Blythedale Nurse Leaders Win Top Prize at NurseHack4Health Pitch-A-Thon

As healthcare systems everywhere face workforce shortages, rapid digital change, and increasingly complex patient needs, nurses continue to lead the way in innovation. On November 19, the NurseHack4Health Pitch-A-Thon brought together nursing leaders from across the globe to showcase creative, forward-thinking solutions to some of the industry’s most pressing challenges.  

Two nurse leaders from Blythedale Children’s Hospital presented their pitch, became finalists, and ultimately, won the top award, $175,000 to help implement their “SafeSticker” innovation. 

“When we learned we were finalists, it genuinely felt like we had already won. Being selected from a global pool of nurse innovators was an honor in itself,” said Clinical Nurse Educator Kiersten Fiorio, MSN Ed., RN, CPN, WCC. “Did I ever think we could win? I hoped. But more importantly, I believed in our team, our idea, and the children and staff we serve.” 

Fiorio teamed up with her colleague and Director of Pediatric and Adolescent Nursing Kara Dyer, MSN, RN. The two nurses sat together inside Fiorio’s office during the Pitch-A-Thon, listening to the other finalists while waiting for their turn to virtually present their “SafeSticker” idea to the judges, in under six minutes.  

“All of the finalists were so amazing,” said Dyer. “Everyone showcased amazing work and incredibly innovative ideas that will change the way care is delivered and ultimately improve outcomes for nurses and patients.” 

After all the pitches were delivered, the judges awarded the top $175,000 prize to Fiorio and Dyer’s “SafeSticker.” It’s a skin-safe, waterproof medical-grade sticker or temporary tattoo that replaces the traditional hospital wristband. The sticker displays the patient’s identifying information (including barcode) and is designed with child-friendly themes and sensory-sensitive materials. It’s a thoughtful adaptation for children with autism, medical trauma, or sensory sensitivities. 

“Seeing SafeSticker recognized at that level made me realize how desperately the healthcare system needs this kind of solution,” said Fiorio.  

Dyer adds, “Hearing our team announced as the winners was surreal! I felt truly honored and so grateful to be given such an enormous vote of confidence to push forward to create this much needed solution.” 

Along with Fiorio and Dyer, Blythedale Children’s Hospital’s Pitch-A-Thon team includes Clinical Informatics Coordinator Jennifer Pino-Fornes, MSN, RN, Senior Director of Quality and Patient Safety I-Fong Lehman, DrPH, MS, and Child Life Specialist Jeannine Fiorio, MS, CCLS. Chief Nursing Officer Jill Wegener, MSN, RN, and Director of Professional Development MariCris Nee, RN, MEd, were the team’s Executive Sponsors.  

“Nurses are creative innovators. They are at the frontline and privileged to deliver care in an intimate way,” said Wegener. “Their knowledge and connections with our patients and families are the foundation for innovative ideas to shape our health care systems to truly align with our patient’s needs.” 

The $175,000 grant will support prototype design, integration with electronic medical records (EMR), staff training, and implementation, bringing SafeSticker from concept to bedside. 

Global partners, Johnson & Johnson, SONSIEL (Society of Nurse Scientists, Innovators, Entrepreneurs & Leaders), and Microsoft sponsored the event, which bridged the gap between bedside experience and venture-ready ideas.  

"This win is bigger than any one idea. It’s a message that nurses’ voices matter. It proves that frontline challenges deserve frontline solutions,” said Fiorio.  

Dyer adds, “SafeSticker is going to provide an opportunity to ensure the safe identification of children, especially those most vulnerable, living without a voice. This alternative shows our commitment to patient safety.” 

Watch the video below to see our team's reaction to winning!