WILMINGTON, DE — ChristianaCare has unveiled a pioneering initiative that empowers bedside nurses to lead in robotics research and development, marking a national first in health care innovation. At an April 30 graduation ceremony, the health system celebrated the inaugural cohort of its Nursing Research Fellowship in Robotics and Innovation, a program designed to integrate frontline nursing insights into the adoption of collaborative robots.
The fellowship, supported by a $1.5 million grant from the American Nurses Foundation’s Reimagining Nursing Initiative, focuses on assessing the role of robotics in nursing practice. By streamlining operational tasks such as supply delivery and lab runs, the program aims to give nurses more time for direct patient care.
A Bold Vision for Nurse-Led Innovation
“When you create programs that empower nurses to lead, innovate, and tackle meaningful challenges, you see real impact,” said Susan Smith Birkhoff, Ph.D., RN, the fellowship’s creator and director of Technology Research & Education at ChristianaCare. “This fellowship is built on the belief that when nurses are given the space to learn and lead, they bring fresh ideas and collaborative solutions back to their teams.”
Over eight months, the four inaugural fellows, representing diverse specialties, gained hands-on research training, attended guest lectures, and collaborated with mentors. Their efforts culminated in national conference presentations and preparations for journal publications.
The impact extended beyond the fellows, reaching more than 400 ChristianaCare nurses through shared learnings and increased engagement in evidence-based practices.
Transforming Nursing Practice
“This fellowship has reignited my passion for learning,” said Elizabeth Mitchell, BSN, RN-BC, a surgical stepdown nurse. “Collaborating with other fellows and mentors has been incredible, and I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned to enhance patient care and strengthen our teams.”
Mitchell, who now plans to pursue a master’s degree, is one of many nurses inspired by the program’s innovative approach.
The fellowship represents a broader shift toward nurse-led innovation. Adriane Griffen, DrPH, MPH, MCHES, vice president of programs at the American Nurses Foundation, emphasized the importance of this focus. “What makes this fellowship stand out is its focus on giving bedside nurses a real seat at the table. This fellowship shows how nurse-led innovation can grow from a local pilot into a model for improving care across the country.”
Broader Implications for Health Care
ChristianaCare’s achievements also include its fourth Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, recognizing excellence in nursing. The fellowship was highlighted as an exemplar in this achievement.
The inaugural fellows include the following nurses, who represent areas ranging from emergency care to critical cardiovascular units:
- Briana Abernathy, BSN, RN, CEN
- Elizabeth Mitchell, BSN, RN-BC
- Hannah Rackie, BSN, RN, C-EFM
- Morgan Tallo, BSN, RN, CCRN
ChristianaCare continues its robust research on the integration of robotics and related technologies, with findings expected later this year. By placing nurses at the forefront of innovation, the health system demonstrates a powerful model for transforming care through collaboration and focused investment in frontline expertise.
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