Locations:
SearchIn the Nurse Inventor Spotlight series, Cleveland Clinic nurses share their innovation journey, inspiration, how they identified unmet needs, and impact on patients and caregivers.
In the latest issue of the Nurse Inventor Spotlight series, Shawna Jones, BSN, RN, CMSRN, at Cleveland Clinic discusses her role, the problem she is seeking to solve, her journey with Innovations, who she finds inspiring, and more.
Q: What’s your background and role?
A: I work on an observation floor at Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital, where we handle a diverse range of cases including stroke, cardiac, gastrointestinal issues, and more. I take pride in providing comprehensive care to a well-rounded group of patients. My journey to this position has been fulfilling.
Before joining Cleveland Clinic, I dedicated my time to being a mother and worked as a waitress. After my daughter graduated, I pursued my passion for nursing with a goal to work at Akron General. I was thrilled to start my nursing career here five years ago and am grateful to have been part of this team ever since.
Q: What do you find most inspiring about your role?
A: I am passionate about providing care, support, and education to others. I enjoy helping patients understand their diagnoses and medications. I am dedicated to continuously learning through various educational opportunities, such as classes or certifications.
Q: What does “innovation” mean to you?
A: Overall, I believe that innovation is a powerful tool for addressing and alleviating existing problems for the benefit of others. It's exciting to be part of this process and to have the chance to contribute to finding solutions.
Q: How did you get started on the innovation journey? What were you seeking to solve?
A: I've always been interested in this kind of work. When I was in nursing school, I used to hear about small inventions that people were developing, and I always thought it would be amazing to come up with ways to help both caregivers and patients. What set my journey in motion was that the Professional Ladder application, a career advancement program within the Nursing Institute, asks that each nurse applicant share at least 1 innovative idea through the Nursing Institute’s Step Forward portal prior to applying. I submitted an idea related to care for a patient with mobility challenges who was at a high risk for falls. For toileting needs, it was best for him to use a handheld urinal; however, the patient was reluctant to use it, stating it was uncomfortable. That’s when I realized the handheld urinal was not meeting some patients’ needs and thought of an idea that might help.I was able to develop a simple prototype and have been using it with many of my patients. To date, it has been well received by patients and caregivers.
Q: Could you share your experience of working with Cleveland Clinic Innovations from the beginning to now?
A: After submitting my idea to the Step Forward portal, I worked with Karen Schaedlich, MSN, RN, innovation coordinator for the Office of Nursing Research and Innovation. Karen has been an amazing mentor, guiding and supporting me every step of the way. Nancy Albert, PhD, CCNS, CHFN, CCRN, NE-BC, FAHA, FCCM, FHFSA, FAAN, Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Office of Nursing Research and Innovation, also showed tremendous faith in me and my idea, and assured me of her support. Their encouragement gave me the energy to persevere, especially during moments when I felt that others may not completely grasp the significance of the invention. We completed the Invention Disclosure Form (IDF) and formally submitted my idea to Cleveland Clinic Innovations (CCI). It was determined that more research was needed to better understand how my innovation provides value beyond the current urinal used.
I was then connected with Lorraine Novosel, PhD, RN, APRN-CNP, AGPCNP-BC, NEA-BC, a nurse scientist in the Office of Nursing Research and Innovation. She has helped me develop the right research questions that would show perceptions of patients’ “value” of the innovation, write a research proposal, seek Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval to conduct research, and learn if patients feel that the innovative product is important and better than usual care. Lorraine has also been incredibly supportive, providing guidance and encouragement that has made this journey a truly pleasant experience.
Our hope is that the research confirms the issues related to current male voiding patterns during hospitalization and to tweak my invention, as needed. I hope to resubmit my innovative idea to Cleveland Clinic Innovations with solid data that will enhance its potential of success in bringing this product to the marketplace.
Q: As a new member of the DEDICARE cohort, how did you find out about this program? Who are you working with on your team? Are you excited to begin this journey?
A: I learned about the DEDICARE cohort through Hailey Nieset, BSN, RN, who is an Engagement Partner at Cleveland Clinic Innovations.I am working with various other engaged caregivers within Cleveland Clinic who share a similar passion for innovation.The cohort runs through the fall, and I am excited to be on this part of the innovation journey!
Q: What advice would you give to someone in your shoes a few years ago, just beginning their invention process?
A: Keep reaching out to people and don't quit. It's an exciting journey, even if it doesn't lead to a commercialized invention. The things you learn along the way and the people you meet make the whole experience exciting.
Nursing Institute leadership encourages caregivers to be the next nursing innovator! Step Forward with your innovative idea by submitting your idea on the Nursing Innovation’s Step Forward Portal.
