Inspiring Nurses to Become Innovators (Podcast)

Innovation in nursing does not always begin in a laboratory or involve a new piece of technology. Often, it starts with a simple question at the bedside: Why are we still doing it this way?

"Day-to-day frustrations often reveal opportunities for improvement that have been overlooked," says Nancy Albert, PhD, CCNS, CHFN, CCRN, NE-BC, FAHA, FCCM, FHFSA, FAAN, Associate Chief Nursing Officer and Executive Director of Cleveland Clinic’s Office of Nursing Research and Innovation. "I challenge caregivers to broaden their understanding of what innovation can look like. It might be a device, but it also could be a process, tool, playbook or other approach that solves a problem in a novel way."

In this episode of Nurse Essentials, Albert encourages caregivers to brainstorm ideas by reflecting on their daily experiences, rely on the expertise of colleagues with different perspectives and use their creativity to challenge assumptions and develop solutions. She also discusses how healthcare leaders can maintain a forward-facing mindset that fosters nurse-led innovations.

Click the podcast player above to listen to the episode now, or read on for a short, edited excerpt. Check out more Nurse Essentials episodes at my.clevelandclinic.org/podcasts/nurse-essentials or wherever you get your podcasts.

Podcast excerpt

Podcast host Carol Pehotsky, DNP, RN, NEA-BC: How do you encourage nurses to tap into their creativity and become innovators?

Albert: I think the best way is to make sure they understand that innovation is for everyone. My mantra is: Every single nurse at Cleveland Clinic can and should be an innovator. Every nurse around the country can be, too. So what are the steps to make that happen?

Years ago, when we developed our professional practice model, I argued...that the very first rung should include bringing forward ideas for change. I said that every nurse needs to recognize the issues that are preventing them from delivering [optimal] care [feel empowered] to develop solutions.

First, they have to identify a problem or need, and then they must be willing to dive in and ask: Can I solve this? Can I do something different? Can I be the innovator? You have to be willing to talk about it.

Depending on the need that [has been pinpointed], you might want to bring in an engineer...or a dietician...or somebody in housekeeping. Bringing in other people can help get the creative juices flowing. It's also helpful to get online and research the innovations that are already out there.