Virtual patient observation vs. humans

[mschumer]

I am a Patient Companion aka a "patient sitter" which is a term I despise since I don't sit much. I just received a 12% pay increase an we have just hired a new full-time Companion. My boss, the Director of Nursing, told me they are looking into Vitual Patient Monitoring and I will be part of it. I'm sorry to toot my horn but I am one of the best out there. I'm known as the patient whisperer around the hospital and units always wish I was there. My only required credential is BLS. I have learned a lot about patient care and I make sure I know as much as possible about the patient so I can find a connection. I get them though the day and help keep the unit from unwanted disruptions. So my boss assures me the Patient Companion position will not go away as we will still be needed on the tough cases. I am fine with that and if we can monitor 10 borderline patients at once vs. using the techs for overflow, that Is great. My concern is the hospital will not apply the technology to the right patients. It takes a millisecond to pull an IV line and God forbid a PICC line. I am a very hands on Companion. My observations are sought after by clinical staff, I'm a great ambassador to the family and most patients appreciate my help. The new system is being marketed as a great savior and some companies state they can rid of traditional 1:1s. Some say it will allow the hospital to use the saved money and hire more Companions. So after this long winded post, I'm asking those that have this system in place, how is it working? Do you still have sitters? Are there reduced falls and pulled lines? I've never had a patient fall and never a pulled line. I'd like to here your opinions. Only those that have been exposed to the virtual monitoring system respond. I'd rather not have opinions just facts.