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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 09/10/2025 at 1:00 PM (EDT)
Intravenous (IV) smart pumps revolutionized medication delivery when they were first introduced, dramatically improving precision compared to gravity infusions. However, decades later, the same core technology has not kept pace with the increasing complexity of medications, workflows, and patient needs. This session will trace the evolution of IV smart pumps, explore the factors influencing flow rate accuracy, and discuss why historical designs present challenges in modern clinical contexts. Participants will learn how different pump technologies affect performance and identify practical strategies to minimize risk and enhance patient outcomes.
Intravenous (IV) smart pumps revolutionized medication delivery when they were first introduced, dramatically improving precision compared to gravity infusions. However, decades later, the same core technology has not kept pace with the increasing complexity of medications, workflows, and patient needs. This session will trace the evolution of IV smart pumps, explore the factors influencing flow rate accuracy, and discuss why historical designs present challenges in modern clinical contexts. Participants will learn how different pump technologies affect performance and identify practical strategies to minimize risk and enhance patient outcomes.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:
• Articulate what flow rate accuracy means and how it can impact patient safety
• Discuss the types of IV pump technology, their historical development, and their impact on flow rate accuracy
• Describe clinically relevant factors that impact flow rate accuracy
• Discuss strategies for improving patient safety in the context of legacy design constraints and future innovations.
Jeannine Blake, PhD, RN
Jeannine Blake, PhD, RN, is a nurse scientist with a clinical background in surgical intensive care nursing and a passion for advancing health care innovation using an interdisciplinary nurse-engineer approach. Her research focuses on improving intravenous (IV) pumping technology accuracy, flow steadiness, and usability, with a current interest in understanding the impact of alarm management on nursing time and patient experience. She is dedicated to improving patient outcomes, streamlining nursing workflows, and integrating IV pumps more effectively into real-world clinical practices.
Dr Blake earned her PhD in Nursing Science and completed a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is now an Assistant Professor in the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing and is affiliated with the Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation. She continues her research mission in this role to build evidence that informs infusion practices and optimizes nursing workflows.
Dr Blake contributes to the development of global safety standards for infusion therapy as a member of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) technical information report (TIR) Infusion Standards Committee and has been an invited clinical advisor to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Infusion Standards Working Group. For her work in this space, she is the 2025 AAMI Young Professional Award winner.
CRNI® RUs: This session has been approved for 2 CRNI® recertification units and meets the non INS Meeting criteria.
Contact Hours: This session has been approved for 1 contact hour
Expiration date for receipt of contact hours: September 10, 2028
To receive contact hours for this educational activity, you are required to attend the entire educational activity and complete the evaluation.
The Infusion Nurses Society is approved as a provider of continuing nursing education by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider #CEP14209. The certificate must be retained by the attendee for a period of 4 years.
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Contains 2 Component(s) Recorded On: 08/14/2025
Join us for an insightful presentation that features a patient’s perspective on living with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and experiencing a catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) while receiving hemodialysis through a central vascular access device (CVAD). Additionally, we will feature the perspective of a Nephrologist who manages these patients and will review the risks of CRBSIs, strategies for prevention, and ways that multi-disciplinary teams can work together to protect patients.
Join us for an insightful presentation that features a patient’s perspective on living with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and experiencing a catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) while receiving hemodialysis through a central vascular access device (CVAD). Additionally, we will feature the perspective of a Nephrologist who manages these patients and will review the risks of CRBSIs, strategies for prevention, and ways that multi-disciplinary teams can work together to protect patients.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:
• Give an understanding of the challenges and risks faced by patients with ESKD who are receiving hemodialysis through a CVAD
• Discuss the risks associated with CRBSIs and their impact on patient health and outcomes
• Explore clinical guidelines for preventing CRBSIs and the potential role of using additional measures such as a catheter lock solution to reduce risk
• Review clinical data on an antimicrobial lock solution that was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration
• Discover ways for health care teams to collaborate to prevent CRBSIs and improve patient outcomesThis webinar does not offer any continuing education credits or recertification units.
Anil K. Agarwal, MD, FACP, FASN, FNKF, FISN, FASDIN
Anil K. Agarwal, MD, FACP, FASN, FNKF, FISN, FASDIN, is a Professor of Clinical Medicine at The University of California San Francisco and Academy Professor at Ohio State University, Columbus Ohio. He is also the Deputy Chief of Staff at San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System at Fresno, California. Dr Agarwal is a passionate clinician and educator and is an internationally recognized expert in hypertension, dialysis, anemia, mineral bone disorders, and vascular access. He has conducted over 50 clinical trials, developed protocols, and published results of studies. He is a frequently sought speaker nationally and internationally.
Dr Agarwal is Past President of the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology and Past Chair of the Interventional Nephrology Workgroup of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN). He has been an ISN ambassador to many countries. He is an advisor to the South Asia Board and a member of the North America and Caribbean Board of the ISN and is a member of the Fellowship Committee of the ISN. He has authored and edited the first textbook of Interventional Nephrology, as well as both editions of NephSAP on Interventional Nephrology published by the American Society of Nephrology, among over 500 publications and presentations.
Dr Agarwal serves as editor and reviewer for several medical journals. He chaired many committees and boards, including the Medical Advisory Board of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) of Ohio and Island Peer Review Organization (Renal Network of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana). He was the inaugural Chair of Clinical Scholarship for FAME at Wexner Medical Center from 2014 to 2020.
Celina Medina
Celina Medina is a 2-times kidney recipient. She was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome at the age of 1 ½ years. She received her first kidney transplant when she was a young mother, at 26 years old. The life-saving gift came from a living related donor, her younger brother, Tony. After a successful transplant, Ms Medina was able to give birth to another beautiful daughter. Unfortunately, after 7 years, she returned to dialysis. This time around, while waiting for her peritoneal catheter to mature, she was rushed to the hospital with a severe infection. The infection was severe enough that she spent 3 days in the intensive care unit (ICU). After aggressive antibiotics, she was able to have a full recovery. She spent the next 12 years on dialysis and, finally, on May 25th of 2019, she received her 2nd transplant from an Angel Donor. Ms Medina now dedicates her time sharing her story throughout the country and advocating for organ donation. As a social worker, she spends her days helping the less fortunate, individuals experiencing homelessness, by getting them off the streets.
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Contains 1 Component(s)
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has released an updated position paper, Safe Injection, Infusion, Medication Vial, and Point-of-Care Testing Practices in Health Care (2025). Developed in collaboration with INS, this important update builds on APIC’s 2016 position paper and reflects the latest scientific advancements, updated regulatory standards, and strategies to address ongoing infection prevention challenges. [Approved 2025]
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has released an updated position paper, Safe Injection, Infusion, Medication Vial, and Point-of-Care Testing Practices in Health Care (2025).
Developed in collaboration with INS, this important update builds on APIC’s 2016 position paper and reflects the latest scientific advancements, updated regulatory standards, and strategies to address ongoing infection prevention challenges.
Key highlights include:
- Evidence-based recommendations for safe injection and infusion practices
- Strategies to standardize protocols across diverse healthcare environments
- Guidance for infection preventionists, clinical teams, and healthcare leadership
approved 2025
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Contains 1 Component(s)
The purpose of this implementation guide is to provide information and tools to reduce the risk of infection due to catheter-associated bloodstream infections in various practice settings for adults. It condenses evidence-based guidelines into key elements needed to mitigate risks and implement performance improvement processes. The implementation guide includes recommendations intended to be achievable and to represent what are believed to be effective strategies to prevent health care associated infections. These recommendations may guide the development of policies, procedures, and protocols for promoting performance improvement in various practice settings.
The purpose of this implementation guide is to provide information and tools to reduce the risk of infection due to catheter-associated bloodstream infections in various practice settings for adults. It condenses evidence-based guidelines into key elements needed to mitigate risks and implement performance improvement processes. The implementation guide includes recommendations intended to be achievable and to represent what are believed to be effective strategies to prevent health care associated infections. These recommendations may guide the development of policies, procedures, and protocols for promoting performance improvement in various practice settings.
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Contains 2 Component(s)
Join us in this insightful episode of the INS Infusion Room as we welcome Andrew Walker, a seasoned expert in vascular access and infusion therapy. Andrew shares his journey from becoming a CRNI®-certified nurse to leading innovative training programs in ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs). Discover the challenges and triumphs of implementing these programs across various departments and learn about the importance of investing in specialized nursing skills.
Join us in this insightful episode of the INS Infusion Room as we welcome Andrew Walker, a seasoned expert in vascular access and infusion therapy. Andrew shares his journey from becoming a CRNI®-certified nurse to leading innovative training programs in ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs). Discover the challenges and triumphs of implementing these programs across various departments and learn about the importance of investing in specialized nursing skills.
Andrew A. Walker, BSN, RN, CRNI®, VA-BC™, PCCN
Andrew A. Walker, BSN, RN, CRNI®, VA-BC™, PCCN, has been an INS member and held CRNI® certification since 2018. He is a dedicated vascular access and infusion therapy specialist with experience in clinical leadership, education, and patient care. As the Clinical Practice Leader for Vascular Access and Infusion Therapy at UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, he leads a vascular access team and provides clinical nursing oversight to his organization, encompassing policies, protocols, procedures, training, education, product management, and infusion data analytics. Andrew is passionate about improving infusion practices, reducing complications, and enhancing patient safety. A board-certified vascular access nurse and certified registered nurse infusionist, he actively contributes to the practice through local involvement, committee leadership, and professional development. Andrew is currently pursuing his Doctor of Nursing Practice as a Clinical Nursing Specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Host: Derek Fox, MSN, RN, VA-BC, CRNI®, NEA-BC
Guest: Andrew Walker, BSN, RN, VA-BC, CRNI®, PCCN
Join us in this insightful episode of the INS Infusion Room as we welcome Andrew Walker, a seasoned expert in vascular access and infusion therapy. Andrew shares his journey from becoming a CRNI®-certified nurse to leading innovative training programs in ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs). Discover the challenges and triumphs of implementing these programs across various departments and learn about the importance of investing in specialized nursing skills.
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Contains 2 Component(s)
This conversation explores the complex interplay between patient autonomy and clinical judgment in nursing practice. The hosts and guests discuss various ethical dilemmas faced by health care professionals, emphasizing the importance of education, advocacy, and understanding patient needs. Through case studies, they highlight the challenges of balancing patient wishes with clinical best practices and the necessity of effective communication in achieving optimal patient outcomes.
This conversation explores the complex interplay between patient autonomy and clinical judgment in nursing practice. The hosts and guests discuss various ethical dilemmas faced by health care professionals, emphasizing the importance of education, advocacy, and understanding patient needs. Through case studies, they highlight the challenges of balancing patient wishes with clinical best practices and the necessity of effective communication in achieving optimal patient outcomes.
Alicia Barron, LGSW
Alicia Barron, LGSW, has more than 20 years of experience working with people affected by chronic illnesses and the health care providers who treat them. She cares deeply about the ways in which living with chronic illness impacts a patient in all areas of their life – from physical health care to psychosocial health.
Knowing that better outcomes for patients require teamwork, Ms Barron builds relationships with everyone involved in patient care – health care providers, pharmaceutical companies, other patient organizations, elected officials, and of course, patients themselves.
Kaitey Morgan, RN, BSN, CRNI®
Kaitey Morgan, RN, BSN, CRNI®, is the Chief Clinical Officer at the National Infusion Center Association (NICA), where she leads the organization’s clinical programs, standards development, and educational initiatives. She has spent her entire 17-year nursing career in the infusion space, bringing a depth of hands-on experience across direct patient care, clinical education, and infusion center operations. Ms Morgan’s work is grounded in practical expertise and shaped by a systems-level approach to patient safety and operational excellence. She is passionate about advancing infusion care by equipping clinical and operational teams with the resources and support to translate best practices into real-world workflows, making it easier to deliver safe, effective, high-quality care every day.
Host: Derek Fox, MSN, RN, VA-BC, CRNI®, NEA-BC
Guests: Alicia Barron, LGSW, and Kaitey Morgan RN, BSN, CRNI®
This conversation explores the complex interplay between patient autonomy and clinical judgment in nursing practice. The hosts and guests discuss various ethical dilemmas faced by health care professionals, emphasizing the importance of education, advocacy, and understanding patient needs. Through case studies, they highlight the challenges of balancing patient wishes with clinical best practices and the necessity of effective communication in achieving optimal patient outcomes.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 07/16/2025
Oncology nurses are at risk for negative health effects of exposure to hazardous chemotherapy drugs. The health effects of this occupational exposure include the increased risk for cancer, fertility problems, asthma, nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions. Chemotherapy exposure occurs due to inadvertent contact with these drugs during handling procedures. While the rates of exposure to chemotherapy have decreased since the publication of hazardous drugs handling guidelines in the 1980s, nurses are still reporting exposure incidents. In this session, we will describe the patterns of exposure to chemotherapy and handling practices among oncology nurses based on results from a pilot survey study. Further, we will discuss the factors influencing the exposure and strategies to foster chemotherapy safety from the perspectives of nurses and nurse managers.
Oncology nurses are at risk for negative health effects of exposure to hazardous chemotherapy drugs. The health effects of this occupational exposure include the increased risk for cancer, fertility problems, asthma, nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions. Chemotherapy exposure occurs due to inadvertent contact with these drugs during handling procedures. While the rates of exposure to chemotherapy have decreased since the publication of hazardous drugs handling guidelines in the 1980s, nurses are still reporting exposure incidents. In this session, we will describe the patterns of exposure to chemotherapy and handling practices among oncology nurses based on results from a pilot survey study. Further, we will discuss the factors influencing the exposure and strategies to foster chemotherapy safety from the perspectives of nurses and nurse managers.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:
• Identify patterns of exposure to chemotherapy and handling practices among oncology nurses based on results from a pilot survey study
• Describe personal and workplace-related factors affecting hazardous chemotherapy exposure among oncology nurses
• Discuss strategies to foster chemotherapy safety among oncology nurses in health care settings
Dania Abu-Alhaija, PhD, RN
Dania Abu-Alhaija, PhD, RN, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing in the Population Health Department. She obtained the PhD Degree in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing. Her research interests are related to occupational health for health care workers, particularly exposure to hazardous drugs among nurses. Dr Abu-Alhaija’s work experience includes working in acute- and floor-levels medical-surgical departments, research, and academic settings. She has experience in teaching undergraduate and graduate nursing students in both clinical and didactic courses.
CRNI® RUs: This session has been approved for 2 CRNI® recertification units and meets the non INS Meeting criteria.
Contact Hours: This session has been approved for 1 contact hour
Expiration date for receipt of contact hours: July 16, 2028
To receive contact hours for this educational activity, you are required to attend the entire educational activity and complete the evaluation.
The Infusion Nurses Society is approved as a provider of continuing nursing education by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider #CEP14209. The certificate must be retained by the attendee for a period of 4 years.
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Contains 2 Component(s)
In this episode of the INS Infusion Room, Dr Rosenthal discusses his extensive experience in research and infection prevention, particularly focusing on central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) infections in low-resource settings. He emphasizes the importance of data collection and awareness among clinicians to improve patient safety. The conversation also highlights his new role with INS as the Editor in Chief of the 10th edition of the Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice and the significance of updating standards to reflect current research findings. The episode concludes with a call to action for health care professionals to publish their findings to contribute to the body of knowledge in infection prevention.
In this episode of the INS Infusion Room, Dr Rosenthal discusses his extensive experience in research and infection prevention, particularly focusing on central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) infections in low-resource settings. He emphasizes the importance of data collection and awareness among clinicians to improve patient safety. The conversation also highlights his new role with INS as the Editor in Chief of the 10th edition of the Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice and the significance of updating standards to reflect current research findings. The episode concludes with a call to action for health care professionals to publish their findings to contribute to the body of knowledge in infection prevention.
Victor D. Rosenthal, MD, PhD
Prof. Victor D. Rosenthal, MD, PhD, is a specialist in Internal Medicine and infectious diseases with an Infection Prevention fellowship at Wisconsin University and a certification in Clinical Effectiveness from Harvard University. He is a Professor in the Public Health Department at the University of Miami.
Since 2002, he has been the Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC), which researches the surveillance and prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in 45 countries in Latin America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. In this setting, he has led over 2,500 researchers. Over the last 30 years, he has been a keynote speaker at thousands of events in 900 cities in 71 countries.
He has 421 scientific publications, which have been cited in over 28,500 peer-reviewed papers. His H index is 72. He serves on the editorial boards of the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC) and other journals, reviews over 100 peer-reviewed journals, including The Lancet, and has received 10 international awards for his research, including those of APIC and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).
He has collaborated as an editor-in-chief or reviewer of standards for several scientific organizations, including the Infusion Nurses Society (INS), International Society of Infectious Diseases (ISID), Association for Vascular Access (AVA), Joint Commission International (JCI), World Health Organization (WHO), and the governments of Hong Kong, Taiwan, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Committee Member of the INS Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice, to be published in 2027, and the editor-in-chief of the 2024 ISID Guidelines to Prevent CLABSI.
Host: Derek Fox, MSN, RN, VA-BC, CRNI®, NEA-BC
Guest: Victor Rosenthal, MD, PhD
In this episode of the INS Infusion Room, Dr Rosenthal discusses his extensive experience in research and infection prevention, particularly focusing on central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) infections in low-resource settings. He emphasizes the importance of data collection and awareness among clinicians to improve patient safety. The conversation also highlights his new role with INS as the Editor in Chief of the 10th edition of the Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice and the significance of updating standards to reflect current research findings. The episode concludes with a call to action for health care professionals to publish their findings to contribute to the body of knowledge in infection prevention.
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Contains 2 Component(s)
In this episode of the INS Infusion Room, Suzanne Strasters shares her journey from acute care nursing to specializing in infusion therapy. She discusses her experiences in the pharmaceutical industry, the importance of patient care, and offers advice for young nurses navigating their careers. The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration between nursing and pharmacy, as well as the emotional challenges faced in the nursing profession.
In this episode of the INS Infusion Room, Suzanne Strasters shares her journey from acute care nursing to specializing in infusion therapy. She discusses her experiences in the pharmaceutical industry, the importance of patient care, and offers advice for young nurses navigating their careers. The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration between nursing and pharmacy, as well as the emotional challenges faced in the nursing profession.
Suzanne Strasters, MSN-FNP, IgCN
Suzanne Strasters, MSN, FNP-C, IgCN, is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in nursing and 14 years in specialty infusion therapy. She has served as clinical educator for several immunology products, including a wide portfolio of plasma-derived therapies as well as medical devices used in the specialty infusion space. Suzanne has aided in the launch of multiple drug products, delivery devices, and patient support programs throughout her career. She is passionate about providing specialized clinical education to nurses and other health care professionals on immunoglobulin replacement therapies and associated disease states. Ms Strasters is currently serving as the Head of Clinical Education for GC Biopharma USA and is thrilled to be invited to chat about her experience on the Infusion Room Podcast.
Host: Derek Fox, MSN, RN, VA-BC, CRNI®, NEA-BC
Guest: Suzanne Strasters MSN, FNP-C, IgC
In this episode of the INS Infusion Room, Suzanne Strasters shares her journey from acute care nursing to specializing in infusion therapy. She discusses her experiences in the pharmaceutical industry, the importance of patient care, and offers advice for young nurses navigating their careers. The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration between nursing and pharmacy, as well as the emotional challenges faced in the nursing profession.
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Contains 2 Component(s)
In this episode of the INS Infusion Room, Barb Nickel shares her journey from a critical care nurse to the Chair of the Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice 10th edition committee for INS. She discusses the importance of volunteerism, the evolution of standards in infusion therapy, and the rigorous process of appraising evidence for practice recommendations. The conversation also highlights the collaboration between nursing and pharmacy, the distinction between guidelines and standards, and the impact of these efforts on improving patient outcomes.
In this episode of the INS Infusion Room, Barb Nickel shares her journey from a critical care nurse to the Chair of the Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice 10th edition committee for INS. She discusses the importance of volunteerism, the evolution of standards in infusion therapy, and the rigorous process of appraising evidence for practice recommendations. The conversation also highlights the collaboration between nursing and pharmacy, the distinction between guidelines and standards, and the impact of these efforts on improving patient outcomes.
Barb Nickel, APRN-CNS, CCRN, CRNI®
Barb Nickel, APRN-CNS, CCRN, CRNI® is a Clinical Nurse Specialist at a large health care system in the United States, responsible for staff development and process improvement to optimize outcomes in multiple areas of clinical practice, including critical care, infusion therapy, sepsis, and new graduate transition to practice. Ms Nickel has presented nationally and published in several peer-reviewed journals on infusion-related topics. She was the chair of the 2024 INS Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice Committee and is the current chair of the 2027 SOP Committee. She also serves as Adjunct Research Fellow for Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
Host: Derek Fox, MSN, RN, VA-BC, CRNI®, NEA-BC
Guest: Barb Nickel APRN-CNS, CCRN, CRNI®
In this episode of the INS Infusion Room, Barb Nickel shares her journey from a critical care nurse to the Chair of the Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice 10th edition committee for INS. She discusses the importance of volunteerism, the evolution of standards in infusion therapy, and the rigorous process of appraising evidence for practice recommendations. The conversation also highlights the collaboration between nursing and pharmacy, the distinction between guidelines and standards, and the impact of these efforts on improving patient outcomes.
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