{"id":541031,"date":"2023-08-21T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-21T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.virtualvocations.com\/blog\/?p=541031"},"modified":"2023-08-16T14:30:17","modified_gmt":"2023-08-16T18:30:17","slug":"10-benefits-and-challenges-of-working-as-a-remote-nurse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.virtualvocations.com\/blog\/guest-posts\/10-benefits-and-challenges-of-working-as-a-remote-nurse\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Benefits and Challenges of Working as a Remote Nurse"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In this guest post, Steven Cumper of Medshop and ScrubsIQ discusses the ins and outs of working as a remote nurse \u2014 and everything you need to consider before deciding if it’s the right career for you!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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About Remote Nursing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Remote nursing is still a relatively new field. However, it\u2019s also growing rapidly, especially with the continued popularity of telehealth visits. A 2021 survey<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Advantages of Working as a Remote Nurse<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Flexibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Greater Work-Life Balance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t have to worry about commuting to and from a hospital or clinic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Many Job Openings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Reduced Health Risks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Because you don\u2019t have to spend time face-to-face or in direct contact with sick people, you\u2019ll 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\u2019 well-being) at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Fewer Expenses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Eliminating your commute doesn\u2019t 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\u2019re out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Check out our Industry Guide for Remote Nursing Jobs with your premium membership!<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
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Challenges of Working as a Remote Nurse<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As with any career, remote nursing comes with some downsides. Here are some potential challenges you might experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Loneliness and Isolation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One-third of remote workers<\/a> say it makes them feel lonely. This issue could affect you as a remote nurse, especially if you also live alone. You\u2019ll have to find other ways to build socialization into your routine since you won\u2019t get much of it from your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Fewer Opportunities to Practice Skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As a remote nurse, you won\u2019t 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\u2019t make a concentrated effort to practice regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Some Employers Require Significant Experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. May Need Additional Licensing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Requires Tech-Savviness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you aren\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Click to read more about how to find remote nursing jobs!<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
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Essential Equipment and Tools for Remote Nursing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> 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 <\/em>need for remote nursing, including the following:<\/p>\n\n\n