Mission Control: How Moffitt Is Redefining Nursing Through Innovation, Virtual Care and Early Sepsis Detection

This story is part of a larger series on new technology at Moffitt and how it impacts cancer patients and their care.

At Moffitt Cancer Center, innovation in cancer care isn’t limited to breakthrough treatments, it’s also transforming how care is coordinated, monitored and delivered in real time. At the center of that transformation is Mission Control, a centralized hub designed to improve patient flow, support nursing teams and, increasingly, identify clinical deterioration such as sepsis infections earlier than ever before. 

“Everything we do is about making sure patients get the right care, in the right place, at the right time,” said Marina Rivers, Patient Flow Manager, who leads many of the teams within Mission Control. 

Opened in June 2025, Mission Control brings together several critical teams under one roof, all focused on improving care coordination. The patient placement and transfer center acts as the operational backbone, coordinating admissions from clinics, homes and outside hospitals to ensure beds are ready when patients arrive. For many patients, this level of coordination can significantly reduce stress and delays. 

Strengthening Early Detection for Sepsis 

Beyond logistics, Mission Control is also strengthening clinical surveillance. Through a combination of experienced nursing oversight and technology, teams can continuously monitor patients’ status and respond quickly when something changes. This is especially critical for conditions like sepsis, where early recognition and rapid intervention can dramatically impact outcomes. 

At the heart of this effort is Moffitt’s growing virtual nursing program, what leaders often describe as the “eyes in the sky.” Staffed by highly experienced nurses, many with decades of oncology expertise, the program allows clinicians to monitor several patients at once through a centralized digital platform to help them spot subtle warning signs. 

“They can see everything from vital signs, labs, medications, who the doctors are,” Rivers said. “They’re able to manage patients through this virtual nursing lens.” 

For patients at risk of sepsis — a life-threatening infection that damages the body’s organs — those trends matter. A slight drop in blood pressure, a change in temperature or abnormal lab values can signal the early stages of a serious infection. With a virtual nurse continuously monitoring these data points, care teams gain an added layer of protection, one that enables faster escalation and intervention when needed. 

‘Eyes in the Sky’ 

Virtual nurses don’t just monitor, they act. They support bedside nurses with clinical decision-making, assist with documentation and provide an additional safety check for high-risk processes like chemotherapy administration. They also engage directly with patients, conducting admission assessments and discharge education through virtual platforms. 

This model allows bedside nurses to focus more on hands-on care while knowing they have immediate backup. It also creates a powerful mentorship dynamic, where seasoned nurses can guide newer team members in real time. Questions like how to prioritize care or respond to a change in a patient’s condition can be addressed instantly, improving both confidence and patient safety. 

Moffitt's virtual nurse team during a recent zoom meeting.

Extending Careers, Elevating Care 

The program is also redefining career longevity in nursing. For experienced nurses who may no longer be able to manage the physical demands of 12-hour bedside shifts, virtual roles offer a way to continue contributing their expertise. 

In one case, a nurse with more than 30 years of experience returned to Moffitt after retiring due to physical limitations. Today, she supports patients and mentors staff through the virtual platform. 

“That’s knowledge you can’t replace,” Rivers said. “And now we don’t have to lose it.” 

As Mission Control continues to evolve, its impact is becoming clear. By combining technology with deep clinical expertise, Moffitt is creating a model where innovation supports not just how care is delivered, but how quickly and safely clinicians can respond when it matters most.