10 Benefits and Challenges of Working as a Remote Nurse

In this guest post, Steven Cumper of Medshop and ScrubsIQ discusses the ins and outs of working as a remote nurse — and everything you need to consider before deciding if it’s the right career for you!

The idea of working as a remote nurse might seem impossible at first. However, in a post-COVID world where almost anything can be done remotely, it’s also possible for nurses to do their jobs away from the high-stress hospital environment. Are you considering a work-from-home nursing career? If so, here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of working as a remote nurse, as well as tips on how to work successfully if you choose to.

About Remote Nursing

Remote nursing is still a relatively new field. However, it’s also growing rapidly, especially with the continued popularity of telehealth visits. A 2021 survey of 400 nurses revealed that 40 percent of frontline nurses (primarily home care and ambulatory nurses) worked virtually that year. The surveyors also found that two-thirds of nurses were interested in remote positions.

Nurses can carry out many tasks from home, including visiting with and consulting patients via video chat. They can also pursue less traditional roles that require nursing expertise, such as telephone triage, legal consulting, and nursing informatics.

Advantages of Working as a Remote Nurse

Whether you are a seasoned nursing professional or a student about to graduate, there are many reasons to consider a career as a remote nurse. Here are some of the most significant benefits this type of job offers:

1. Flexibility

As with other remote positions, a career as a remote nurse provides a great deal of flexibility. You can work from the comfort of your own home or work from anywhere else in the world, as long as you have a strong and reliable internet connection.

2. Greater Work-Life Balance

Increased flexibility also tends to come with a greater sense of work-life balance. Many people find that when they start their remote nursing position, they have more time to spend with loved ones since they don’t have to worry about commuting to and from a hospital or clinic.

3. Many Job Openings

The entire nursing field is growing steadily. The number of registered nurses in the U.S. is expected to increase from 2.9 to 3.4 million by 2026, and the demand for remote nurses is included in that growth. With more remote opportunities arising, you will likely have an easy time finding a position that works for you.

4. Reduced Health Risks

Because you don’t have to spend time face-to-face or in direct contact with sick people, you’ll experience fewer health risks as a nurse working remotely. This benefit is especially important for those who are immunocompromised or have family members with weak immune systems. They can still do the job they love without putting their well-being (or others’ well-being) at risk.

5. Fewer Expenses

Eliminating your commute doesn’t just give you more time with your family. It also saves you money by reducing the need to fill your gas tank, minimizing wear and tear on your vehicle, and taking away the temptation to buy meals while you’re out.

Challenges of Working as a Remote Nurse

As with any career, remote nursing comes with some downsides. Here are some potential challenges you might experience:

1. Loneliness and Isolation

One-third of remote workers say it makes them feel lonely. This issue could affect you as a remote nurse, especially if you also live alone. You’ll have to find other ways to build socialization into your routine since you won’t get much of it from your job.

2. Fewer Opportunities to Practice Skills

As a remote nurse, you won’t be using certain skills as often as you once did. As a result, you may find that you start to get a bit rusty if you don’t make a concentrated effort to practice regularly.

3. Some Employers Require Significant Experience

If you’re a brand new nurse or only have a couple of years of experience, you may have more difficulty getting hired for a remote position. Some employers are more interested in hiring nurses who have several years of experience working with patients.

4. May Need Additional Licensing

If you work for a healthcare provider that serves patients in multiple states, you will likely need to get licensed in those states so you can treat anyone who requires care. While additional licensing will benefit you in the long run, it will require you to spend money and time upfront.

5. Requires Tech-Savviness

If you aren’t very tech-savvy, you may struggle as a remote nurse, at least in the beginning. You must be competent with tasks like computers, email, and video conferencing. You should be able to troubleshoot fundamental problems, such as a poor internet connection, as well.

Essential Equipment and Tools for Remote Nursing

After reviewing the pros and cons, are you leaning toward a career in remote nursing? If you choose to work remotely as a nurse, keep in mind that you might not need the same equipment as a nurse in a hospital or clinic. Many remote nurses still prefer the comfort of nursing scrubs as their daily uniform because they offer a sense of identity and pride as a nurse, while maintaining a professional and comforting atmosphere during virtual interactions with patients. And there are some tools you will need for remote nursing, including the following:

Computer
High-quality webcam
High-quality microphone
Strong internet connection
Headphones

Some nurses also use remote patient monitoring devices that allow them to check on patients’ vital signs from afar. In that case, you’ll need access to an app or a complementary device to stay informed about patients’ health and well-being.

Is Remote Nursing Right for You?

Remote nursing offers a great deal of flexibility and a better sense of work-life balance for many nurses. However, it can also create a sense of isolation and limit opportunities to practice specific skills. If you’re still on the fence, keep the pros and cons discussed above in mind as you weigh your options. If you do decide to move forward and look for a remote nursing career, register with Virtual Vocations to start your job search.

Author Bio

Steven John Cumper, B.App.Sc. (Osteo.), M.Ost., is a businessman with a strong background in biomedical science and osteopathic medicine. He founded Medshop & ScrubsIQ while studying at RMIT University in Australia, expanding its reach to markets in Papua New Guinea, Singapore, and Malaysia. In September 2021, the Bunzl Group acquired a majority stake in Medshop, but Cumper remains involved as the Managing Director (Medshop Group). His journey from Zimbabwe to the UK and Australia reflects his dedication to academia and entrepreneurship, combining diverse knowledge and experience.