When I decided to apply for an innovation grant, I knew I was stepping into a space where creativity and courage meet. The application process itself was exhilarating—a chance to showcase the impact of a product that I believe can change the day-to-day lives of healthcare workers. So when I received feedback on my application, I felt a mix of emotions—pride, surprise, and, admittedly, a bit of frustration.
Among the encouraging comments about a well-articulated problem statement and the enthusiastic reception from repeat customers, there was one remark that stood out: "I believe comfortable undergarments are already available on the market, and suggesting that they could significantly reduce nurse burnout and improve patient outcomes may be an overstatement."
At first glance, the comment felt dismissive. Comfortable undergarments? Sure, the world doesn’t seem to be lacking options—but are they truly solving the unique challenges faced by nurses who spend 12-hour shifts on their feet, providing care and comfort to others? As a nurse, I’ve experienced firsthand the difference the right undergarments can make. It’s not just about physical comfort; it’s about confidence, focus, and the ability to deliver the best care possible without distraction.
The Space for New Ideas
Yes, there are many undergarments on the market. But I firmly believe there is room for products designed specifically for healthcare workers, addressing their unique needs. Doing compressions and literally having my breast fall out of my bra seems like there is room for improvement. Coming home with sports bra marks around my chest after wearing a bra for 12 hours suggests there’s still a lot of progress to be made. Innovation doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel—it means refining it, tailoring it, and sometimes just rethinking it from a new perspective. To suggest that this category is saturated ignores the voices of those asking for better solutions and overlooks the essence of what innovation is all about.
Turning Frustration into Fuel
I won’t deny that the feedback initially stung. This application process was meant to encourage innovation in healthcare, and my expectation was that every idea would be evaluated with an open mind and a focus on its potential impact. However, this experience has reminded me of an important lesson: not every innovator’s journey is smooth, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow.
The feedback has strengthened my resolve. It’s given me the chance to reflect on the story I’m telling about my product and ensure I communicate its value even more clearly moving forward. It has also reminded me why I started this journey—to create solutions for people like me, who spend long days serving others and deserve products that work as hard as they do.
Building a Better Future
To the person who left that feedback: thank you. Your words have challenged me to dig deeper, think bigger, and advocate more fiercely for what I believe in. And to every nurse, innovator, and dreamer out there: let’s keep pushing boundaries, even when it feels like the world might not yet see the value in our ideas.
Innovation isn’t about what already exists—it’s about what could exist. And I’m proud to be part of a community that isn’t afraid to dream of better solutions. Comfortable undergarments may already be out there, but I’ll keep working to create ones that truly make a difference.
Here’s to learning, growing, and believing in the power of innovation.