Who Is This Article For?

This guide is designed for registered nurses and healthcare professionals exploring graduate education in family nursing practice, specifically, those interested in understanding how telehealth is shaping modern FNP responsibilities. 

Key Takeaways and Findings:

  • An overview of how telehealth evolved in nursing practice 
  • Key technologies FNPs use to deliver virtual care 
  • Best practices and challenges and how Keiser’s MSN-FNP program prepares you for all of it 
  • Telehealth has become a permanent and growing part of family nursing practice 
  • Effective telehealth FNPs must develop specific skills as platforms evolve 
  • Keiser University’s MSN-FNP program is designed for working nurses ready to advance into a role at the forefront of virtual healthcare delivery 

Telehealth is no longer an emerging trend in nursing. What began as an emergency response and has evolved into a permanent and expanding dimension of how family nurse practitioners deliver care.

For nurses pursuing a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), fluency in telehealth technology, online patient communication, and remote care delivery is essential from day one.

How Telehealth Transformed Family Nursing Practice

Telehealth technology has been available for years, but it was not until the COVID-19 pandemic that telehealth services became the norm. During the initial phase of the pandemic, when many healthcare facilities were focused entirely on fighting the novel virus, most standard healthcare appointments had to be conducted virtually. Even in the aftermath of the pandemic, several patients continue to prefer telehealth services, highlighting the importance of telehealth in nursing.

Evolution of Telehealth Technology

As demand for telehealth services rose swiftly, there were rapid advances in telehealth technology. Today, patients can rely on a wide range of telehealth technology to receive comprehensive, personalized care from healthcare providers, including nurses.

Growth in Telehealth Adoption

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, telehealth services peaked during the pandemic, but today, telehealth reliance remains higher than it was prior to the pandemic. In 2022, survey results showed that 22 percent of U.S. adults had relied on telehealth services within a four-week period.

Regulatory Changes Supporting Telehealth

To ensure that patients are receiving reliable and secure healthcare services from telehealth providers, there have been regulatory changes to support and improve telehealth services. There are policies in place that improve telehealth security, protect patient privacy, limit prescribing controlled substances and maintain license requirements for practitioners. For FNPs, staying current on telehealth regulations, including DEA prescribing rules and state licensure requirements, is an ongoing responsibility.

Benefits of Telehealth in Family Nursing

Nurses’ role in telehealth is particularly crucial because nurses often serve as the point of contact during telehealth services. Within family nursing, telehealth is particularly beneficial because it offers:

Increased Accessibility

Telehealth appointments are more accessible, allowing patients to connect to family nurse practitioners and other providers, even if they are not within proximity of the healthcare facility. This is particularly important in Florida, where Keiser’s FNP graduates often provide care for underserved rural and suburban communities across the state’s 21+ campus regions.

Convenience for Patients

Many patients find telehealth appointments to be more convenient because they do not have to account for time to travel to the office for the visit or time to wait for the provider to arrive for their appointment. It is often easier to schedule telehealth appointments around existing obligations, such as work or childcare.

Cost-Effectiveness

Telehealth appointments are an affordable alternative to traditional, in-person appointments, and the rise in telehealth may help reduce overall healthcare costs in a country burdened by a complex and expensive healthcare system.

Improved Patient Outcomes

Family nurse practitioners may be able to improve patient outcomes through telehealth because they can provide personalized care in a safe, secure, and distraction-free setting.

Enhanced Chronic Disease Management

Remote monitoring plays a key role in telehealth services, which is particularly beneficial for chronic disease management. Nurses can continue collecting data and monitoring their patients, even when they are not physically in the office, allowing them to better understand their patient’s condition and unique needs.

Key Technologies in Telehealth

For FNPs entering or advancing in telehealth practice, proficiency in the following key technologies is no longer optional, it’s a core competency that is expected:

Video Conferencing

Video conferencing tools allow patients to connect with providers in a secure and private way, giving them the opportunity to receive personalized care and treatment remotely. Video conferencing became a key component of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic, when extreme social distancing restrictions were in place.

Remote Patient Monitoring

Remote monitoring, made possible by wearable healthcare technology and other devices, allows nurses and healthcare providers to continue to track patient data and monitor their well-being. Remote monitoring is essential to improving patient outcomes through telehealth services.

Mobile Health Apps

Mobile apps, such as those provided by healthcare organizations or third parties, allow patients and providers to stay connected to one another in a way that is both convenient and accessible. Mobile health apps allow users to track and record healthcare data, receive healthcare reports, contact their providers, and more.

Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

Electronic health records (EHRs) are a vital part of telehealth services in the 21st century. These records allow providers to share vital health data and information with patients, and they also allow providers to collaborate better across specialties. For instance, a family nurse practitioner can easily share a patient’s EHRs with their cardiac care team, ensuring that all providers can work together to formulate a comprehensive care plan.

Wearable Devices

Wearable devices, such as fitness trackers or heart monitors, allow patients to better understand their own vital health signs as well as give providers better insight into the health and well-being of their patients. Wearable devices can record data and store it on the cloud, giving both providers and patients access to this critical data.

How FNPs Use Telehealth Across Patient Populations

One core strength of the FNP scope of practice is the ability to serve patients across the entire lifespan. Here’s how FNPs are putting it into practice:

Routine Check-Ups

Patients who do not have any major concerns or who are not at risk of complications may be able to complete their routine check-ups via a virtual appointment. Remote routine check-ups can help save time, improve efficiency, and reduce the cost of healthcare.

Chronic Disease Management

Patients suffering from chronic disease are often burdened by excessive healthcare appointments. Through telehealth services, many of these follow-up appointments can be done remotely, making the process of chronic disease management easier for the patient.

Mental Health Services

Remote and online mental health services allow FNPs to reach patients who might otherwise delay or avoid care. These patients may not have been reached in the past due to scheduling conflicts, stigma, or geographic barriers. Telehealth helps patients receive timely interventions that can be critical in preventing more severe outcomes.

Pediatric Care

For parents with young children, healthcare appointments can be stressful and overwhelming. Infants and toddlers need more routine check-ups than older children, and children of all ages tend to get sick frequently. Virtual appointments are much easier for parents to manage, allowing providers to offer enhanced pediatric care and improved outcomes.

Geriatric Care

Similar to pediatric care, geriatric care can be difficult. Elderly patients may have mobility limitations, or they may not be able to secure transportation to their appointments. Virtual appointments allow them to receive personalized care from the comfort of their own home.

Telehealth Best Practices Every FNP Should Master

Effective telehealth practice goes beyond knowing how to start a video call. For FNPs, it means developing a specific clinical skill set for the virtual environment. The following are best practices for telehealth family nursing:

Best Practice

What It Means in Practice

Why It Matters for FNPs
 

Clear Communication

 Use plain language; confirm patient understanding of diagnosis and plan Body language cues are limited in virtual visits; clarity prevents miscommunication
 

Privacy & Confidentiality

 Confirm patients are in a private space before beginning the visit HIPAA compliance applies in telehealth the same as in-person care
 

Technical Proficiency

 Be fluent in all telehealth platforms; able to guide patients through setup Tech barriers are a leading cause of failed or incomplete telehealth visits
 

Continuous Skill Updates

 Complete ongoing CE/training as telehealth technology evolves Regulatory and platform changes are frequent; outdated skills = liability
 

Workflow Integration

 Embed telehealth into scheduling, documentation, and team handoffs Seamless integration improves patient satisfaction and staff morale

A telehealth FNP will need to focus on using clear and understandable language and will also need to confirm that the patient understands the diagnosis and treatment plan. Telehealth nurses should ensure that patients are logging into their appointments in a safe and secure area. Given the fact that telehealth relies heavily on advanced technology, telehealth nurses often double as IT technicians. Nurses should be proficient in all telehealth technology, and they should feel comfortable enough with this technology so that they can help patients navigate it as well. Finally, when done right, telehealth services can help streamline operations at a healthcare facility. These changes can ultimately improve patient satisfaction ratings, patient outcomes, and staff morale.

Challenges and Solutions in Telehealth

In many ways, telehealth has revolutionized the healthcare industry, helping to offset the burden that has been placed on an incredibly complex system. However, there are still challenges in telehealth that must be addressed, such as:

Technological Barriers

While telehealth is inherently more accessible than traditional medical care, there are still technological barriers that need to be addressed. Not all patients have access to high-end technology, and there are many patients who lack the technological skills needed to take advantage of telehealth services. Telehealth providers need to actively work to bridge the technology gap and improve digital literacy in their own communities.

Insurance and Reimbursement Issues

While telehealth has become more common, some insurance providers will not provide the same coverage for telehealth services. Healthcare providers and insurance companies need to collaborate to address ongoing insurance and reimbursement issues. Additionally, FNPs should familiarize themselves with CMS telehealth billing codes and payer-specific coverage policies.

Licensure and Regulatory Hurdles

There continue to be licensure and regulatory hurdles for telehealth providers, with many having to monitor regulatory changes closely to ensure that they remain in compliance with the strict privacy regulations in place.

Patient Engagement and Compliance

Sometimes, it can be difficult for telehealth providers to keep patients engaged and ensure that they are complying with their treatment plans. Telehealth nurses should continue to leverage new and innovative technology to meet patients where they are at and improve overall engagement levels.

Prepare to Practice Telehealth Nursing at Keiser University

As the impact of telehealth in nursing becomes clear, aspiring family nurse practitioners will want to select a program that will emphasize the technological and practical skills needed to deliver virtual healthcare services. At Keiser University Graduate School, we offer a Master of Science in Nursing — Family Nurse Practitioner program that explores telehealth in nursing and equips students with the advanced nursing skills needed to pursue a career as an FNP.

Request more information about our graduate degree programs today.