Nurse Inventor Spotlight Series: Amy Weil, BSN, RN

The Nurse Inventor Spotlight series features Cleveland Clinic nurses who have embarked on the innovation journey. Here, they share what they find inspiring about their role, how they identified an unmet need, what innovation means to them and how their solution could affect both patients and caregivers.

In this installment, inventor Amy Weil, BSN, RN, describes her personal inspirations, innovation journey and more. Weil, who joined Cleveland Clinic 12 years ago, is Nurse Manager for Pediatric Cardiology Outpatient Services and the pediatric catheterization lab at Main Campus.

Q: What aspects of your nursing career excite you the most?

A: I find inspiration in the opportunity to drive quality care and initiate meaningful change. One of the aspects I love most is supporting my team by identifying areas that aren't working well and developing strategies for improvement. This focus on problem-solving is at the core of who I am — I'm passionate about enhancing patient care and creating safer, more efficient processes. Ultimately, these improvements not only benefit our patients but also enhance caregiver satisfaction, which is incredibly fulfilling.

Q: What prompted your innovation journey?

A: In January 2023, while working as a staff nurse in the cath lab, I experienced a pivotal incident that underscored the importance of patient safety. During a patient transport back to the ICU, an IV pole that was carrying multiple medication pumps tipped over. Fortunately, the anesthesiologist caught it just in time, preventing potential harm to a patient who was heavily reliant on life-support medication. This close call made me realize the significant risks involved during patient care delivery and inspired me to rethink our safety protocols.

At a staff meeting around that time, my manager raised a safety protocol concern about a sudden increase in vascular complications. This prompted me to use a quality improvement framework to learn more. I reviewed charts to identify quality and safety factors among the affected patients and learned that we had inconsistencies in our practices regarding sheath removal and the amount of time pressure was placed on the blood vessel (also known as hold times). The inconsistencies highlighted a need for standardized procedures to improve patient outcomes.

After discussing the issues with our physician, we developed and implemented a standardized protocol for sheath removal over the following six months. Post-implementation, there was no obvious change in our complication rates due to nonadherence to the protocol. Further assessment revealed that varying orders and anesthesia considerations may have led staff to hold the sheaths for insufficient time. Once we simplified the process and enhanced team education, compliance rose from 50% to nearly 90%.

As a result of these efforts, our vascular complication rate dropped to just 3%. This journey, initiated by the alarming incident during patient transport, has driven meaningful change in our department and highlighted the critical importance of proactive measures in patient safety.

From this experience, I learned the importance of presenting data accurately and cautiously, as it can lead to valuable innovations for patient care. For instance, after implementing the revised protocol, we tracked our complication data rate for a year and compared it to our baseline complication rate. We also began to focus on complications that occurred after achieving hemostasis—including instances where patients coughed or were moved.

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Weil helps cut the ribbon at the opening of the Pediatric Catheterization Lab at Main Campus.

Q: Where do things currently stand with your invention?

A: I initially submitted my idea through the Nursing Innovations Step Forward portal, and Karen Schaedlich, MSN, RN, Nursing Innovation Coordinator, reached out, expressing interest in investigating further. Together, we developed the Invention Disclosure Form (IDF) and conducted an initial assessment of the idea’s novelty. While similar products existed on the market, none appeared to address the unmet need of adjustable length, quick-release focused on ease of use and use of a level.

After submitting the IDF to Cleveland Clinic Innovations (CCI), the project entered the assessment phase, during which an Innovations project team was assigned to further assess the commercial potential of the case. The team helped me create a pitch deck describing the problem, solution and value of the device — but, unfortunately, it wasn’t initially approved to move forward. Despite that setback, the CCI team was enthusiastic about the idea, so I applied for a Catalyst Grant to continue developing prototypes. We're now waiting for funding, which will allow us to test the solution with caregivers to evaluate its effectiveness.

Q: What has the invention process been like for you, and what has surprised you the most about it so far?

A: I had no idea what to expect, so having the support of the Innovations team has been crucial for me. I wouldn't have known how to navigate it on my own. Without the team guiding me, especially after my idea was initially denied, I might not have continued pursuing other resources.

For example, it was Shaher Ahmad, EMBA, Associate Director, Innovations Development, who encouraged me to apply for a Catalyst Grant, something I wouldn't have thought to do by myself. The resources and support available to caregivers at Cleveland Clinic are incredible, but they're not as widely known as they should be.

Q: Can you describe the process of applying for a caregiver Catalyst Grant?

A: The process started with Michelle Leung, MPH, Engagement Partner, who helped me find and complete the application. Karen, Shaher, Michelle and I met several times to review it, and they made suggestions on what to include and how the application could be improved.

One of the more challenging parts of the application was estimating costs, which I had no experience with as a nurse. Shaher connected me with people who could provide cost estimates for the prototype and guide me through the creation of the budget. Overall, the help I received from CCI throughout the process was invaluable, especially since I don't have a background in engineering or materials. That assistance was the biggest takeaway for me.

Q: Are there any particular caregivers who've inspired your innovation journey?

A: Karen Schaedlich has been instrumental throughout my entire journey. Additionally, I attended a Nursing Innovation Summit, where nurse inventors have the opportunity to share their stories. Hearing from others who have successfully navigated the process — with their hospitals or independently — was incredibly inspiring.

One nurse's words particularly resonated with me: Innovation is a marathon, not a sprint. That mindset has helped me stay focused and not get discouraged by setbacks. It reminds me that, even when things don’t go as planned, it’s important to pivot and keep pushing forward if you believe the need is real.

Q: What advice would you give a colleague who's interested in inventing but doesn't know where to start?

A: My best piece of advice for anyone looking to innovate is to leverage the resources at your institution or hospital. I believe that everyone has the potential to contribute ideas that could significantly enhance patient care and guide nursing practice.

Have the courage to speak up and share your ideas, no matter how small they may seem. There are likely countless innovative thoughts and solutions waiting to be explored, but many people just don’t know how to bring them to fruition.

Take advantage of the programs and support systems available; they can be invaluable in fostering creativity and collaboration. I can personally attest that my successes would not have been possible without my workplace resources. Remember, the journey of innovation begins with a single idea, so don’t hesitate to share yours. Together, we can continue to drive meaningful change in patient care.