In this special episode, our very own host, Jess, swaps the mic for the guest seat, joining co-author Brenna Doran to unpack their newly published study, “Quantifying the Progressing Landscape of Infection Preventionists.” This episode dives deep into what it really takes to keep infection prevention programs running in today’s complex healthcare environment.

Tune in as Jess and Brenna reveal eye-opening insights from their national survey, including why infection preventionists consistently work over 40 hours a week, how staffing levels vary by region and facility size, and the hidden toll of cross-departmental demands. They also explore the future of infection prevention staffing and how AI-driven tools might finally offer the scalable solutions IPs have been waiting for.

Whether you're an IP, a healthcare leader, or just passionate about health system resilience, this episode offers critical lessons, personal reflection, and a rare behind-the-scenes look at the evolving demands on infection preventionists across the U.S. Don’t miss it!

With special guests:

Jessica Swain, MBA, MLT, CIC, Dartmouth Health System Director of Infection Prevention and Brenna Doran, PhD, MA, ACC, CIC, Founder and CEO of Innovative Partners Institute

How can nursing homes stop the spread of deadly infections without isolating residents? In this episode, the hosts, Jess and Nicki, dive into Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) with experts Dr. Mary-Claire Roghmann and Stephanie Mayoryk. They explore real-world strategies for implementing EBP, overcoming staff challenges, and balancing infection control with resident quality of life. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on protecting both patients and healthcare workers!

With special guests:

Stephaie Mayoryk, BSN, President and Infection Prevention Consultant, Mayoryk Consulting Services LLC and Mary-Claire Roghmann, MD, MS, Professor, Infectious Disease Physician, and Hospital Epidemiologist, University of Maryland School of Medicine

How can hospitals stop the spread of Candida auris before it starts? In this episode, infection prevention experts from Mount Sinai share how an expanded screening protocol helped detect cases early and prevent outbreaks. Learn about the challenges of screening, patient isolation, and facility-wide collaboration. With real-world insights and a touch of humor, this episode is a must-listen for anyone battling superbugs in healthcare!

With special guests:

• Aaron Cheng, MPH, CIC, Infection Surveillance Officer, Mount Sinai Brooklyn
• Karen Brody, MSN, RN, GERO-BC, CIC, Associate Director of Infection Prevention, Mount Sinai Manhattan
• Waleed Javaid, MD, MBA, MS, Hospital Epidemiologist and Director of Infection Prevention and Control, Mount Sinai

How can we revolutionize infection prevention training in healthcare? Dive into this insightful episode as Dr. Terri Rebmann and Dr. Ashley Hughes explore game-changing techniques like simulation-based learning, just-in-time training, and empowering mentorship. Discover free, expert-developed tools from CDC’s Project Firstline and learn practical tips to improve patient safety and frontline worker readiness. Tune in for laughs, learning, and lifesaving insights!

With special guests:

Terri Rebmann, PhD, RN, CIC, FAPIC, Divisional Dean, Director of the George Mason University School of Nursing and Ashley Hughes, Ph.D., M.S.,Associate Professor and Research Informaticist at Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine at MetroHealth

Can a staffing calculator really revolutionize Infection Prevention and Control? Join us for podcast number 42, where we dive into the world of infection prevention staffing and debunk myths with our expert guests, Dr. Becca Bartles and Dr. Sara Reese. Discover how this innovative calculator changes staffing dynamics and significantly reduces infection rates in hospitals. Listen in and find out how this invention challenges the old staffing ratio and successfully incorporates varying hospital aspects within infection prevention. Are you ready to upgrade your staffing model with us?

With special guests:

Rebecca (Becca) Bartles, DrPH, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, Executive Director, APIC Center for Research, Practice, and Innovation and Sara Reese, PhD, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, Director of Research, APIC Center for Research, Practice, and Innovation

In this episode, the guests delve into the outstanding work of the Washington State Department of Health in infection prevention, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Featuring healthcare experts like Melissa Feskin, Sarah Podczervinski, and Lisa Hannah, the discussion revolves around connecting healthcare systems to necessary resources, implementing robust education strategies, and sharing best practices amidst the chaos of the pandemic. The focus on proactive measures rather than reactive responses validates their efforts in handling emergencies and preventing more significant complications.

With special guests:

• Melissa Feskin, MPH, Infection Prevention and Control Epidemiologist, Washington State Health Department of Health's Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Section
• Lisa Hannah, RN, BS, CIC, CDIPC, Infection Prevention Team Supervisor, Washington State Health Department of Health's Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Section
• Sara Podczervinski, RN, MPH, DNP, CIC, Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Section Manager, Washington State Department of Health

Are you interested in infection control and prevention? This episode of the American Journal of Infection Control: Science into Practice podcast, features insightful discussions with experts Kelly Holmes, Jennifer McCarty, and Sandy Steinfeld. The panel examines different aspects of the field with a focus on certification, mentorship, and the power of structured training for infection preventionists. Holmes shares the significance of on-the-job training, McCarty discusses the prevalence and distribution trends of nursing in the infection prevention sphere, and Steinfeld talks about the impact of retirement on the field. Tune in to learn about the latest research and its application.

With special guests:

Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC, Infection Preventionist, IP&MA, Jennifer McCarty, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, Infection Preventionist, IP&MA, and Sandi Steinfeld, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, Infection Preventionist, IP&MA

In this fascinating AJIC Science Into Practice episode, hosts Nikki and Jessica explore the crucial topic of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with guest Dr. Carolyn Chu, Chief Clinical Officer of the National Clinician Consultation Center. They discuss the PEP line, a teleconsultation service supporting healthcare providers who manage exposures to bloodborne pathogens. The trio delves into the intricacies of PEP, the delay in its initiation, managing various exposures, and ensuring healthcare workers, particularly in urgent care, receive appropriate training and preparation to handle exposure properly and safely.

With special guest:

Carolyn Chu, MD, MSc, FAAFP, AAHIVS, Chief Clinical Officer/Principal Investigator of the National Clinician Consultation Center