Each issue, we bring you inspiring career stories, key takeaways, and an in-depth look at unique nursing roles beyond the bedside.
This month, we’re diving into nursing innovation and the power of nurses as problem-solvers.
Ready to explore new opportunities? Let’s dive in!
The Nontraditional Nurse spotlight
Mary Tibbe
This month, we’re thrilled to highlight Mary Tibbe, a clinical nurse specialist who transformed her idea into a real-world medical device. Mary spearheaded the development of The Tibbe, an external urinary catheter designed to improve patient dignity, mobility, and clinical outcomes. What started as a mission to reduce catheter-associated infections turned into an 11-year journey of innovation, problem-solving, and bringing a new medical device to market.
In this exclusive interview, Mary shares how she navigated the product development process, worked with engineers and business leaders, and overcame challenges along the way. Her story is a must-watch for any nurse interested in innovation, entrepreneurship, or medical device development.
Key Takeaways
Nurses are natural problem-solvers.
Bedside nurses have firsthand insight into patient care challenges—and the ability to create real solutions. If you’ve ever thought, “There has to be a better way to do this,” you might be onto something.
Collaboration is key.
Mary didn’t develop the Tibbe on her own—she worked with hospital innovation teams, engineers, and business professionals. Having the right people in your corner can help bring an idea to life. If it feels intimidating, don't be afraid to network and ask for advice from those who have done it before. There are so many people willing to teach and help if you ask!
Innovation takes time.
Bringing a new medical device to market isn’t an overnight success—it took 11 years from concept to final product. Each step in the process is a learning opportunity, and persistence pays off.
Do you have an idea that you’ve been sitting on? What small step could you take today to explore it further?
Nurses should take their ideas seriously.
Mary started with a simple goal—reducing catheter-associated infections—and ended up creating a product that could impact patients nationwide. You don’t need to be an engineer or business expert to start; you just need an idea and the willingness to learn.
What healthcare challenge frustrates you the most? Could you be the one to solve it?
Career Deep Dive
Career Deep Dive: Nursing & Medical Device Innovation
Interested in taking your clinical expertise into product development or innovation? Here’s what you need to know:
✔️ Perks:
• Opportunity to create real change in healthcare
• Work closely with an interdisciplinary team—think engineers, researchers, and business leaders
• Diverse future career paths in product design, regulatory affairs, and sales
⚠️ Challenges:
• Long timelines for product development
• Navigating complex regulations and patenting
• Need for business and technical knowledge (but these can be learned!)
• Collaboration with other specialties may cause delays in time to market
• Some hospitals do not have a specific innovation team. You may be able to work with a medical device company using a nondisclosure agreement!
💰 Salary Considerations:
Unlike traditional nursing roles with set salaries, bringing a medical device to market is an entrepreneurial journey with financial risks and rewards. If you’re considering innovation, here are a few financial factors to think about:
• Initial Investment – Developing a medical device often requires funding for prototyping, testing, and regulatory approvals. Some nurses work with hospital innovation teams, apply for grants, or partner with investors to get started. Partnering is a great way to utilize resources, but you may have to give up equity in exchange for initial investment.
• Licensing vs. Manufacturing – Some innovators license their ideas to a medical device company in exchange for royalties, while others start their own companies to manufacture and sell their devices, which can have higher long-term earning potential but also more risk.
• Potential Revenue Streams – Income could come from royalties, direct sales, consulting, or partnerships with healthcare organizations. Those who successfully bring a device to market may see significant financial returns, but the process takes time.
• Alternative Paths – Some nurses interested in innovation transition into industry roles related to medical innovation, such as product development, clinical consulting, or medical sales, which can offer competitive salaries without the risks of entrepreneurship. See our recent interview with Leslie McCoy to learn more!
• Bottom Line: If you’re passionate about innovation, starting small—by collaborating with an innovation team, filing a patent, or seeking mentorship—can help turn an idea into a reality while mitigating financial risks.
⏳ Schedule & Work-Life Balance:
Designing a medical device offers the potential to be your own boss, but it requires a significant upfront investment of time, money, and effort. The process of bringing a product to market can take years, with challenges like research, development, regulatory approvals, and funding, meaning financial returns may be delayed.
Partnering with an innovation team or medical device company can help share the workload and financial risk, providing more flexibility along the way. While the journey demands persistence and resilience, a successful product can lead to financial independence, career flexibility, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on healthcare.
For nurses with innovative ideas, the rewards of creating a device that improves patient care and solves real clinical problems can be both professionally and personally fulfilling.
Your laughter injection.
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Which area in the US has the lowest cholesterol?
Statin Island!
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