to technology to fill the gaps virtual nursing has become a lifeline in patient care for many evelyn schultzlook like your typical hospital room, but there is something unique inside with the touch of a button, a patient can be connected to a virtual rn almost instantly. >> good morning, this is nurse cory. >> reporter: cory ross is able to communicate with patients in lexington from hundreds of miles away in indiana. as a virtual rn, he is part of the hospital's new virtually intergrated care program, available 24/7 to patients. >> i think it allows for patients who enter care to take the forefront. because now all of the sudden it allows for patients and families at any point in time raise a hand, ask a question, reach out, get more information about, you know, tests that they're going to have or procedures that they might go through, or medications that they might receive. >> reporter: though he is remote, ross collaborates with in-person staff. he can also take on more patients than a typical bedside caregiver, any from 10 to 15 a day. hospital staff describe virtual nursing as a game ch