There’s power in numbers. 

There’s no doubt that nurses need a dedicated space to showcase their inspirational and innovative work. At the 2024 ANCC Magnet Conference in New Orleans, the largest nursing conference in the world, nurses were given exactly that: a place to bring their innovations to life. The ANCC National Magnet Conference is an annual event to celebrate nurse innovation and achievements, learn about current nursing best practices, and network with other healthcare professionals.

Large nursing organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) continue doubling down on supporting nursing innovation initiatives. As nurses, we talk a lot about the changes that are needed in healthcare—like products and technology—that can improve the lives of both patients and nurses. This year at the ANCC Magnet Conference, we saw how dreams and ideas can be put into meaningful action. 

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Event Vibe

The ANCC designed the event space to be expansive and imaginative. For the first time, the layout for the nurses and innovators included an "Innovators Row,” showcasing 24 companies who were selected through an application process. The new addition of Innovators Row is one way we continue to see more support for nurse innovators at conferences. When we spoke with the nurses on Innovators Row, you could tell how proud they were of the work that they had put in; the long hours spent working on their businesses manifested into something tangible that they could show the nursing community.

Among the nurses, there were numerous ways these innovators were addressing challenges in healthcare. It was inspiring to see how many participants there were, all of them dedicated to pushing the needle forward in healthcare innovation. 

Everything—from the event space to the people—set the tone for a captivating event. Many of the attendees dressed up, with some sporting especially creative and cute costumes. The atmosphere was so vibrant, it almost felt like Halloween! The New Orleans Saints mascot and cheerleaders also joined in on the fun.

The ANA also brought in a representative from Ink Factory to draw notes during the conference. It felt symbolic to have a blank canvas turn into a beautiful design, as if innovation was happening in real-time. With everything going on, it felt like there was electricity in the room. Being surrounded by and connecting with so many nurses and innovators was inspiring. 

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Even with the event’s vibrancy and energy, it wouldn’t be what it is without the nurse innovators who came to showcase their solutions and inventions. As we spoke with nurse innovators and entrepreneurs throughout the day, we could hear the passion that each of them had for their work—and for the potential they held to change healthcare for the better. 

This included entrepreneurs like Jill Amoroso, who was there to showcase the MEDWRAP, a product developed by her company, Assure Innovations. The MEDWRAP was designed to keep medical lines from getting tangled during patient care and transport.

We also spoke with Bonnie Clipper, who was representing Virtual Nursing Academy, a company working with various organizations to implement virtual nursing solutions. When asked why she chose to support nurse innovation through the Magnet conference, Clipper said,  “It is beneficial as nurse entrepreneurs to showcase our innovative nurse-led solutions among our colleagues as a way to highlight our work and to inspire emerging nurse innovators.”

Even innovators who weren’t in Innovators Row, like Lindsey Roddy from Roddy Medical, were great to connect with.

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Community

There was something special about all the people we connected with at the conference. Nurse innovators have such an abundant mindset, and they don’t hesitate to give advice and share their experiences with those hoping to follow in their footsteps. 

When we asked these innovators what advice they would give to other nurses who want to pursue entrepreneurship, we heard a lot of empathy. They know it isn’t always easy for nurses to step outside the box and innovate. 

Before Amoroso started her business, she initially asked the question, “How does a nurse invent something?” The first answer she received was, “I have no idea.” Fortunately, Amoroso was able to connect with her organization's venture department, gaining the resources that eventually secured funding and a team to help develop her product. She recommended that other nurses who are struggling to take the first step look towards their organizations for support.

Even if your organization doesn’t have these resources, the Magnet Conference was another reminder that there are hundreds of nurse innovators who are willing to pass on their knowledge, connect on LinkedIn, and tell you what they wish they knew when they first started innovating. 

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Don’t Want to Miss Magnet Next Year?

For more information on the 2025 conference, visit NursingWorld.org. The ANCC has plans to double event capacity next year! The booths were packed with people and nurses pitching their organization, and next year, there will be even more innovators to meet and connect with.

At the 2025 conference in New Orleans, you’ll be able to:

• Network with other organizations and nurse innovators
• Learn about the latest healthcare trends with top nursing experts around the world
• Receive up to 24 contact hours of CNE credit

Don’t miss the largest nursing conference for professional nurses in 2025!

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