Publication Date
Spring 2026
Degree Type
Doctoral Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Nicole Zhang
Keywords
Virtual nursing, telehealth, caring behaviors, nurse-patient relationships, acute care nursing
Abstract
Virtual nursing programs have emerged as innovative solutions to address hospital operational challenges and workforce shortages. However, concerns remain about the potential for decreased human connection in telehealth environments. Limited evidence exists regarding virtual nurses’ perceptions of caring behaviors and their ability to develop therapeutic relationships through teleconferencing technology. Purpose: This exploratory study examined virtual nurses’ (ViRNs) perceptions of caring and identified strategies for fostering patient relationships in telehealth settings. Methods: A mixed-methods custom survey was distributed to 25 eligible ViRNs at Stanford Health Care, with 19 respondents (76% response rate). ViRN caring perceptions were measured quantitatively using a 5-point Likert scale. Qualitative responses were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to identify themes related to virtual caring practices. Results: Participants represented diverse age groups, with most between 35-44 years. Both specialty unit and float pool nurses participated. Qualitative analysis revealed themes regarding strategies for building trust, technological comfort levels, and barriers to developing caring relationships virtually. Conclusions: This study provides foundational evidence for understanding caring perceptions in virtual nursing, highlighting the need for specialized education and training to optimize nurse-patient connections in telehealth environments.
Recommended Citation
Lu, Monika, "Exploring Virtual Nurse Perceptions of Caring Through Acute Care Teleconferencing" (2026). Doctoral Projects. 214.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.dkyk-p3u9
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_doctoral/214
