Innovation doesn’t stand still at Texas Children’s. As the first children’s hospital to introduce virtual nursing, the organization is now expanding its Virtual Care Network to include Women’s Services, bringing that same forward-thinking support to new units, teams and patients.
The Virtual Care Network is a thoughtfully designed care model that blends technology with human connection. What started in our NICUs has grown into a program where experienced virtual nurses partner with bedside nurses to handle high-value tasks such as admission education, discharge readiness and care coordination. This innovative approach to care creates space for bedside nurses to focus on what they do best: being present with patients and families.
The latest milestone extends virtual nursing to Women’s Services, beginning with discharge readiness in the Pavilion for Women Mother/Baby and Women’s Specialty Units. It marks the next evolution of a model proven to adapt across patient populations.
“The expansion of the virtual nursing program in Women’s Services means greater support for both our patients and our team,” said Lisa Lewis-Grimes, director of Women Services. “It strengthens our ability to provide timely, high-quality care and creates space for nurses to focus on the moments of connection that elevate care.”
Proven Impact, Real Results
The model is already delivering meaningful outcomes. In the NICUs at our Medical Center, The Woodlands and Austin campuses, readmissions have dropped by 75%. This drop is driven by stronger discharge education and documentation. For instance, parents are supported with iPads during discharge readiness, expanding access to virtual education and reinforcing confidence as families prepare to go home.
“This is about strengthening care, not replacing it,” said Tanya Hilliard, assistant clinical director of the Virtual Care Network. “Our bedside teams trust experienced virtual nurses to take on education and coordination so they can stay at the bedside. That balance is the core promise of our Virtual Care Network.”
What makes this approach unique is its purpose-built design. Virtual nursing at Texas Children’s was created from the front lines, shaped by feedback from bedside nurses, multidisciplinary teams, patients and families. Our virtual care is built to reduce nurse burden while improving quality and efficiency.
What’s Next
By the end of the year, the Virtual Care Network is expected to expand across Acute Care and Critical Care departments systemwide, with future capabilities planned for on-demand support, real-time surveillance and remote patient monitoring.
Our hospital remains one of only a handful of pediatric hospitals nationwide — and the only known NICU program — to deliver virtual nursing at this scale.
Above all, this expansion celebrates collaboration. Our virtual nurses and bedside nurses are working together to redefine care, proving that innovation, when grounded in compassion, brings us closer to the families we serve.
Click here to learn more about the impact of our Virtual Care Network team.