5 Second Rule artwork

5 Second Rule

57 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago - ★★★★★ - 35 ratings

Join us while we talk to infection preventionists to learn the facts about infection prevention, the truth about some common myths, and tips to keeping yourself and the people around you safe. Brought to you by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.

Medicine Health & Fitness Science Life Sciences bacteria epidemiology viruses diseases epidemic health infectioncontrol infectionprevention infectiousdiseases outbreak
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

#55 Nipping Infections in the Bud: Spotlight on IPs in Long-Term Care

April 09, 2024 04:00 - 25 minutes - 23.4 MB

Explore the world of infection prevention and control in the long-term care sector on APIC's 5 Second Rule podcast. This episode features A.C. Burke, a veteran of the public health and healthcare sectors, who shares her passion for infection control in long-term care facilities. From issues of staffing and burnout to the ongoing need for roles dedicated to IP, Burke provides unique insights into the challenges and opportunities facing IPs in long-term care. Tune in to understand more about t...

#54 From MRSA to Influence: A Patient’s Path to Advocacy

March 12, 2024 05:00 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MB

In this engaging episode of the Five Second Rule podcast, hosts Kelly Holmes and Lerenza Howard converse with patient advocate Rosie Bartel, sharing her incredible battle with a persistent MRSA infection, which began as a complication of knee replacement surgery. As a survivor and activist, Rosie's brave story takes us through her grueling journey of surmounting multiple surgeries, hospitalizations, and amputations, underscoring the importance of patient perspective in healthcare and infecti...

#53 Journey to Chapter Excellence: A Tale of Two Stories

February 13, 2024 05:00 - 34 minutes - 32 MB

In this episode of the 5 Second Rule podcast, hosts Lerenza Howard and Kelly Holmes talk with Aayushi Chheda, past president of the Midnight Sun Chapter of APIC, and Talia Lefkowitz, past president of the Greater New York Chapter of APIC, both winners of a 2023 Chapter Excellence Award. Aayushi discusses their successful strategies to revitalize the chapter during the pandemic, while Talia describes the techniques used for ongoing Chapter success. The conversation focuses on networking, impl...

#52 Meet the 2024 President: Tania Bubb’s Outlook for the Future of APIC

January 09, 2024 05:00 - 18 minutes - 17.8 MB

Are you ready to be inspired by a conversation with Dr. Tania Bubb, APIC's 2024 president? Listen to this podcast to learn about her volunteerism, journey to the APIC presidency, initiatives, and values that she will promote during her leadership. Hear her discuss the importance of trust and collaboration, active listening, and valuing others' lived experiences in the infection prevention and control industry. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About o...

#51 APIC's Emerging Infectious Diseases Task Force: Changing Infection Prevention One Playbook at a Time

December 12, 2023 05:00 - 47 minutes - 44.2 MB

Join us as we hear from Rosa Lozano, the chair of APIC's Emerging Infectious Diseases Task Force. She discusses her role in assembling the passionate, diverse members of the task force and how they are developing operational guidance to assist infection preventionists and public health professionals in combating novel pathogens and infectious diseases. Hosted by: Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB and Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC About our Guest: Rosa Lozano, MPH, CIC, Assistant Vice President...

#50 Conquering Burnout: Heather Saunders' Recipe for Wellness

November 14, 2023 05:00 - 36 minutes - 34.1 MB

Heather Saunders, an Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Consultant and Research Nurse Program Manager, shares personal strategies to navigate and recover from burnout. Through Heather’s experience in healthcare she found her passion for infection prevention and is now creating awareness on the importance of self-care and practical approaches to achieving joy in the job. Join the Five Second Rule podcast to find out how Heather consistently incorporates wellness in her personal and profes...

#49 Celebrating International Infection Prevention Week With Carole Kamangu: From Aspirations of Becoming a Surgeon to Gaining Tenacity and Grit in Public Health

October 10, 2023 04:00 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MB

This podcast hosted by APIC celebrates International Infection Prevention Week with guest Carole Kamangu. Carole is a nurse epidemiologist and infection prevention consultant who moved to the US in 2004 from the Democratic Republic of Congo and obtained her master's in public health. Listen to her inspiring story of her initial aspiration to become a surgeon, followed by her move to the US, challenges in nursing school, and ultimately her success in the IP field. Hosted by: Lerenza Howar...

#48 Inside the Mind of a Vaccine Scientist: Lessons Learned From the COVID-19 Pandemic and Preparing for the Future of IPC with Dr. Peter Hotez

September 12, 2023 04:00 - 46 minutes - 43.4 MB

In this episode of the 5 Second Rule, hosts Kelly and Lerenza interview Dr. Peter Hotez, a vaccine scientist and autism parent, who shares his insights from the recent COVID-19 pandemic and provides strategies to better equip IPC programs for the future. His enlightened advice about anticipating and preparing for emerging infections, combined with his inspiring view of addressing vaccine skepticism, makes this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to protect their community from infectiou...

#47 Live in Orlando

August 08, 2023 04:00 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MB

Our hosts are joined in-person by three oral and poster presenters at the 2023 APIC Annual Conference in Orlando! You'll hear about insights from a new IP director, hand hygiene compliance technology, and Candida auris. Check out more information about each oral or poster presentation in our Further Resources section. Hosted by: Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB and Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC About our Guests: Benjamin Galvan, MLS (ASCP), CIC, CPH Benjamin D. Galvan is a board-certified i...

#46 The IP Researcher: Unraveling Implementation Science

July 11, 2023 04:00 - 37 minutes - 34.5 MB

Tune in to hear Dr. Gilmartin share her journey from her start as an infection preventionist in a rural hospital to a Doctor of Nursing. In this episode, she discusses using implementation science and to help IPs to close the gap between what we know and what we do. Dr. Gilmartin explains effective measures in conducting research on everyday IP issues and the value of dissemination. Enjoy this lively discussion between our 5 Second Rule hosts and APIC’s 2023 Distinguished Scientist Award rec...

#45 Navigating APIC's Annual Conference & Exposition

June 13, 2023 04:00 - 25 minutes - 24.1 MB

Whether you've attended before or are a first timer, you'll want to listen as our hosts interview the 2023 APIC Annual Conference Chair Maria Whitaker. Get the hot tips that will help you navigate the conference like a pro and maximize your time among the education sessions, posters, exhibit hall, and more. Whether you attend in person or virtually, you won't want to miss this episode! Hosted by: Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB and Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC About our Guest: Maria Whitake...

#44 Mentor-Mentee Relationships in Infection Prevention: A Two-Way Street

May 09, 2023 04:00 - 29 minutes - 27.8 MB

Listen as an expert IP mentor and a successful IP mentee discuss their relationship, how they found each other, and the benefits of a mentor-mentee relationship in today's IPC workforce. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guests: Sheri Ives, MBA, BSN Sheri Ives has been with VDH since May of 2020. She began as the Covid Regional Containment Advisor for Southwest Virginia then transitioned in May of 2022 to the Southwest Regional Infection...

#43 ABCs of Infection Prevention Certification

April 11, 2023 04:00 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MB

In this episode, our hosts discuss the many certifications in IPC with CBIC immediate past president Sandra Callery and CBIC board member Tiffany Wiksten. Learn about the different options in certification, how to discover which certification is right for you, and what it could mean for the advancement of your career. For questions pertaining to this episode, leave a message for hosts and subject matter experts using the “Contribute to the Convo” button in the upper right corner. Further r...

#42 Breaking Down the Annual Risk Assessment and IP Program Plan

March 14, 2023 04:00 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MB

Tackling the Annual Risk Assessment and Infection Prevention Program Plan can be a daunting task even for the most experienced IP. Listen as guest speaker, Rebecca Battjes, discusses pitfalls to avoid in the process of formulating a comprehensive plan and strategies for organizational success. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guest: Rebecca Battjes, MPH, CIC, FAPIC Infection Prevention Senior Clinical Advisor for Diversey Rebecca Battje...

#41 Tips From Expert IPs: A Foot in the Door and a Leg Up on Leadership

February 14, 2023 05:00 - 44 minutes - 41.3 MB

Breaking into the IPC industry can be challenging. Listen as two infection prevention experts and leaders discuss strategies on how to get started in the field, and best practices to advance your IPC career. You’ll learn how to utilize your foundational knowledge, the best ways to market yourself, and that previous experience is not always necessary. Hosted by: Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB and Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC About our Guests: Lisa Sturm, MPH, CIC, FAPIC Lisa works at Asce...

#40 Strengths and Struggles of the Lone IP: Support for the "One-ers"

January 10, 2023 05:00 - 37 minutes - 35 MB

For the first episode with our new hosts, Patricia "Pat" Jackson, 2023 APIC President, stops by to answer questions on her presidency and to discuss the strengths and struggles of the lone IP, or "one-ers." Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guest: Patricia "Pat" Jackson, RN, BSN, CIC, FAPIC Pat Jackson is the 2023 President of APIC. She is Director of Infection Prevention at White Rock Medical Center in Dallas, TX. She has been an infect...

#39 Recruit, Train, and Retain Talent in IPC

December 13, 2022 05:00 - 40 minutes - 37.7 MB

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 Goo...

#38 The Novice Roadmap for the Infection Preventionist: Go Your Own Way

November 08, 2022 05:00 - 42 minutes - 39.6 MB

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 ...

#37 Environment of Scare: Expect the Unexpected

October 11, 2022 04:00 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MB

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 ...

#36 The Next 5 Seconds

September 13, 2022 04:00 - 34 minutes - 32.1 MB

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 dea...

#35 NHSN Case Studies: Level Up Your Surveillance

August 09, 2022 04:00 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MB

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...

#34 Between a Rock and Hard Place: APIC's White Paper and Call to Action

July 12, 2022 04:00 - 49 minutes - 46 MB

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 Profes...

#33 Happy Anniversary APIC: 50 Years Strong!

June 14, 2022 04:00 - 43 minutes - 40.7 MB

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, ...

#32 Setting the Record Straight: A Conversation on Hospital Accreditation

May 10, 2022 04:00 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MB

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...

#31 TB or Not TB, That Is the Infection Prevention Question

April 12, 2022 04:00 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MB

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 ...

#30 One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) During the COVID-19 pandemic

March 08, 2022 05:00 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MB

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, incl...

#29 Go With the "Air" Flow: Ventilation and Filtration for Infection Prevention and Control

February 08, 2022 05:00 - 33 minutes - 31.2 MB

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 standa...

#28 Career Advice: How To Become an Infection Preventionist

January 11, 2022 05:00 - 40 minutes - 37.6 MB

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 Pro...

#27 Ready for Anything: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Infection Prevention and Control

December 14, 2021 05:00 - 38 minutes - 35.7 MB

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...

#26 The Fungus Among Us- Candida Auris

November 09, 2021 05:00 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MB

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 Preven...

#25 Antimicrobial Stewardship during the COVID-19 Pandemic- A Journey of Twists and Turns

October 12, 2021 04:00 - 31 minutes - 29 MB

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 Ho...

#24 COVID-19 Safety in Schools: Not As Easy as ABC

September 14, 2021 04:00 - 30 minutes - 28.7 MB

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, C...

#23 There's No Place Like Home Health

August 10, 2021 04:00 - 32 minutes - 30.5 MB

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....

#22 (Renal) Failure Is Not an Option: Infection Prevention and Control in Dialysis Settings

July 13, 2021 04:00 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MB

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 commun...

#21 Diversity and Inclusion in Infection Prevention and Control

June 08, 2021 04:00 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MB

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...

#20 Not All Bugs are Bad

May 11, 2021 04:00 - 41 minutes - 38.8 MB

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-d...

#19 Influenza, RSV and COVID-19: It "snot" so "sneezy" to tell the difference

April 13, 2021 04:00 - 35 minutes - 33 MB

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...

#18 Hard Hat Required: Infection Prevention and Control with Renovations and Construction in Healthcare Settings

March 09, 2021 05:00 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MB

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 ...

#17 Proper PPE is Always in Fashion

February 09, 2021 05:00 - 29 minutes - 27.8 MB

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 type...

#16  New Year’s Resolution: Prevent the Spread

January 12, 2021 05:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MB

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 infectio...

#15 Something is in the Air - Airborne Transmission: The Basics and not so Basic

December 08, 2020 05:00 - 33 minutes - 25.1 MB

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 enviro...

#14 "Montezuma's Revenge" is the least of it- All about waterborne pathogens.

November 10, 2020 05:00 - 31 minutes - 25.9 MB

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 loc...

#14 All About Water

November 10, 2020 05:00 - 31 minutes - 25.9 MB

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 loca...

#13 Infection Preventionists during COVID-19 are not alone: Tales from the field

October 13, 2020 04:00 - 36 minutes - 28.8 MB

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 infe...

#12 Tell them what matters: Advocacy in infection prevention

September 08, 2020 04:00 - 27 minutes - 21.7 MB

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 Queved...

#11 Honey, did you remember to wash the lettuce? Avoiding Foodborne Illness

August 11, 2020 04:00 - 19 minutes - 18.7 MB

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 presi...

#10 Advanced in years should not be advanced with tears: Infection Prevention and Control in Long Term Care

July 14, 2020 04:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MB

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

#9 Behind the 5 Second Rule

June 09, 2020 04:00 - 22 minutes - 20 MB

The questionable concept of the “5 Second Rule” is one we have all grown up with. You drop a food item on the floor that you really-really wanted and as a grade-schooler, you were very likely to get ready to pick it up and put it in your mouth. Meanwhile, your Mom is shouting “noooooo” from across the room. In this episode, we dive into the history behind this “rule” and if it really holds up. Co-Host: Marie H. Wilson, MSN, RN, CIC, is the Manager of Infection Prevention & Control at Meth...

#8 Creating a healthier world: It's in your CLEAN hands.

May 12, 2020 04:00 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MB

We hear so much about how hand washing is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick, but is that all hype? Listen to “5 Second Rule” to get all your questions answered about the one healthy habit everyone can and should do. Dr. Elaine Larson is an international expert in infection prevention, antimicrobial resistance, and hand hygiene, and is the only infection preventionist to receive the designation Living Legend from the American Academy of Nursing. Her contribu...

#7 How clean is clean enough?

April 14, 2020 04:00 - 34 minutes - 32 MB

When you enter a hotel room, the bed is made, the toiletries are unopened, and fresh towels are ready for you. We know housekeeping cleans each room after every guest, but what does that include? And how does this compare to the job of Environmental Services in healthcare settings? In this episode, we want to use the concept of “hotel clean vs. hospital clean” to remind members of the public and healthcare workers why we focus in on certain types of cleanliness, particularly in healthcare. ...