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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, Jennifer Colwill, DNP, APRN, CCNS, PCCN, at Cleveland Clinic discusses her role, her journey with Innovations, who she finds inspiring, and more.
Q: Could you share your background, how long you have been with Cleveland Clinic and your current role?
A: I started my nursing career in India, where I grew up, and then Saudi Arabia before coming to the United States. I have been with Cleveland Clinic since 2003, primarily in the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute and I am currently at Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital. I was a inpatient clinical nurse the first half of my career and then in 2004, I pursued advanced studies to become a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). In my current role as a CNS, I have been involved in nursing practice, quality improvement initiatives, research projects and have submitted several innovative ideas, some of which have been successfully implemented.
Q: Could you please describe your innovation journey? How has the process been challenging or rewarding?
A: My journey with invention and innovation has been both personally and professionally fulfilling and, at times, challenging. Being creative and bringing new ideas to life gives me the energy and spark to keep going. Professionally, the process of innovation has been like a roller coaster ride. There are moments of great excitement and progress, but also times when it feels like everything comes crashing down and you’ve taken two steps back. However, I've learned that having resilience and passion for my ideas are key to push through the challenges and move forward. It’s been a mix of excitement, setbacks, and ultimately, growth.
Q: Have there been any nurses or individuals in your career who have inspired you or helped you view things differently? If so, who were they and how did they impact you?
A: I have been inspired and influenced by remarkable individuals throughout my career. One such person is Toby Cosgrove, MD, former President and CEO of Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Cosgrove was a highly innovative individual throughout his career, with numerous inventions to his name. His ability to draw inspiration from unconventional sources, such as modeling his mitral valve design after an embroidery hoop, impressed me. Witnessing his capacity to integrate disparate elements into his professional work has been impactful. Also, when I think of influential figures in nursing, Florence Nightingale immediately comes to mind. Her innovative spirit and resilience against all odds serve as a constant inspiration to me. Despite the challenges she faced, she was able to push boundaries and make significant strides in the field of nursing. Her ability to drive change and progress has greatly impacted how I approach my work.
Q: Have you had anyone or any team at Cleveland Clinic who has been particularly helpful in your journey? If so, can you describe how they assisted you?
A: Yes, I have had incredible support during my journey at Cleveland Clinic. One person who has been a tremendous advocate for me is Nancy Albert, PhD, CCNS, CHFN, CCRN, NE-BC, FAHA, FCCM, FHFSA, FAAN, Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Office of Nursing Research and Innovation. She illuminates the valuable contributions that nurses can make and emphasizes the importance of our ideas. The nursing innovations program, which she oversees, and her advocacy have played a crucial role in advancing innovations collaboratively. Additionally, I have been fortunate to work with a team of individuals who have been instrumental in bringing my ideas to life. Every time I’ve presented a new concept or faced setbacks, they’ve offered unwavering support and encouragement, propelling the innovation forward. Their willingness to explore and develop even the smallest spark of an idea has been invaluable in my journey.
Q: What have you found to be most inspiring about this journey?
A: This journey has been very inspiring especially the realization that success often comes after a series of setbacks and challenges. It's easy to only see the results and the achievements of others but understanding the hard work and determination that goes into innovation is truly inspirational. Despite the difficulties and setbacks, the purpose and passion that drive us are what keep us pushing through.
Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing as this journey has taught me the value of perseverance and the strength of purpose.
Q: What advice would you give fellow nurses or colleagues who feel like they might have an idea but they're not sure how to start or what to do with their idea?
A: My advice would be to just jump in and not wait for everything to be perfectly aligned. Don't feel like you need to have all the answers before you start. Instead, take action and seek out people who can help you along the way. When you ask for help and express your interest, especially in a supportive environment like Cleveland Clinic, you'll be surprised by how many people are willing to assist you. There are individuals who are willing to offer guidance and support to help you progress. It's essential for the inventor to put in the effort, but there are many people who can assist you in reaching your goals.
Q: What does innovation mean to you?
A: Innovation encompasses anything that offers a fresh perspective or approach. It extends beyond physical products to include processes and new ways of thinking. Whether it's a tangible item or a novel framework for addressing a problem, all these elements fall under the umbrella of innovation.
Q: Can you tell us about some ideas that you have worked on with the goal of creating an innovation?
A: One idea that comes to mind is I noticed a lot of toilet related falls.I wanted to create a product that would help keep patients safe while they were toileting.I developed a basic prototype and worked with the nursing innovation coordinator.However, upon online investigation, we found that similar products were already available on the marketplace.
Another idea I had involved improving quality outcomes related to pressure injuries. With this idea, I worked with other nurses and together we developed a research project. We realized there was no tool to measure the supportive environment of care elements for pressure injuries. Therefore, we developed a survey tool (Pressure Injury Care Environment Support tool, known as PrICES) and validated it using the research process.The PrICES tool was submitted as an innovation, and we are currently working towards having it available on our external marketplace for other nurses and/or hospital systems to use. It’s been a fun learning experience to complete a psychometric research study and develop an innovation at the same time.We did not start out with the goal of creating an innovation but ended up with one.
Q: Could you please describe your experience using the Nursing Institute’s Step Forward program?
A: I’ve found the Step Forward program to be beneficial for nurses. It provides a quick and easy way to submit an idea and move through the process. The support from Nancy andKaren Schaedlich, MSN, RN, Innovation Program Coordinator, has been incredibly helpful, guiding me through each step. When I first started at Cleveland Clinic, it was difficult to figure out where to go, when, how, and who to talk to when an idea came to my mind. The Step Forward program has made a big difference. Karen works closely with me and regularly checks in to see if I’m ready to meet again. She’s like a little reminder to keep me focused on my ideas. It’s easy to get excited about an idea, but then work and life get in the way. Karen helps keep me on track and motivated to keep working on my ideas.
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.
