MUSC Health Pioneers Virtual Nursing in Neonatal ICU, Enhancing Care for Fragile Newborns

Charleston, S.C. – In a move to bolster specialized care for critically ill newborns, MUSC Health is among the first health systems in the nation to integrate virtual nursing into its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This innovative approach, launched in January 2026, expands a collaboration with VirtuAlly, a leader in virtual nursing and clinical support services, to provide enhanced support for both patients and their families.

Expanding Virtual Care to the NICU

The partnership brings specialized clinical expertise to MUSC’s Level IV NICU – the highest designation for neonatal care in South Carolina – addressing the complex medical, operational, and administrative challenges inherent in NICU care. VirtuAlly previously provided pediatric virtual nurses in the med-surg unit at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital in Charleston, demonstrating a successful model for expansion.

How Virtual Nurses Support the NICU Team

VirtuAlly’s experienced virtual nurses (VRNs), who average 13 years of clinical experience, work alongside bedside teams to improve patient outcomes and streamline workflows. Their key contributions include:

• Real-time Collaboration: Supporting safety education and initiatives with bedside clinicians.
• Discharge Education: Providing comprehensive education to families to reduce readmission rates.
• Documentation & Care Coordination: Assisting with essential administrative tasks.
• Family Support: Offering orientation and enhanced education to families navigating the complexities of NICU care.
• Communication Assistance: Providing translation and language support to ensure clear communication.

Benefits of Virtual Nursing in the NICU

“The NICU setting demands precision and constant coordination as our team cares for the most fragile patients in the hospital,” said Emily Warr, MSN, RN, administrator for the MUSC Center for Telehealth and a former NICU nurse, in a February 10, 2026 news release. “Bringing the VirtuAlly partnership into the NICU strengthens our nursing coverage effectiveness, streamlines team-based nursing workflows for added efficiency, and helps ensure our newborns receive the highest level of care in the critical first days of their lives.”

By integrating into MUSC’s care model, VirtuAlly’s VRNs broaden the impact of bedside clinicians, allowing them to focus on direct patient care. Angel Bozard, Chief Nursing Officer at VirtuAlly, emphasized the complexity of NICU care, noting its challenges on medical, operational, and administrative levels. VirtuAlly states that this collaboration underscores their role as a national leader in NICU virtual nursing.

Looking Ahead

The implementation of virtual nursing in the MUSC NICU represents a significant step forward in leveraging technology to enhance neonatal care. As the model continues to evolve, it has the potential to improve outcomes, reduce burdens on healthcare staff, and provide greater support to families during a critical time.