CommonSpirit Expands Virtual Nursing in Houston

HOUSTON, TX – June 22, 2026 – St. Luke’s Health is significantly expanding the use of  Virtually Integrated Care℠ (VIC) across Greater Houston. This innovative model pairs virtual or remote nurses with bedside caregivers using secure video technology to enhance patient care and support nursing staff. This strategic expansion follows demonstrably successful implementations and reflects a pioneering approach to modern healthcare delivery. With recent growth at both Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center and St. Luke’s Health – Sugar Land Hospital, the VIC program is transforming patient care, enhancing nursing support, and proactively addressing the evolving demands of the healthcare landscape.

The VIC program, which initially launched at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center in November 2023 and at St. Luke's Health – Sugar Land Hospital in October 2025, has proven highly effective. This efficacy has directly led to strategic expansions at both facilities. Earlier this month, Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center completed a notable expansion, increasing its total VIC-enabled beds to 78, and establishing CommonSpirit Health's first VIC Critical Care program with 18 critical care beds.

Soon after, St. Luke’s Health – Sugar Land Hospital also scaled its VIC program, extending the care model to an additional 32 Medical-Surgical unit patient rooms. This expansion brings its total number of VIC-enabled rooms to 64.

“The expansion of our Virtually Integrated Care program directly reflects our commitment to both our patients and our dedicated nursing staff," said Houston Market Chief Nursing Officer Ruth Owusu, DNP, MSN, RN. "With VIC, we’re building an infrastructure that directly supports nurses by handling routine tasks, allowing them to focus on the essential, hands-on care only they can provide. This not only improves efficiency but also makes a real difference in the daily lives of our care teams and, consequently, in the quality and safety of care our patients receive."

CommonSpirit Health’s patented VIC model empowers Virtual RNs to manage crucial responsibilities such as regular patient rounding, comprehensive discharge education, family communication and proactive patient monitoring. By offloading these responsibilities, bedside nurses are free to dedicate more focused attention to hands-on clinical care and complex patient needs, resulting in:

• Optimized nursing workflows: Reducing administrative burden allows bedside nurses to dedicate more time to direct patient interaction and critical clinical skills.

• Enhanced patient safety and experience: Continuous virtual observation and proactive support contribute to a safer environment, while improved communication fosters a more patient-centered approach.

• Improved nurse retention and resilience: By enabling nurses to practice at the top of their licenses and reducing burnout, VIC strengthens the nursing workforce amidst national shortages.

• Advanced equity and communication: VIC helps bridge communication gaps for patients with special needs, facilitating clear and comprehensive care instructions.

The VIC model's success has garnered national recognition, including the prestigious 2025 ATA Nexus Transformational Leadership Award, for its role in advancing virtual care and reimagining healthcare delivery. The sustained expansion of the program within the Greater Houston area further solidifies its status as a leading-edge solution for the future of healthcare.