When the pandemic first hit, I remember sitting in front of a a patient’s home a home health nurse. I was unsure about my own safety and the safety of the patient. The unknown about COVID left me wondering if I was putting myself at risk and how much I was willing do to so. I went into each patient’s home with caution and uncertainty. I made sure to maintain all standard precautions and educated my patients and their families on safety measure to take while we learn more about COVID. Once my children had to stay home from school for virtual learning full time, I was left wondering what would happen with my career as I was not able to maintain my schedule.

This is when I began looking into other career options. I took me about 6 months, but I was eventually able to land a remote, telehealth job. I can vividly recall waiting for my first telehealth appointment. I wasn’t sure how it would go—nursing, to me, had always meant being physically present with my patients. How could I care for someone I couldn’t even touch? Then the screen lit up for my first triage call, there was Mrs. L, a sweet older woman living in a rural town miles away from the nearest clinic. She smiled, relieved that she didn’t have to make the two-hour drive just to check in about her blood pressure. That day, I realized something important: telehealth doesn’t take away from nursing—it expands it.

Telehealth isn’t just about convenience or working from home—it’s a bridge between the patient and access to care. It allows us to reach patients in their homes, their workplaces, even during moments when coming to a clinic isn’t possible. But here’s the thing: technology alone can’t replace us. We are the heart of healthcare and drive better patient outcomes.

Even through a screen or a phone call, I am able to use my nursing skills that I used at the bedside. I still have to listen actively, listen for subtle shifts in a patient’s tone or expression, and offer reassurance when anxiety or uncertainty arises. We guide patients, educate them, and make sure they feel supported—not just treated. The screen may separate us physically, but empathy, understanding, and personalized care know no distance.

Telehealth lets us extend our reach, but it’s our presence—our voice, our guidance, our connection—that transforms remote care into real care. For millennial nurses, blending tech with touch isn’t just the future of nursing—it’s the heart of it. I am excited to share my experiences with you including the challenges and positive aspects of telehealth.