The field of nursing is constantly evolving to meet the needs of local communities and society while taking advantage of new tools and best practices. With telehealth nursing and other remote nursing jobs, many nurses now apply their clinical knowledge beyond the bedside. These nurses are gaining flexibility while still making a meaningful impact in healthcare.
At the same time, the need for healthcare is surging, especially for nurse practitioners helping patients get the primary and preventive care they need. As we look to the future, leveraging technologies like AI in nursing practice and healthcare will help providers meet demand efficiently and provide quality care for every patient.
Telehealth Nursing Growth
Telehealth nursing is a remote nursing job where nurses provide care and support to patients through phone calls, video chats, or secure messaging instead of in-person visits. These nurses assess symptoms, answer health questions, give advice on managing conditions, review treatment outcomes and test results, and help patients decide when to see a doctor or go to the hospital. Telehealth nursing tools also allow nurses to easily share information and communicate with physicians and other healthcare providers online to ensure quality care for their patients.
Telehealth nurses work with a variety of patients, from those managing chronic illnesses like diabetes or asthma to individuals with sudden symptoms like a sore throat or stomach pain. Some patients with chronic or acute conditions may have devices that let nurses and other providers remotely monitor their condition. Telehealth nurses use their clinical judgment to assist these patients with medication management, follow-up care after hospital visits, and health education. These nurses may work from home, in healthcare facilities, or in medical call centers.
Telehealth nursing has become increasingly popular in recent years, allowing patients and nurses to interact without being physically in the same room. Telehealth nursing is especially valuable for patients who live in rural areas, have mobility issues, lack access to funds for transportation, or need quick answers outside of regular office hours. Having access to telehealth nursing may make patients more likely to contact their provider when they need assistance. By using technology to reach patients wherever they are, telehealth nursing can make healthcare more equitable for all.
Demand for Nurse Practitioners
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts job growth for registered nurses (RNs) at 6% between 2023 and 2033, slightly above the average 4% growth expected for all occupations over the same period. For nurse practitioner roles, the news is even better. During those 10 years, the BLS predicts an overall 40% increase in roles, with nurse practitioner roles projected at 46%, a jump of 135,500 positions.*
Why does the government expect so much growth in healthcare and nursing? Part of the increase in nursing roles will be from people who retire. Moreover, the need for healthcare services is increasing as we continue to promote preventive care and our country’s population ages. Nurse practitioners are relied on as part of the healthcare team and deliver many of the same services as physicians. In particular, nurse practitioners will be vital for serving the baby boomers, from helping them stay healthy as long as possible to treating acute and complex chronic conditions. Across all age groups, nurse practitioners will be essential in primary and preventive care.
Remote Nursing Jobs Beyond Telehealth
While many people think of telehealth nurses when they hear about remote nursing jobs, multiple work-from-home opportunities exist for nurses. One option is case management. Remote nurse case managers help coordinate care for patients with chronic illnesses or complex health needs. They review medical records, work with doctors and insurance companies, and help patients understand their treatment plans—all from a home office. These nurses help keep patients healthy and reduce unnecessary hospital visits.
People who prefer remote nursing jobs may also choose utilization management. Utilization nurses work for insurance companies or healthcare organizations to review medical records and make sure treatment plans are medically necessary and follow best practices.
Nursing informatics is another specialty where some nurses find remote nursing jobs. Nursing informatics combines nursing knowledge with technology and data to improve patient care. Nurses in this area help design, implement, and improve electronic health records (EHRs), clinical software, and data systems to work well for both patients and healthcare providers. This work involves analyzing data, creating reports, and collaborating with tech teams, and much of it can be done remotely.
Finally, experienced nurses may be able to land remote nursing jobs in education, where they teach and mentor nursing students online. Nurse educators may also need to create lesson plans and course content, lead and facilitate online discussions, and connect with students regularly via email, phone, and video calls.
AI in Nursing and Healthcare
AI in nursing is already starting to change how nurses care for patients. Using AI in healthcare is likely to become even more common in the near future. For example, some hospitals now use AI-powered tools to monitor patients’ vital signs. This technology will alert nurses if there are early signs of trouble, such as an irregular heartbeat or a sudden drop in blood pressure. Using such tools helps nurses respond more quickly and prevent serious problems before they happen. AI can also help nurses speed up paperwork and simplify scheduling, giving them more time to focus on patient care.
AI in healthcare is also making it easier to personalize treatment. For instance, AI can analyze large amounts of data—like lab results, past medical history, and even genetics—to help nurses and doctors figure out the best care plan for each patient. In the future, AI in nursing might even include smart assistants that help nurses find the right medications or offer guidance during complex procedures. Using AI in healthcare won’t replace nurses, but it can support them and make their work safer and more efficient.
Planning for Your Future in Nursing
As healthcare needs and practices continue to evolve, demand for skilled, well-educated nurses will remain for both in-person and remote nursing jobs. If you are considering starting or elevating your nursing career, now is an excellent time to start. Explore our nursing programs (ranging from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to a Doctor of Nursing Practice) at South University to get going on your future.*
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*Graduates are required to sit for and pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for program and state specific information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University. Students must pass the required licensure to work in their respective field.
Clinical/Medical programs have a required ground clinical, practicum, or externship requirement. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program.
Classes start every five (5) weeks.
South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
