FirstHealth of the Carolinas continues to transform nursing through the introduction of a virtual care model to serve patients at Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst.

Patients and families receiving care on both the medical neurology and observation units will experience a new, innovative and enhanced level of care through a virtual nurse and a FirstHealth nurse who will partner in their care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“We are thrilled to bring virtual nursing to life at Moore Regional Hospital,” said Jacklynn Lesniak, DNP, MSN, R.N., NEA-BC, FirstHealth’s chief nursing officer, in a press release. “This transformative work truly creates magic for our nurses, patients and families and there is no doubt this innovation will help us in serving our community and delivering on our core purpose – To Care for People.”

FirstHealth’s Virtual Nursing model includes virtual nursing and virtual safety companions, experienced RNs and LPNs who will support the FirstHealth nursing team in care using a dual-stream camera, built-in audio and microphones for direct contact with patients and the health care team.

This is made possible through televisions mounted in patient rooms as well as computer-based applications. This program has been developed in partnership with Banyan Virtual Care Technology. Banyan Medical Solutions has been an innovator in health care technology and patient care since 2008. Based in Omaha, Nebraska, the company serves hospital systems nationwide. 

“Virtual care options exploded during the pandemic, and our nursing teams are thrilled to partner

with Banyan Medical solutions to offer this sophisticated technology,” Lesniak explained in a press release. “I know it will be a winning strategy for our nurses and patients.”