TH 510 - Telephonic Nursing Practice

Course overview

This comprehensive CE course offers an extensive and practical exploration of the challenges, strategies, and competencies essential for effective telehealth practice in modern healthcare. Learners study foundational concepts in telehealth nursing, including the evolution of virtual care, clinical assessment methods, communication nuances, and the broad spectrum of patient presentations encountered through remote encounters. The curriculum first introduces the history and growth of telehealth nursing and progresses to address key telehealth struggles such as establishing rapport without face-to-face contact, navigating technological barriers, and performing accurate clinical assessments using limited sensory cues. Students engage with enhanced communication techniques like active listening and learn how to interpret patient information when visual and physical assessments are not possible. As the course advances, learners dive into clinical content organized by body systems and common disease processes, enabling them to recognize and respond to a wide variety of patient needs in telehealth settings. Real-world case studies, algorithms, sample dialogues, and critical thinking exercises are integrated to mirror the complexities and common challenges experienced by telehealth practitioners - from managing chronic conditions remotely to ensuring safe and competent care amidst digital limitations. Discussion also encompasses the practical struggles telehealth presents, including overcoming technology barriers for patients (such as lack of access or digital literacy), addressing concerns about the quality of virtual care versus in-person visits, and recognizing systemic issues that impact telehealth adoption and equity - especially in resource-limited or rural environments. These barriers and considerations are explored to prepare nurses for the real-world implications of telehealth implementation. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have developed the critical judgment, communication skills, and telehealth nursing competencies needed to deliver high-quality remote care, and may earn continuing education credits applicable toward professional development requirements. The course is especially suitable for registered nurses, telehealth clinicians, and healthcare providers seeking to strengthen their virtual care knowledge and navigate the everyday struggles inherent in telehealth practice.