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VirtuAlly Wins Coveted Gold in the 2026 Merit Awards for Healthcare

On November 5, 2026, VirtuAlly proudly announced its triumph at the 2026 Merit Awards for Healthcare, where it secured the Gold award in the Telemedicine category. This prestigious recognition highlights the organization's commitment to innovation, impactful outcomes, and substantial contributions to the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

The Merit Awards honor organizations leading the way in meaningful advancements within the healthcare sector. Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards are distributed in each category. The honorees are chosen based on their contributions to innovation and their measurable impact on the healthcare community. This year, a panel composed of industry executives, media representatives, and expert consultants evaluated the nominations.

Joe Wechsler, VirtuAlly's CEO, commented on the award, stating, "Every health system we talk to is asking the same question: How do we give bedside nurses more support without adding headcount or risking quality? This recognition belongs to our clinicians who show up for every shift. They are part of the care team, delivering measurable results to our clients."

Marie Zander, executive director of the Merit Awards, praised the winners for their rapid adaptation to the healthcare changes brought about by technology. "This year's winners demonstrate how quickly the healthcare sector is evolving, with AI-driven clinical tools and innovative virtual care models. These advancements are solving real challenges faced by patients, providers, and payers alike, and we are proud to highlight these exceptional teams."

In a landscape marked by persistent nursing shortages and increased patient acuity, VirtuAlly was chosen for its groundbreaking model of incorporating seasoned virtual clinicians into the care teams of hospitals. This model allows onsite clinicians to focus more on direct patient care, while virtual nurses take on designated responsibilities that enhance efficiency.

VirtuAlly aims to broaden the support available to hospitals through its Global Command Center model, which provides 24/7 telesitting services. This innovative approach enables health systems to scale their patient observation capacities, easing the burden on bedside nursing teams amidst growing patient demands.

Angel Bozard, VirtuAlly's Chief Nursing Officer, articulated the essence of successful virtual nursing by stating, "Virtual nursing works effectively when bedside nurses trust in it. We create every program in collaboration with frontline nurses and based on their workflows so that the time saved translates directly into enhanced patient interactions."

As a leader in the field, VirtuAlly is proud to be among the first virtual nursing organizations to receive Joint Commission Accreditation. Each of its clinicians is a VirtuAlly employee, integrated into hospital teams nationwide, providing constant support and expertise.

Earlier in 2026, the company was featured on the Inc. 5000 list, highlighting it as one of America's fastest-growing private enterprises. This growing influence reflects VirtuAlly's integral role in the healthcare landscape, striving to meet the challenges posed by modern-day patient care.

For more information about VirtuAlly or to arrange a meeting, visit virtually.io/schedule-a-meeting.

About VirtuAlly

VirtuAlly was established to enhance the capabilities of bedside nurses by delivering measurable patient outcomes and promoting safety. Originating from the Medical University of South Carolina—one of only two federally recognized Telehealth Centers of Excellence—VirtuAlly stands as a pioneer among virtual nursing organizations by achieving Joint Commission Accreditation. Their offerings include virtual nursing, telesitting, telemetry monitoring, and clinical intelligence, thereby equipping frontline healthcare teams with the experienced support they require. By collaborating with key technology partners, VirtuAlly seamlessly integrates virtual care solutions into existing hospital workflows, ensuring that care teams enjoy support without unnecessary complications.

About Merit Awards

The Merit Awards program recognizes outstanding achievement and innovation in the fields of healthcare, technology, and business. It celebrates individuals and organizations making measurable impacts in their respective domains, with selections made by a judicious panel of industry experts and media representatives.