Roles and Responsibilities of an RN:

• Assessment: Gathering patient information, conducting physical examinations, and interpreting diagnostic tests.
• Planning and Implementing Care: Developing and carrying out individualized care plans based on patient needs and physician orders.
• Medication Administration: Safely administering medications prescribed by physicians.
• Education and Counseling: Educating patients and families about their health conditions, treatments, and self-care strategies.
• Advocacy: Ensuring patients’ rights and needs are met and representing their interests.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with other healthcare professionals to deliver coordinated care.

Training for Telehealth RNs:

While the core RN education remains the same, specific telehealth training prepares nurses for this unique practice setting. This training typically includes:

• Telehealth technologies: Utilizing video conferencing platforms, secure messaging systems, and electronic health records.
• Telehealth assessment skills: Adapting traditional assessment techniques for virtual interactions.
• Patient education and counseling: Effectively engaging patients remotely and using digital resources.
• Legal and ethical considerations: Understanding telehealth-specific regulations and maintaining patient confidentiality.
• Telehealth practice management: Managing workflows, documentation, and billing for telehealth services.

Legally Practicing Telehealth with Collaboration:

RNs must comply with their state’s licensing regulations regarding telehealth practice. Collaboration with physicians or organizations often involves:

• Physician supervision: Depending on state regulations, some services might require direct physician oversight, while others allow for independent assessment and care within defined protocols.
• Employment: Joining telehealth organizations that provide physician collaboration and support structures.
• Independent contractor: Partnering with platforms like OpenTelemed to set up their own practice, requiring training of legal guidelines and regulatory enrollment.

Independent vs. Supervised Services:

Independent services:

• Patient education and counseling: Providing information and support on chronic conditions, healthy lifestyles, and medication use.
• Chronic disease management: Monitoring vital signs, symptoms, and medication adherence for stable patients.
• Triaging and care coordination: Assessing patients’ needs and connecting them with appropriate resources or in-person care.

Supervised services:

• Diagnosing and treating acute conditions: Requires physician evaluation and may be restricted in some states.
• Prescribing medications: Generally performed by physicians, though some states allow RNs to prescribe under specific protocols.
• Complex wound care management: Often requires in-person assessment and physician collaboration.

Why Start a Telehealth Practice with OpenTelemed?

OpenTelemed offers various resources and support for RNs considering independent telehealth practice, including:

• Legal compliance guidance: Navigating licensing, credentialing, and regulatory requirements.
• Billing and coding assistance: Ensuring proper documentation and reimbursement for services.
• Technology infrastructure: Providing secure video conferencing platforms and other tools.
• Marketing and patient acquisition support: Helping build a patient base and grow your practice.
• Professional development opportunities: Offering ongoing training and resources to enhance your telehealth skills.

Beyond its resources, OpenTelemed highlights the potential benefits for RNs to break free from feeling limited:

• Greater practice autonomy: Setting your own schedule, choosing your patients, and tailoring your practice to your interests.
• Expanded earning potential: Earning competitive rates and benefiting directly from your practice growth.
• Reaching wider patient populations: Providing care to patients who struggle with geographic limitations or accessibility issues.
• Greater work-life balance: Enjoying flexibility and avoiding lengthy commutes associated with traditional healthcare settings.

While independent practice does require additional responsibility and effort, OpenTelemed aims to empower RNs to navigate these challenges and achieve success in the ever-evolving world of telehealth.