The world is changing at breakneck speed. We didn’t expect to find ourselves here, but the global outbreak of COVID-19 meant that a lot of industries had to shift gears very quickly. That includes healthcare. For those not in critical care handling the novel coronavirus or other clinical needs, telehealth is becoming a very important aspect of healthcare. Patients without access to doctors or those concerned about visiting a healthcare professional now have greater access than ever. If you are a nurse practitioner looking to transition into telehealth, here are a few tips to starting your career.
Learn the Etiquette of the Technology
In many ways, virtual meetings are the same as face-to-face meetings. But there are some important differences. Knowing the etiquette for video conferences will be helpful. Set up in a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Dress professionally. Position the camera well and be mindful of where you’re looking. Looking into the camera will provide a sense of eye contact for the participant.
Focus on Collaboration
When you’re in a medical office or hospital, you have ample opportunities for collaboration with other medical professionals. Telehealth can feel very isolating, but that doesn’t mean you can’t interact with your peers as well as the patients. Use chat tools to communicate with doctors and other nurses to help you provide the best possible care.
Familiarize Yourself with Healthcare Regulations
A good place to start is with the American Telehealth Association. They can provide many of the rules and regulations that you will need to know when you start your telehealth career. However, you will also have to look into your state laws to understand licensure as an LP and the ability to practice via video conferencing.
Improve the Patient Experience
Telehealth is booming for many reasons. It was already on the rise before COVID-19 forced many to embrace remote opportunities. But it also provides better and faster access to more patients. It’s your job to ensure that you adhere to HIPAA policies as well as focus on the best possible patient experience through the virtual platform.
Keep Up with Continued Education
Virtual healthcare is a rapidly changing field. If you want to be at the forefront of it, you must maintain your continuing education trajectory. This includes everything from keeping up with your certification to learning about the ethics of telehealth.
Could Telehealth be Right for Your Career as a Nurse Practitioner?
Call NRI Healthcare Staffing today and speak to one of our recruiters. We’re hiring nurse practitioners in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C., apply online!
