In the dynamic landscape of healthcare entrepreneurship, few stories are as inspiring as that of Dr. Susan Davis, DNP, MSN, RN, PMD. As a critical care nurse, resuscitation educator, and the founder of CodePRep and RescueRN, Dr. Davis has dedicated her career to bridging gaps in hospital resuscitation training. In our recent interview, she shared insights into her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges she’s faced, and the innovative solutions her ventures offer to the healthcare sector.
A Decade-Long Journey of Innovation
Dr. Davis’s journey as an entrepreneur began over a decade ago when she identified a critical gap in hospital resuscitation training. “As a nurse passionate about improving patient outcomes, I was determined to find a solution that would empower healthcare professionals with the confidence and competence to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies,” she explained. This determination led to the creation of CodePRep, an evidence-based resuscitation education program designed to enhance the skills of hospital teams through hands-on training and real-time practice.
The Birth of CodePRep
CodePRep was born out of Dr. Davis’s extensive experience in resuscitation education and her roles as Chair of the System Code Blue Council at Lee Health and Resuscitation Education Program Manager. Her firsthand experience of cardiac arrest situations, where response delays due to hesitation and lack of confidence were common, underscored the need for practical, hands-on training. “One particularly poignant experience was observing a code blue situation where the response was delayed due to hesitation and lack of confidence among the team,” she recalled. This experience, coupled with systemic issues she observed in her leadership roles, propelled her to develop a comprehensive training program that goes beyond theoretical knowledge to build muscle memory and confidence in healthcare providers.
Overcoming Obstacles
Launching and growing a healthcare business comes with significant challenges. For Dr. Davis, finding the right people to help instead of focusing on how to do everything herself was crucial. “The ‘how’ has often slowed and overwhelmed me countless times,” she admitted. Persistence, mentorship, and building relationships through social media have been her greatest catalysts. “Quitting is not an option,” she emphasized, highlighting the importance of perseverance and determination.
Innovating Resuscitation Training
CodePRep stands out by addressing the gaps in traditional resuscitation training methods. Unlike many programs that rely heavily on theoretical knowledge and online modules, CodePRep emphasizes hands-on, scenario-based training. This practical approach ensures that healthcare providers can confidently perform life-saving techniques in real-time emergencies. The program also trains high-performance resuscitation teams, promotes ongoing skill reinforcement through regular training sessions, and utilizes a data-driven approach for continuous quality improvement. Additionally, CodePRep extends training to non-clinical staff and community members, fostering a culture of preparedness across the entire community.
Success Stories and Milestones
Dr. Davis shared numerous success stories of lives saved, both adult and pediatric, thanks to the implementation of CodePRep. One notable achievement was the use of the TIMEOUT protocol at the Minnesota Twins Spring Training games, where over 3,000 fans and families were trained in hands-only CPR. Collaborations with industry giants like the American Heart Association, Zoll, and Philips have further validated her mission and expanded her reach.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For aspiring entrepreneurs in the healthcare industry, Dr. Davis offers valuable advice: find your “WHOs” – those who are ahead of you in the journey – and seek their guidance and mentorship. “This will save you time, money, and a lot of unnecessary frustration,” she advised. Collaboration and networking are key, as is staying anchored to your mission and stepping out of your comfort zone.
Staying Informed and Adapting
Dr. Davis stays informed about the latest trends and challenges in the healthcare sector through continuous learning, networking, and seeking diverse perspectives. By staying informed and connected, she can effectively adapt her business strategy to address emerging challenges and leverage new opportunities.
Long-Term Goals and Vision
Looking ahead, Dr. Davis’s goals for her healthcare business revolve around continuous growth, impactful collaborations, and relentless pursuit of excellence. “Maintaining momentum, offering value, seeking the right opportunities, embracing adaptability, and loving the process are all essential to achieving long-term success,” she shared. Building strong partnerships and staying passionate about the journey will continue to fuel her drive to make a difference.
Dr. Susan Davis’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the impact of innovation, persistence, and collaboration in the healthcare sector. Through CodePRep and RescueRN, she is not only improving patient outcomes but also empowering healthcare professionals and community members to act effectively in cardiac emergencies. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of bridging gaps, fostering collaboration, and driving forward a mission to save lives through education and empowerment.
Connect with Dr. Susan Davis on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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Are you a nurse or know someone who is? We’d love to hear your stories and celebrate your successes! Share your journey with us and let’s continue to inspire and uplift each other in our pursuit of excellence in nursing and healthcare.