Earlier this week, Johnson & Johnson started a challenge for all U.S. nurses to participate in and contribute. The “Nurses Innovate QuickFire Challenge” is designed for nurses to submit ideas for new devices, health technologies, protocols and/or treatment approaches. Participants can receive up to $100,000 in grants from this challenge, and also receive mentoring and coaching access through Johnson & Johnson Innovation, JLABS.

(PRNewsfoto/Johnson & Johnson)

Innovation in patient care has a long and linear history with nursing, from figures like Florence Nightingale, Nurse Jean Ward, and Nurse Rebecca Koszalinkski. The combination of nurses’ patient experience and insight and resourcefulness provides them with a unique perspective in the healthcare field, allowing them to have significant and crucial input in addressing health challenges.

Yet a nationwide survey showed Johnson & Johnson that nearly half of Americans (41%) are unaware of the role that nurses play in developing new medical tools and solutions. However, the majority (66%) believe that all medical professionals are capable of coming up with lifesaving ideas, and 75% of those surveyed believe nurses should have platform to submit ideas and inventions for improving patient care.

Investing in nurses is part of Johnson & Johnson’s storied history, as the company has provided funding for scholarships, employment opportunities, and more since their start in 1897. Previous efforts to help nurses include the “Campaign for Nursing’s Future,” which took care of a nursing shortage and increased the nursing workforce by more than one million.

The challenge is open now through February 1, 2019. Applicants should meet the following criteria:

  • Uniqueness of the idea
  • Potential impact on human health
  • Feasibility of the idea
  • Thoroughness of approach
  • Identification of key resources and plan to further idea
See also
University of Minnesota Nursing School Will Add Focus on Substance Abuse among Nurses to Curriculum

For more information about the Johnson & Johnson Nurses Innovate QuickFire Challenge, visit nursing.jnj.com/home.

Lily Miller
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