Nurse Innovators and Entrepreneurs Lead The Way at ViVE 2025

Note: This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

Nurse scientists, innovators, creators and engineers are stepping up and stepping out in ways we’ve always known we could — and the world is finally taking notice. Thanks to Nurse.org, RaDonda Vaught and I had the incredible privilege of attending the ViVE 2025 conference in Nashville, where we had the chance to connect with the amazing nurse-led businesses under the Nurse Approved Cohort.

Nurse.Org not only gave us this platform but has also been a strong advocate, constantly uplifting nurses who are changing the game. This year marked the second time nurses have taken center stage at this health tech conference, and let me tell you—the energy was off the charts.

As a Nurse Approved Nurse and part of this empowering cohort at the HLTH Conference, I was honored to catch up with familiar faces while meeting the emerging nurse entrepreneurs who are making a real impact. Walking through the nurse pavilion, I was inspired by the daily groundbreaking solutions nurses create. 

From Caleb Williams, RN, a seasoned critical care nurse, working hand-in-hand with biomedical engineer Stephen from Crimson Medical to develop safer healthcare environments, to nurses launching startups that address real-world problems—we’re witnessing true innovation in action. The diversity and ingenuity were nothing short of inspiring, and I couldn’t help but feel energized by the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

Nursing Innovation Is Seeing Needs and Taking Action

But here’s the thing: This is all of us. Innovation isn’t reserved for any specific group or degree; it’s about seeing a need and taking action. Whether you’re a new grad with an Associate’s degree or you’ve been in the field for years with advanced credentials, that drive to innovate, to change things for the better—that’s what sets us apart. At ViVE 2025, I witnessed firsthand how nurses are transforming patient care, demolishing barriers, and leading the charge in reshaping healthcare as we know it. 

And guess what? This could be you, this could be any of us.

Big shout out to Nurse.Org for supporting us, amplifying our voices, and making these connections possible. We’re not just nurses—we’re innovators, leaders, and entrepreneurs, and together, we’re creating the future of healthcare.

Nursing Innovation in Action at ViVE 2025

As RaDonda and I walked through the ViVE 2025 conference in Nashville, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride for the nursing profession. Nurses have always been at the heart of healthcare—caring for patients, advocating for better systems, and tackling the toughest situations. But now, we’re stepping out of the shadows of traditional clinical settings and into the spotlight of healthcare innovation. The conference was our proof that this shift is tangible—and let me tell you, it was absolutely buzzing with nursing energy and limitless possibilities!

Nashville, with its vibrant culture, rich history, and music scene, served as the perfect backdrop for an event that was every bit as dynamic. Despite the, admittedly hard to handle, chill in the Nashville air, the warmth of the nursing spirit was undeniable. The energy at the event was so hot, you’d think we were in the middle of a summer heatwave!

What I witnessed there was even more exciting—nurses who are not just part of the system but are actively changing and shaping the future of healthcare. This wasn’t just a conference. This was a gathering of problem-solvers, tech creators, and nursepreneurs—all driven by one powerful vision: making healthcare work better through nurse-led innovation.

Nurses Are Taking Their Seat at the Table

Let’s be clear—nurses are no longer waiting for a seat at the table. We're bringing our own chairs, carving out the space, and creating the solutions that will make healthcare smarter, safer, and more efficient. Nurse.org was right there alongside us, supporting the event and empowering nurses to take their big ideas and turn them into impactful businesses. 

It’s an honor to be part of this group, especially as we see more and more nurses stepping up to make real change. RaDonda and I were humbled to be part of such an inspiring event, surrounded by innumerable passionate, innovative minds.

The enormity of the event and the energy surrounding it were absolutely overwhelming. ViVE 2025’s overarching theme was all about AI and data mining—a fitting discussion in a time when technology is a massive force for change in healthcare. As RaDonda wisely put it while we were speaking with one organization: the power of data is undeniable, and it’s in the hands of nurses to ensure it works for us and not against us.

This is the second consecutive year that nurses have been given a platform at the Nurse Approved Cohort at ViVE to showcase their innovations. And trust me, the energy in the Nurse Pavilion was nothing short of electric. There’s something magical about meeting the very people who are turning healthcare upside down. From biomedical engineers like Stephen of Crimson Medical (and Caleb Williams RN—shoutout for leading that dream team!) to visionary nursepreneurs launching game-changing solutions, nurses are everywhere at the cutting edge of healthcare transformation.

Empowering the Future of Healthcare

But here’s the kicker: it’s not just about nurse-led businesses stealing the show. ViVE 2025 was all about empowering the future of healthcare—and who better to lead that charge than nurses? We’ve got the knowledge, the experience, and the passion to transform healthcare, and now, we’ve got the platform to make those transformations happen.

What fired me up the most? Seeing nurses leading the charge. NurseBrain, Streamline Flow, Humula, and so many more aren’t waiting for someone else to fix healthcare’s problems—they’re creating the solutions. 

These innovators see the gaps, the inefficiencies, the frustrations we deal with every single shift, and they’re building the tools we need. This isn’t just innovation—it’s nurses taking control of the future of our profession.

Nurse Innovators & Entrepreneurs at ViVE

During ViVE 2025, I had the chance to connect with some truly inspiring nurse entrepreneurs. Here’s a list of the game-changing businesses led by innovative nurses:

1. M7 Health – Led by Ilana Borkenstein, RN, MBA, and Eric Gruskin, focused on improving patient engagement and strengthening patient-provider relationships.
2. Streamline Flow – Founded by Amanda Schleede, Kelly Ayala, DNP, APRN, RN, and Shannon Hattenhauer, RN, dedicated to optimizing healthcare workflows and making nurses’ jobs more efficient.
3. NurseBrain  Axon | GenAI Workflow Platform – Developed by Samu Mhlambi, MS, BSN, RN, leveraging AI to streamline nursing workflows and reduce administrative burdens.
4. PocketRN – A telehealth platform led by Mirini Kim, DNP, RN, CPNP-PC, and Jenna Morgenstern-Gaines, bringing nurses to the forefront of patient care no matter where they are.
5. Nelo – Dr. Chinelo Pearl Nwaogbo, DNP, FNP-C, CWS, and her team are innovating wound care solutions, addressing some of the most critical issues in patient treatment.
6. Humla Health – Jessica Sylvester is using data analytics to change the way we deliver care, optimizing healthcare resources for greater efficiency.
7. Nurses Feed Their Young – Teresa Sanderson, RN, is nurturing the next generation of nurse entrepreneurs, offering support and resources to help them thrive.
8. Andrews Healthcare Consulting – Led by Logan Andrews, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, and Maddie, this consulting business focuses on improving healthcare systems and processes with a deep understanding of nurse-driven solutions.

The Essential Role of Nurses in Business

Nurses have always been at the heart of healthcare, but now we’re taking that role to a new level. As I stood at ViVE 2025, watching the incredible nurse-led businesses shaping the future of healthcare, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with pride. 

Nurses are no longer just the caregivers—they’re the innovators, the problem-solvers, and the ones leading the charge for change. From NurseBrain’s AI-powered platform streamlining nurse workflows to the Commission for Nurse Reimbursement advocating for fair pay and better working conditions, we’re witnessing firsthand how nurses are revolutionizing the healthcare industry.

The beauty of it all? These aren’t just ideas—they’re real solutions created by nurses who have walked the same floors, faced the same struggles, and seen firsthand what needs to change. 

NurseBrain is one example, where Samu Mhlambi, a fellow nurse, implements AI to reduce burnout and increase efficiency, giving nurses more time to focus on patient care. Then there’s M7 Health—led by Ilana Borkenstein, a nurse turned entrepreneur—working to improve patient engagement and relationships. 

Every one of these businesses is led by nurses who understand the importance of human care and operational efficiency. These ventures are not just about technology; they’re about improving healthcare for all of us.

Recognizing and Supporting Nurse Entrepreneurs

While the momentum is building, there’s still so much to be done. Nurses have always been the backbone of healthcare, but now we need to be recognized for our ability to innovate, lead, and change the system. 

Events like ViVE 2025, with the incredible support of Nurse.org, are a platform for us to showcase our talent, network with like-minded leaders, and take our ideas to the next level. Yet, this is just the beginning. We need more platforms, more resources, and more recognition for nurses who are bringing their brilliant ideas to life.

The presence of nurse-led businesses at ViVE was nothing short of empowering. And for me, RaDonda, and Nurse.org, it was an honor to be a part of it all. The excitement and energy in that room were contagious, as I spoke to nurses who are not just waiting for change to happen—they’re creating it. From Kelly Ayala at Streamline Flow optimizing healthcare workflows to Jessica Sylvester at Humla Health using data to change care delivery, these nurses aren’t just dreamers—they’re doers.

But here’s the most powerful part: this could be you. That’s right—you, reading this right now. If you have an idea, a solution, or a passion to make healthcare better, don’t wait. Don’t doubt your potential. We are change-makers, and together, we have the power to shape the future of healthcare.

A Personal Call to Action

I’ve dedicated my life to advocating for nurses—not just for the immediate issues we face in the workplace but for the incredible potential we have to change the entire healthcare system. My journey, and the journey of many others like me, has been driven by passion, persistence, and the belief that we, as nurses, are uniquely positioned to lead. The road isn’t always easy, but it is worth it.

To RaDonda and I, Nurse.org, and everyone we connected with at ViVE, thank you for participating in this movement. I’m beyond proud to be a part of this community of nurse entrepreneurs who are paving the way for future generations. 

And to every nurse out there with an idea in their heart—look at what we’re doing. This is your moment to step into the change you want to see. Reach out, connect, and take action. Because together, we are unstoppable.

Stay tuned for more articles and interviews as we continue to advocate for nurses and elevate the nurse-led innovations that are changing healthcare. Be sure to listen to our podcast interviews with Kelly Ayala of Streamline Flow, Samu Mhlambi of NurseBrain, and Jessica Sylvester of Humla Health—they’ll inspire you to take that next step. 

Huge thanks to Scott for doing an amazing job podcasting during the event. We’re only getting started—so let’s keep pushing forward. Together, we’ll keep making waves, and one day, when we look back, we’ll see how far we’ve come and how much we’ve changed the world.

We are the change-makers. And we’re just getting started.

🤔Nurses, what do you think about innovations in data and AI in healthcare like those presented at the ViVE conference? Share your ideas in the comments below!