This Nurse Turned Tech Founder is Revolutionizing Telehealth—Here’s How She Did It
In a recent episode of Nurse Converse, host Colton Lord dives deep into the intersection of nursing, technology, and innovation with Bre Loughlin, founder of Nurse Disrupted. This inspiring conversation highlights how a nurse-led initiative is transforming healthcare access for underserved populations while addressing systemic issues in the healthcare industry.
Nurse Disrupted was established in March 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a mission to enhance healthcare accessibility for communities that often fall through the cracks of traditional healthcare systems. Bre Loughlin, a registered nurse with over 20 years of experience, was inspired by her time as a transplant nurse and her passion for technology.
The platform began by offering virtual COVID-19 screenings for homeless shelters in Madison, Wisconsin. Its impact was immediate and significant, facilitating over 43,500 video encounters, saving more than $2 million in healthcare costs, and preventing over 1,100 emergency room visits. Nurse Disrupted has since expanded its services to include mental health support in rural settings, bridging critical healthcare gaps.
Central to Nurse Disrupted’s mission is technical equity and digital inclusion. With an estimated 60% of Americans lacking the skills to navigate complex health apps, the platform was designed to be user-friendly and accessible. By integrating technology with practical healthcare solutions, Nurse Disrupted connects vulnerable populations to essential services while simultaneously providing nursing students with invaluable hands-on experience.
Nurse Disrupted is also focused on creating environments that enhance nurse satisfaction and retention. By leveraging virtual nursing models, the platform supports overburdened healthcare facilities and ensures continuity of care.
Bre’s career path exemplifies the versatility and potential of nursing. She began her career in nursing at the University of Washington, renowned for its top-ranked nursing school, and worked in the high-pressure field of organ transplants. Her transition into the tech space was fueled by her innovative mindset and entrepreneurial spirit.
As a female entrepreneur in the competitive tech sector, Bre has faced her share of challenges. She sheds light on the underrepresentation of women in venture capital funding but remains optimistic, advocating for nurses to embrace their unique problem-solving skills to drive innovation.
Lessons for Aspiring Nurse Innovators
Nurses are natural innovators, and the healthcare system is ripe for transformation through nurse-led initiatives. For those inspired by Bre’s story, she offers actionable advice for nurses looking to venture into entrepreneurship:
- Take the Leap: Start with what you have and trust in your ability to innovate. The resources you need will come as you progress.
- Utilize Resources: Seek out funding and support from organizations like Johnson & Johnson and the American Nurses Association (ANA), which are committed to fostering nurse innovation.
- Focus on Financial Planning: A clear understanding of revenue models and financial sustainability is essential to bringing your ideas to life and maintaining them.
- Embrace Feedback: Be open to constructive criticism and use it as a tool for refining and improving your projects.
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