Welcome to My Portfolio
Pediatric Nurse & Product Innovation Specialist
About Me
Innovating Pediatric Care: Evidence-Based Solutions for Families
As a pediatric registered nurse and product innovation specialist, I create evidence-based solutions that improve outcomes for infants, toddlers, and their families. From developing emotional bonding toolkits to designing medical-grade products, my work combines human-centered care with creativity to address real-world healthcare challenges. Explore my journey and projects, where passion and purpose drive meaningful impact in pediatric healthcare.
Professional Experience in Health Innovation
European Innovation Academy (Porto, Portugal) Chief Design Officer
I collaborated with an international, interdisciplinary team to address the rising issue of indoor air pollution, which disproportionately impacts respiratory health and quality of life. Our solution, “Bubbl3s, “ combined sustainability and innovation by utilizing microalgae and natural filters in an air purification system designed for residential use.
Medical-Grade Weighted Blanket Development
Virginia Commonwealth University – Sponsored Project Collaborated with VCU Health System Nursing Research and Innovation Program:
This project focused on redesigning the current medical-grade weighted blanket used in delirium mitigation for ICU patients. The goal was to address two critical user issues: discomfort from heat retention and excessive weight, which frequently led to patient non-compliance.
Building Bonds: An Attachment Based Parent-Infant Toolkit
I designed an evidence-based toolkit to foster secure attachment in infants through interactive resources.
By integrating research on attachment theory and developmental psychology, I created a solution that emphasizes accessibility and scalability for both NICU and home environments.
Healthcare is where science meets compassion, and innovation bridges the gap between challenges and hope.
Clinical Experience
In my role as a home care nurse, I specialized in delivering comprehensive care to a medically complex pediatric patient, focusing on ensuring safety, comfort, and family empowerment.
Skill Highlights:
- Proficiency in managing advanced medical devices, including tracheostomies, mechanical ventilators, and G-tubes, in a home setting.
- Demonstrated crisis management skills, including rapid response to respiratory emergencies such as decannulation and airway obstructions.
- Provided extensive family education, fostering confidence in caregivers to handle complex medical needs independently.
- Supported the patient’s developmental milestones, showcasing a holistic approach to pediatric care.
In this critical care environment, I delivered hemodialysis treatments to patients with acute renal failure, tailoring care to dynamic inpatient and ICU settings.
Skill Highlights:
- Expertise in aseptic techniques for managing vascular access and mitigating risks associated with central and peripheral lines.
- Acute problem-solving to address hemodynamic instability and complications such as arrhythmias or access-related issues.
- Enhanced patient and family understanding of dialysis treatments through tailored education, improving adherence and outcomes.
- Optimized workflows to ensure efficient delivery of care while maintaining patient safety and comfort in high-pressure scenarios.
In this specialized role, I provided advanced care to neonates with critical and complex conditions, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to create individualized treatment plans.
Skill Highlights:
- Operated life-support systems, including ventilators, oscillators, and central lines, ensuring precise adjustments to meet the needs of fragile patients.
- Delivered therapies such as total parenteral nutrition and nitric oxide with meticulous attention to detail and safety.
- Guided families through the complexities of neonatal care, supporting their transition to post-discharge life with education and emotional support.
- Developed resilience and adaptability in a high-acuity environment, ensuring compassionate care during emotionally challenging situations.
Education
Leadership & Organizations
Society of Nurse Scientists, Innovators, Entrepreneurs, and Leaders (SONSIEL), Member
VCU Nursing Fellowship Program (Leadership Track)
National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Member
Let’s work together
Let’s connect and collaborate to drive meaningful change in healthcare!
Email me
fulanim@alumni.vcu.edu