After becoming a nurse anesthetist, Ricardo Gray, MSN, CRNA, AANA, learned that washing his hands before and after every patient contact quickly led to persistent dry hands. He began searching for a hydrating hand cream free of harsh chemicals, but when he couldn’t find one, he decided to invent his own.
Gray is just one of many nurses who have invented a product designed to fill a need in health care. One of the earliest nurse inventors was Bessie Blount Griffin, a Black nurse from Chesapeake, Virginia, who invented a feeding tube known as the “Portable Receptacle Support” during World War II to help paralyzed veterans.
Griffin’s device, which she later patented, featured a tube that inserted into the patient’s mouth and released a small portion of food when the patient bit down. This allowed patients to eat independently and comfortably in an upright or level position.
Creating a product that protects the skin
In 2018, Gray began experimenting with different ingredients to find a formulation that could nourish and protect the skin without disrupting its natural balance.
“My background in health care provided me with a foundational understanding of the microbiome's importance, which was pivotal in conceptualizing a skincare range that supports rather than strips away beneficial bacteria,” said Gray. “While I didn’t have a formal background in chemistry, my medical knowledge and relentless pursuit of research filled that gap, guiding me through the intricate process of developing a formula that harnesses the power of probiotics.”
In 2019, Gray launched Nuebiome, a plant-based skincare line made in the U.S. that’s vegan and cruelty-free. Five years later, his line has seen success with both healthcare professionals and consumers.
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Gray. “Nurses and other healthcare professionals appreciate the thoughtfulness behind each formulation, designed to address the specific challenges they face due to constant hand washing and sanitizing. Knowing there’s a product line that not only supports their skin, but also understands the rigors of their work environment, has been gratifying.”
Gray worked full-time as a nurse while establishing Nuebiome and admits that transitioning his idea for a hand cream into a tangible product was a huge challenge.
“I underwent over 30 revisions of the initial formulas, aiming for perfection and skincare solutions that were effective, yet functional,” he said. “This journey was not solitary — I sought expertise from skincare formulators who shared the vision of creating a microbiome-friendly skincare line.”
Gray encourages other nurses who have ideas for innovations to embrace their unique insights and experiences.
“The healthcare field provides a wealth of knowledge and a perspective that is invaluable in identifying unmet needs,” said Gray. “Start with thorough research, be prepared for a journey of learning, and don’t hesitate to seek expertise when needed. Remember, resilience and passion are your greatest assets and your dedication to caring for others can translate into creating products that truly make a difference.”
Today, Gray has expanded the Nuebiome line to include other skincare products, and he’s planning to open the company’s first retail location in Grand Central Station, Lexington Passage, in New York City.
“I envision the retail space as an immersive environment where customers can engage with our products, feel the textures, appreciate the design, and learn about the benefits of each ingredient,” he said.
An innovative mask in a challenging time
When the pandemic first hit in 2020 and hospitals were experiencing a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as the N95 mask, Tommye Austin, PhD, MBA, NEA-BC, created a mask with surgical draping and filters to protect her nursing colleagues and other healthcare staff.
For Austin, who was working as Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive at University Health in San Antonio, Texas, ensuring the safety of others during the pandemic was paramount. With N95 masks nowhere to be found, Austin combined her knowledge of effective filtration and her expertise as a quilter to create the TM2020 mask.
Austin was dismayed to hear colleagues contemplate using bandanas and other linens that wouldn’t offer adequate protection during the N95 shortage.
“My late husband taught me how the filtration in an air filter works and when supplies for masks were in short supply, I decided to use the highest rated A/C filter, a MERV 13 filter, to create the mask,” said Austin, who now works as Chief Nursing Executive, Eastern Region, for BJC Health System in St. Louis, Missouri. “Hospitals were testing various masking options and many weren’t effective, but the TM2020 mask passed. This wasn’t a replacement for the N95, but rather a substitution.”
Austin worked with a team to create over 6,000 masks and sent them all over the country to people who couldn’t access PPE.
“A friend of mine is a dentist and was in need of masks,” said Austin. “Supplies were low, and she was unable to order any, so I sent her some of the masks I’d made and she was able to keep her practice open.”
As COVID-19 continued to evolve, Austin ceased her mask operation. In January 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a statement noting cloth masks don’t offer as much protection as surgical masks or respirators.
Austin doesn’t believe masks will be the end of her inventor journey. She has other ideas percolating and encourages other nurse inventors to pursue their dreams.
“There are groups that will teach you how to take your product to market,” she said. “Find a partner like I did with Careismatic Brands, the company that purchased my patent. Remember to do your research and find a mentor.”
Resources for aspiring inventors
The University of Minnesota School of Nursing in Minneapolis offers a yearly “Planting Seeds of Innovation” colloquium. The conference is designed to inspire nurse inventors and learn how to make their ideas a reality.
Johnson & Johnson sponsors the NurseHack 4 Health Innovation Sprint, a “virtual hackathon” created to inspire nurses to improve health care through innovation.
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