APIC Hero of Infection Prevention Kelley Knapek talks about what it takes to successfully recruit, train, and retain talent in the IPC industry. Learn how she developed a tool to help others break into IPC, and how she became a 2022 Hero of Infection Prevention in Leadership. Hosted by: Marie Wilson, MSN, RN, CIC and Jay Liggins, MS, CIC About our Guest: Kelley Knapek, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC, CWON, Good Samaritan Medical Center Kelley Knapek is the Manager of Infection Prevention at Good Samaritan Me...
Dec 13, 2022•41 min•Ep. 39
The Novice Roadmap for the Infection Preventionist is an orientation guide and a pathway to earning your CIC. Listen to two of the Roadmap's creators as they discuss the Do's and Don'ts of how to engage with this valuable tool and how to get the most out of your journey through the infection prevention field. Hosted by: Marie Wilson, MS, RN, CIC and Jay Liggins, MS, CIC About our Guests: Lela Luper, BSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC, Infection Preventionist, Chickasaw Nation Department of Health Lela Luper is...
Nov 08, 2022•43 min•Ep. 38
Environment of Care (EOC) means ‘environment in which care is being provided.’ Listen as guest hosts talk with Robert Carter on his roles as they relate to EOC and his experiences along the way. Topics covered include tips for EOC rounding, tricks for getting ready for TJC, horror stories involving gray water, and nightmares about laminated paper. Hosted by: Marie Wilson, MSN, RN, CIC and Jay Liggins, MS, CIC About our Guest: Robert Carter, Assistant Director of Safety and Emergency Management, ...
Oct 11, 2022•48 min•Ep. 37
APIC Communication Committee members discuss the new direction of the podcast and talk about being an IP in a post-COVID world. Hosted by: Marie Wilson, MSN, RN, CIC About our Guests: Jay Liggins, MS, CIC Jay graduated from Michigan State University with a Masters degree in Epidemiology. Go Green! He has been an Infection Preventionist for almost 5 years and has taken a passionate interest in C. diff and CAUTI prevention. Cindy Prins, PhD, MPH, CIC, CPH Cindy is the assistant dean for educationa...
Sep 13, 2022•35 min•Ep. 36
NHSN training is a key first step to becoming a competent infection preventionist. In this episode we talk to Marc Wright, clinical science liaison for the central region at PDI, on the history of the AJIC/NHSN Case Studies, the important role they play in IP competency development, and how to make them work for you. Hosted by: Marie Wilson, MSN, RN, CIC, interim host of the 5 Second Rule podcast About our Guests: Marc-Oliver Wright, MT(ASCP), MS, CIC, FAPIC, Clinical Science Liaison, Central Re...
Aug 09, 2022•42 min•Ep. 35
Listen to Dr. Terri Rebmann discuss the key takeaways from APIC's "Between a Rock and Hard Place, Recommendations for Balancing Patient Safety and Pandemic Response" White Paper. This episode is especially important for legislators and policy makers who can prepare for potential pandemics. Hosted by: Silvia Quevedo, CAE About our Guest: Terri Rebmann, PhD, RN, CIC, FAPIC Dr. Terri Rebmann is Special Assistant to the President, Director of the Institute for Biosecurity, and a Professor of Epidemi...
Jul 12, 2022•50 min•Ep. 34
For five decades, APIC has been a leading voice in the area of infection prevention and control. Listen as 2022 APIC President, Linda Dickey, and 1994 president and decades-long pioneering member, Barbara Russell, speak on the progression from the early days of infection prevention and control to the current-day focus on patient safety culture. What can we learn from the path already travelled and where will it lead? Hosted by: Silvia Quevedo, CAE About our Guests: Linda Dickey, RN, MPH, CIC, CP...
Jun 14, 2022•44 min•Ep. 33
This episode highlights how accrediting bodies fit in to the overall patient safety landscape and their role. We are joined by Sylvia Garcia-Houchins. MBA, RN, CIC, who sets the record straight on the role of healthcare accreditors and some of the myths that are circulating about what surveyors do. This episode is a must listen for all healthcare personnel! Hosted by: Silvia Quevedo, CAE About our Guest: Sylvia Garcia-Houchins, MBA, RN, CIC, Director, Infection Prevention and Control, Division o...
May 10, 2022•43 min•Ep. 32
Many people think that Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease safely tucked away in human history, but that’s not the case. Not only does it still lurk in communities around the globe, but it also claims over a million lives each year. Join us as we discuss this preventable and treatable disease with our guest Maureen Murphy-Weiss, BSN, RN, as she walks us through TB’s lengthy history, common symptoms, and current treatments. Additionally, the episode tackles the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB f...
Apr 12, 2022•34 min•Ep. 31
It’s 2019. Facilities are seeing an encouraging decrease in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) on a state and national level. Fast forward a few months and a global pandemic has taken the world by storm, putting a lot of the progress made by infection preventionists (IPs) in jeopardy. How exactly did this major global event affect HAIs in facilities and what does its impact mean for the future? Our guest Lisa Sturm, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, walks us through these timely questions and more, includin...
Mar 08, 2022•36 min•Ep. 30
Since Pliny, the Elder of ancient Rome, the effects of proper and improper ventilation techniques have been observed. As the world continues to transform, so too has the industrial hygiene profession and its overlap with infection prevention. Join us for a conversation with Lewis Johnson MS, CIH, CIC, FAPIC, on everything you wanted to know and more about air ventilation and filtration. This topic is particularly relevant given the challenges of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, changing standards,...
Feb 08, 2022•34 min•Ep. 29
The infection prevention profession has been rapidly growing as the need for health protocols increases in various environments. What we traditionally think of as a hospital-based position is now appearing in areas like entertainment, sports, and the government. In this episode, we will be discussing how to get started as an infection preventionist and what you can expect in the role. Please join us and our guests, the Executive Director of Infectious Disease Management and Prevention at Provide...
Jan 11, 2022•41 min•Ep. 28
While none of us wants to ever need to call 911, the truth is, many of us will. It is good to know that emergency medical professionals are required to follow infection prevention and control best practices but that is not always so easy. This episode sheds light on the unique needs of the EMS professional setting. Hosted by: Silvia Quevedo, CAE About our Guests: Alexander Isakov, MD, MPH Dr. Isakov is a Professor of Emergency Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine and the director of E...
Dec 14, 2021•38 min•Ep. 27
Fungi exist all around us from yeast and mushrooms to rust and mold. One species of fungus, Candida auris, is particularly problematic especially for hospitalized patients and Long-Term care residents. Join us as we discuss the challenges for this specific fungus species with expert guests Jessica Arias, BSN, RN, CIC, and Shaunté C. Walton, MS, CIC. Hosted by: Silvia Quevedo, CAE About our Guests: Jessica Arias, BSN, RN, CIC Jessica Arias, BSN, RN, CIC, is a Nurse, Infection Preventionist, and t...
Nov 09, 2021•31 min•Ep. 26
Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is a coordinated effort that promotes the appropriate use of antibiotics. In this episode, we'll be discussing how the pandemic has impacted AMS and the prescribing trends. We are joined by Dr. Allison Weinmann, infectious diseases physician at Henry Ford Health System and Medical Director of its Antimicrobial Stewardship Program. Hosted by: Silvia Quevedo, CAE About our Guest: Dr. Allison Weinmann, MD, Antimicrobial Stewardship Director, Henry Ford Hospital Dr Al...
Oct 12, 2021•31 min•Ep. 25
With students, faculty, and staff returning to their school systems, the question of how to keep those within these institutions safe is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Join us and our guest, Lead Clinical Editor of APIC Text Kelley Boston, for a discussion on how to get creative in adhering to CDC guidelines for returning to classrooms, acquiring community buy-in on safety precautions, and concerns surrounding routine vaccination schedules for children. Hosted by: Silvia Quevedo, CAE About...
Sep 14, 2021•31 min•Ep. 24
The growing complexity of medical conditions managed in a patient's residence is making home health care a key area of interest for infection prevention and control. Though home health is a desired option for care, there are challenges which require an IPs input to minimize risk of infection. Please join us and our guest, Victoria Adams, MPHIL, MS, RN, Associate Director and infection preventionist at the Visiting Nurse Service of New York (VNSNY), as we discuss the IPs role in this setting. Hos...
Aug 10, 2021•33 min•Ep. 23
It is estimated that 750,000 Americans are affected by kidney failure each year. Through the process of dialysis, healthcare professionals are able to replicate some of the major functions performed by kidneys which in turn help prolong patients' lives. Join us and our guest, Tara Millson DNP, CIC, Director of Infection Prevention at the George Washington University Hospital, as we discuss infection prevention in dialysis and how this disease is more prevalent in diverse or low-income communitie...
Jul 13, 2021•34 min•Ep. 22
In this episode, we touch on the dialogue surrounding diversity and inclusion efforts in healthcare and infection prevention and control. Unfortunately unconscious bias operates constantly in the workplace. As infection preventionists, we see it in the ways patients of different races and ethnicities are acknowledged and treated. It is present as well in opportunities for promotion and career advancement. Our great panel of guests include Rosa Lozano, Dr. Tania Bubb, and Dr. Devin Jopp, APIC's C...
Jun 08, 2021•35 min•Ep. 21
What comes to mind when you hear the word, “microbes”? If your first thought is bacteria, you may also correlate that with sickness. Surprisingly, that is not always the case. Join us and our guests, Dr. Salah Qutaishat and Dr. Timothy Wiemken, for a discussion on the importance of a well-balanced microbiome through the lens of two of their great loves: yogurt and beer. This episode exposes the microbial parallel between a brewery and a hospital, and the necessity of microbes in our day-to-day h...
May 11, 2021•42 min•Ep. 20
As COVID vaccines become more accessible to the public, it's important to keep in mind the present dangers of other common respiratory illnesses. Transmission of these infections affects everyone, from Baby Boomers to Gen Zers, in various ways that could be fatal for some but a cough to others. Dr. Angela Rasmussen joins us to discuss testing and transmission regarding influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. Hosted by: Silvia Quevedo, CAE About our Guest: Angela L. Rasmussen,...
Apr 13, 2021•36 min•Ep. 19
Ever wonder about the considerations that go into a healthcare facility’s much-needed renovation? Or a hospital’s expansion project that requires a brand new wing? Join 2021 APIC President-Elect Linda Dickey and Jayson Karas, a union carpenter, for a discussion on the subtle yet vital role that Infection Preventionists (IP) play during a construction/renovation project in a healthcare facility. We also touch on some of the challenges and IP encounters while ensuring infection prevention and cont...
Mar 09, 2021•34 min•Ep. 18
During the COVID-19 pandemic, personal protective equipment (PPE) has become as essential to everyday life as shoes, though masking guidelines for use haven't been so straightforward and often times confuse the public. The supply of PPE has been a challenge and educating healthcare workers on what they need to wear and under what circumstances is no easy task for Infection Preventionists. Dr. Darlene Carey and Georgine Kruedelbach join us this month to discuss what PPE is, the different types of...
Feb 09, 2021•30 min•Ep. 17
This past year is one for the history books, and it is important to carry the lessons we learned into 2021 before closing out this chapter. Traditionally, a new year brings a fresh start for everyone, and while we resolve to accomplish personal goals, we must also recommit ourselves to the tried-and-true basics of infection prevention and control. We are kicking off 2021 with incoming APIC President Ann Marie Pettis, who joined us for a discussion on ways we can remain vigilant with infection pr...
Jan 12, 2021•36 min•Ep. 16
There is a reason we like to open windows or get outside for some "fresh air." Air quality and ventilation are a big deal when we try to stop the spread of viruses that can travel in the air. It can be daunting and scary, but fear not, because Dr. Hilary Babcock and Kate Gase, infection preventionist, break down the science of airborne and droplet disease transmission. In this episode, they inform us on the factors that determine how infectious a virus or bacteria may be given various environmen...
Dec 08, 2020•33 min•Ep. 15
Water is the most critical substance for all of us including those microscopic critters. The 5 Second Rule talks to expert, Dr. Janice Stout about what pathogens lurk in our water systems and when left unchecked can cause all kinds of problems for us. We all know to be on the alert when traveling but who knew that sinks, showers and ice machines can be a source of waterborne pathogens. This episode is timely given recent news of natural disasters like hurricanes and flooding that impact local wa...
Nov 10, 2020•32 min•Ep. 14
The global COVID-19 pandemic has been especially difficult for those working in healthcare. Infection preventionists working tirelessly behind the scenes are feeling the pressure just as much as clinical providers. Two infection preventionists share their experiences. Hosted by: Silvia Quevedo About our Guests: Rebecca Alvino RN, MS, CNS, CIC, CNOR Infection Preventionist Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Prevention | Department of Quality, UCSF Health Rebecca Alvino is an infection prevention...
Oct 13, 2020•37 min•Ep. 13
There really are no excuses not to engage in advocacy. Associations like APIC make it easy for members to write their state and federal lawmakers by creating all sorts of scripted letters, and other tools. Sarah Smathers of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia explains why telling your story to your elected officials helps them understand the problems you face and allows them to make a difference for you. Advocacy, like infection prevention is everyone's business. Hosted by: Silvia Quevedo About ...
Sep 08, 2020•28 min•Ep. 12
You go out with friends or family, and you’re not feeling so great soon after. What’s your go-to culprit? Probably food poisoning. This episode sheds light on how an American dietary staple became a deadly nightmare. Kären Bally, RN, BSN, CIC has been with Ascension Via Christi for more than 20 years, serving as the Director of Infection Prevention for the past five years, including various interim roles as needed. Kären is active in both local and national APIC and is currently the president of...
Aug 11, 2020•20 min•Ep. 11
It's true, "getting old ain't for wimps (especially during a global pandemic!)" Nursing home residents and healthcare workers who care for them in these facilities are the "biggest losers" in the fight against COVID-19. The elderly and those living with chronic illness are at most risk for severe illness and death. Learn about the challenges facing this care setting and the opportunities for better infection prevention and control for the future. Hosted by: Silvia Quevedo...
Jul 14, 2020•25 min•Ep. 10
