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Calling your nurse | Virtual nursing FAQ

Once you’ve settled into your room at Salem Hospital or West Valley Hospital, you may be uncomfortable — especially after a procedure. We will help in any way we can.

Call button

The nursing staff will regularly check in with you approximately once every hour during the day and every two hours at night. It’s called “rounding.” If you need help between rounds, press the button on your bedrail. A staff member will respond by coming to your room or talking with you over the intercom.

Around-the-clock nursing care is given by a team of registered nurses (RNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and patient care attendants (PCAs). They will assess your needs, evaluate your care and implement plans to make sure you are moving toward a safe discharge.

Controlling your pain

We want to prevent and/or reduce your pain. If you tell your nurse you’re in pain, you will be asked to rate it on a scale of 1 to 10. This rating helps guide your treatment.

Medications for your healing

During your stay, all medications should be provided to you by your nurse. Nurses and pharmacists are available to answer your questions.

Room temperature

Each patient room has its own temperature control. For your comfort, please ask your nurse if you would like the temperature adjusted.

 

 

Call so you don’t fall

We want to keep you safe! You may be weaker or feel more tired due to your illness or procedure. This is normal and nothing to be ashamed of. For your safety, please:

  • Ask your nurse if it’s okay to get up independently. If your nurse asks you not to get up without help, call if you need to get up for any reason, including going to the bathroom.

  • Do not reach for an object that has fallen to the floor.

  • Report spills on the floor to your care team.

  • Use handrails to support yourself.

  • Get up slowly from your bed or chair to prevent dizziness.

  • Wear non-skid footwear. Your nurse can get you non-skid socks.

  • Use your walker, cane or wheelchair, if you have one.

 

 

 

 

All about virtual nursing

We are thrilled to be the first health system in the Willamette Valley, and one of the first in Oregon, to bring virtual nursing to our patients’ bedsides. We understand this is a new way to receive care, and you probably have some questions! Learn more:

What is virtual nursing?

Virtual nursing means a Salem Health registered nurse may use a video chat system to deliver some parts of your care that don’t require someone to visit you in your room.

Who are the virtual nurses?

The virtual RNs are real-life employees of Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics — not outsourced and not computer-generated artificial intelligence. Virtual RNs support your primary in-room nurse and are part of your care team.

Will my care be provided on a screen or by a robot?

No, virtual nursing won’t replace in-person, in-room nursing. That will continue for most of what we do.

What does it look like in the room?

Virtual nursing is rolling out in limited locations at Salem Hospital. If the pilot program is successful, it will be expanded to more areas. If you are staying in a unit that has virtual nursing, you’ll notice your room has a larger TV screen with dual cameras mounted on the wall above the screen. 

What about privacy? Am I being recorded?

Never. The cameras can’t record and will only activate during specific interactions, ensuring your privacy. An icon will appear on your TV screen to let you know when the camera is on, and you’ll see the virtual nurse on screen, too. When not in use, the camera has an automatic, physical lens cover that will slide into place for your privacy. For even greater peace of mind, the camera will physically turn away from you and point toward the wall when not in use. These safeguards help fulfill our tenet of Respect for People and help us deliver Care with Respect.