Pioneering the Future of Virtual Nursing, Bonnie Clipper's Story
Healthcare is evolving rapidly, and nurses are stepping up as leaders and innovators, shaping the future of patient care. In a recent episode of The Nurse Converse podcast, Dr. Bonnie Clipper joined host Colton Lord, RN and shared her insights into the critical role of nurses in advancing healthcare through creativity and leadership. Bonnie was the first vice president of innovation for the American Nurses Association, served as a chief nursing officer for over 20 years, and is a LinkedIn Top Nursing Voice.
A Lifelong Passion for Nursing
Dr. Clipper’s journey into nursing began early, inspired by a childhood dream of becoming a nurse. Her career has spanned over two decades as a chief nurse executive, culminating in her role as the first Vice President of Innovation at the American Nurses Association. With a steadfast sense of purpose, she has been at the forefront of meaningful advancements in nursing.
Innovation Born from Crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for healthcare, prompting nurses to develop creative solutions to navigate the chaos. Dr. Clipper noted resourceful approaches like using baby monitors and GoPros to monitor patients remotely. These moments of ingenuity highlighted opportunities for long-term innovation, particularly in virtual care.
The Virtual Nursing Academy: A Game-Changer in Healthcare
Dr. Clipper turned her vision into action by founding the Virtual Nursing Academy, which equips healthcare organizations with tools to implement and sustain virtual nursing models. Key features of the academy include:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Training on virtual care models, technology use, and integration into existing systems.
- Continuing Education Credits: Participants earn 33.75 CE credits to stay ahead in virtual care practices.
- Flexible Registration Options: Designed for both individuals and teams, fostering collaborative learning.
- Live Check-in Sessions: Combines online content with interactive discussions to address real-world challenges.
- Online Community Support: A platform for participants to connect, share resources, and seek advice.
- Private Coaching: Tailored sessions to address specific organizational needs, from operational challenges to building business cases for virtual care.
The academy also addresses the common challenge of change management fatigue, providing structured training to ensure the smooth adoption of virtual care solutions.
Overcoming Barriers in Healthcare Innovation
Introducing new technologies in healthcare often requires overcoming resistance. Dr. Clipper’s team of seasoned virtual nurse leaders works closely with hospitals to ensure successful implementation. By keeping bedside nurses at the forefront of innovation, her approach ensures solutions meet the needs of patients and providers alike.
A Call to Action for Nurse Innovators
Dr. Clipper believes this is a pivotal moment for nurses to lead transformative change. She encourages nurses to embrace opportunities for entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship, bringing their unique insights and solutions to the forefront.
"Healthcare is messed up right now. It's the perfect time to not only innovate, but to transform healthcare," Bonnie said in the podcast episode.
Whether improving patient care or reimagining healthcare systems, nurses have the power to drive innovation and make lasting impacts.
Connect With Colton on social media:
- Instagram: @coltonlord17, @nursedaddies
- TikTok: @nursedaddies
Connect With Bonnie Clipper on LinkedIn
