On a daily basis, nurses and midwives find solutions and create ways to improve patient care. The problem is, many of these amazing innovations don’t make it out of the unit where they were created, or even progress from an idea.
FNF aims to to support an innovation movement within nursing and midwifery. We have a number of different ways we are currently doing this, and are always open to explore new projects and partnerships.
“Often in practice many nurses and midwives care and have great ideas but so often we have little time to sit, discuss and act. Frequently as nurses and midwives we forget we are innovators and change agents. One of the many strengths of the FNF Hackathon was the ability to meet a diverse group of individuals, from nursing colleagues to designers, entrepreneurs, engineers and subject matter experts from outside of the NHS.
Often, as nurses and midwives, being given permission to be innovative and creative isn’t always easy. Having the opportunity to support others and being supported myself was inspiring and showed what can be achieved when people work together. Being part of a culture which actively promotes the sharing of ideas, seeks to promote inclusivity and looks at the longer game was truly inspiring.”
Beth Kruger, Senior Improvement Manager, Learning Disability Improvement Cymru, NHS Wales Executive
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Special Expert Group (SEG)
Members of our unique Innovation and Entrepreneurship SEG come together and work collaboratively; their mission is clear – to create an innovation movement within nursing. The SEG initiated a ‘Hackathon’ event and then, building on that, they set up the FNF ‘Good Ideas Lab’: an innovation initiative for nurses and midwives. More details can be found below. You can also find out more about the Innovation and Entrepreneurship SEG here.
Nurses and Midwives: What Do You Stand For
As the demand for health and care services continues to rise and as systems grapple with increasing complexity and ongoing and new challenges, the need for nurses and midwives to have a voice and to influence decision making processes has never been more crucial. A new report captures the insights from nurse and midwifery leaders who FNF convened to attend the flagship WHAT DO YOU STAND FOR? Summit, sponsored by Elsevier Health.
Recognising the pivotal role of nurses and midwives in healthcare delivery, the event aimed to empower nurses and midwives to drive positive change and innovation within their respective fields. To address the most pressing challenges in health and care, nurses and midwives will have to develop the skills to influence around key areas. These areas include: leadership development, professional voice, political acumen, and digital understanding and skills, with a focus on the role of AI tools in supporting day-to-day roles and education. Find out more here.
Embracing Technology for Person-Centred Care Programme (in development)
This 4-module online course is designed for nurses, midwives, and other healthcare workers who have reservations about integrating digital technology into care. Through interactive modules, participants will explore common concerns, learn how technology can enable more personalised and effective care, and develop strategies for constructive engagement around technology implementation.
Nursing and Midwifery Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme Module
Our Innovation and Entrepreneurship module is aimed at developing nursing, midwifery, and allied health professional skills in innovation, providing context of the benefits of Intra- and Entrepreneurship, and supporting the capability to influence organisational and personal business outcomes. Open to those working at our Academy Member organisations, participants can gain CPD points and learn practical skills to take back to their workplace. Click here to access the module.
FNF Good Ideas Lab
- An initiative of FNF’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Subject Expert Group
- For nurses or midwives who would like get involved in exploring innovative solutions in healthcare
- Develop your idea with learning and support
Applications open: until 2 September
Programme dates: October 2024 – July 2025
More information
Open to: All nurses and midwives working/studying at FNF Academy Member organisations or FNF Alumni
Location: F2F (London) and virtual
Cost: Free
Aspiring Digital Healthcare Leadership Programme – Residential
- Aimed at professionals at any stage of their career who are taking their first steps on a digital career path and have aspirations to influence digital transformation.
- A three day residential programme offers a supportive learning environment to develop leadership identity, capacity, and capability.
- Leave with the tools to influence organisational and patient outcomes at a local, systems, national and international level of health and social care delivery through digital transformation.
Applications open: Autumn 2024 for March 25 dates
Programme dates: 3 days in March 2025 tbc
More information
Open to: Aspiring digital career nurses, midwives and AHPs
Location: Liverpool
Cost: £3,000 -tbc. Places can be self-funded or funded by the employer (CPD budget)