Since critical care’s inception in the 1950s, nursing has been central in its development. Critical care nurses were and remain essential members of the interprofessional team that deliver direct patient care to critically ill patients [1]. Their role has evolved significantly from being primarily task-oriented to encompassing a multifaceted profession characterized by clinical expertise, technological proficiency, unwavering patient advocacy, and compassionate care. The global COVID-19 pandemic further expedited this shift, accelerating the transformation of critical care nursing into a highly specialized and collaborative discipline. Amid the crisis, critical care nurses emerged as emotional support for isolated patients, providing comfort and connection during the most challenging of times, while also rapidly acquiring new skills to master everything from personal protective protocols to ventilation techniques and end-of-life care in unprecedented conditions.

This period also witnessed rapid changes in the conceptualization and operationalization of critical care nursing; there was the strategic redeployment of nurses from various specialties into ICUs, the inclusion of travel nurses, and the expansion of virtual nursing. These adaptations were crucial to address fluctuating patient volumes during the pandemic, underscoring the need for dynamic staffing models that could adapt to changing demands. Virtual nursing emerged as a valuable resource, empowering critical care teams to provide remote monitoring and support to patients across multiple locations. By leveraging telemedicine, virtual critical care nurses could augment the bedside workforce and deliver specialized care to patients in underserved areas. These staffing models, encompassing team nursing, pairing less experienced nurses with seasoned ICU veterans, flexible staffing ratios based on patient acuity, and virtual nursing, became instrumental in delivering quality care during crises. However, they also brought to the forefront the stark realities of current challenges, including workforce shortages and the pressing need for robust support and continuous professional development within the nursing field.

The rapid implementation of new technologies and practices in response to the pandemic highlights the need for a more evidence-based approach to healthcare innovation. While the use of virtual nursing and other staffing models proved beneficial during a crisis, it is essential to conduct rigorous research to assess their long-term effectiveness and determine the optimal implementation strategies. Staff nurses play a crucial role in this process, providing valuable insights from their frontline experience and expertise in patient care. Moreover, nurse researchers can and should be leading the evaluation, testing and implementation of these staffing models. By actively engaging in research and development, nurses can ensure that new technologies and practices are not only effective but also aligned with the core values and principles of the nursing profession.