nurses more time to focus on hands-on care.

How Virtual Inpatient Nursing Works

Virtual Knocking: When the system is not in use, patients can watch television while the cameras remain off and pointed toward the ceiling. Before joining the room, the virtual nurse activates a "virtual knock." The nurse then appears on the television screen and speaks with the patient.

Privacy: Virtual nursing sessions are not recorded or stored, and no pictures are taken. At the end of each visit, the nurse disconnects from the system, and the cameras return to their off position.