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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 07/29/2026 at 1:00 PM (EDT)
Medication administration errors (MAEs) remain a leading cause of preventable patient harm and are a significant concern in outpatient infusion settings where nurses often assume primary responsibility for medication preparation, verification, administration, and patient education. As infusion services continue to expand, organizations need practical and sustainable strategies to strengthen medication safety and reduce the risk of errors associated with high-risk intravenous therapies. This comprehensive practice-focused session will examine common system and human factors contributing to MAEs, review the implementation of a structured Medication Administration Evaluation and Feedback Tool (MAEFT), and present outcomes from a multi-site outpatient infusion quality improvement initiative. Participants will gain practical approaches for applying observation, feedback, and procedural safety practices to improve adherence to medication administration standards and support a culture of safety. In this session, we will explore medication safety risks in outpatient infusion practice, discuss implementation of the MAEFT framework, and identify strategies that infusion nurses can use to improve medication administration safety and patient outcomes.
Medication administration errors (MAEs) remain a leading cause of preventable patient harm and are a significant concern in outpatient infusion settings where nurses often assume primary responsibility for medication preparation, verification, administration, and patient education. As infusion services continue to expand, organizations need practical and sustainable strategies to strengthen medication safety and reduce the risk of errors associated with high-risk intravenous therapies. This comprehensive practice-focused session will examine common system and human factors contributing to MAEs, review the implementation of a structured Medication Administration Evaluation and Feedback Tool (MAEFT), and present outcomes from a multi-site outpatient infusion quality improvement initiative. Participants will gain practical approaches for applying observation, feedback, and procedural safety practices to improve adherence to medication administration standards and support a culture of safety. In this session, we will explore medication safety risks in outpatient infusion practice, discuss implementation of the MAEFT framework, and identify strategies that infusion nurses can use to improve medication administration safety and patient outcomes.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:
1. Describe common system and human factors contributing to medication administration errors in outpatient infusion settings
2. Explain how structured observation and feedback strategies can be used to improve medication administration safety and clinician adherence to best practices
3. Discuss the implementation and application of the Medication Administration Evaluation and Feedback Tool (MAEFT) to strengthen medication safety practices in outpatient infusion clinicsValerie Brady, DNP, MSN-Ed, APRN, FNP-C
Valerie Brady, DNP, MSN-Ed, APRN, FNP-C, is a Family Nurse Practitioner, nurse educator, and health care leader with more than 25 years of nursing experience spanning pediatrics, oncology, emergency care, labor and delivery, infusion therapy, and nursing education. She currently serves as an Instructor Faculty Associate at Arizona State University and has held leadership roles in outpatient infusion practice, including serving as Clinical Education Manager and Family Nurse Practitioner for a multi-state infusion organization, where she provided clinical oversight, onboarding, competency development, and continuing education for more than 200 clinicians across 6 states. In addition to her academic and clinical practice roles, Dr Brady currently consults with an outpatient infusion organization on clinical operations, education, and quality improvement initiatives. She recently completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Northern Arizona University, focusing on medication safety in outpatient infusion clinics. Dr Brady’s combined clinical, leadership, consulting, and academic experience provides a unique perspective on advancing medication safety and quality improvement in infusion nursing practice.
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 29, 2029
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 0 Component(s)
In this episode, we take a behind-the-scenes look at INS Member Services, the certification process, and the future of the Infusion Nurses Society. Join Megan Trupiano, Director of Member Services, and Susan Richberg, Senior Member Services Associate, as they share valuable insights into the resources and support available to members, offer practical guidance for certification success, and discuss upcoming initiatives designed to advance the profession and enhance the member experience. Whether you're considering certification, looking to maximize your INS membership, or curious about what's ahead for the Society, this conversation is packed with valuable information for infusion nurses and health care professionals alike.
In this episode, we take a behind-the-scenes look at INS Member Services, the certification process, and the future of the Infusion Nurses Society. Join Megan Trupiano, Director of Member Services, and Susan Richberg, Senior Member Services Associate, as they share valuable insights into the resources and support available to members, offer practical guidance for certification success, and discuss upcoming initiatives designed to advance the profession and enhance the member experience. Whether you're considering certification, looking to maximize your INS membership, or curious about what's ahead for the Society, this conversation is packed with valuable information for infusion nurses and health care professionals alike.
Meghan Trupiano, MBA, CMP
Meghan Trupiano, MBA, CMP, serves as the Director of Member Services, leading the strategy, planning, and execution of programs that strengthen member engagement and support the organization’s mission. She oversees the INS Annual Meeting and Virtual Conferences, managing all aspects of meeting logistics, hotel and vendor relations, and exhibit and sponsorship sales. In addition, Meghan plays a key role in developing and executing marketing and communication plans that promote INS programs and membership growth.
Meghan earned her MBA from Curry College and is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP). She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and their 3 young boys. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and unwinding with a good book.
Susan Richberg
Susan Richberg has worked for INS for almost 19 years and has worked with members and CRNIs for over 10 years. She has gotten to know, by phone, email, and in person, many members. She feels that this customer service position assists INS with their mission of education in infusion therapy and certification.
Host: Derek Fox, MSN, RN, VA-BC, CRNI®, NEA-BC
Guests: Meghan Trupiano, MBA, CMP & Susan Richberg
In this episode, we take a behind-the-scenes look at INS Member Services, the certification process, and the future of the Infusion Nurses Society. Join Megan Trupiano, Director of Member Services, and Susan Richberg, Senior Member Services Associate, as they share valuable insights into the resources and support available to members, offer practical guidance for certification success, and discuss upcoming initiatives designed to advance the profession and enhance the member experience. Whether you're considering certification, looking to maximize your INS membership, or curious about what's ahead for the Society, this conversation is packed with valuable information for infusion nurses and health care professionals alike.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits
Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HH), a genetic condition characterized by excessive iron accumulation, is prevalent among Northern European populations, causes excessive iron accumulation, and requires regular therapeutic phlebotomy (blood removal) for treatment. Despite critical global blood shortages, this blood is often discarded based on outdated safety concerns. A rapid review of literature was conducted to assess the safety and effectiveness of using blood from uncomplicated HH patients. The review found strong evidence that blood from HH donors is safe, effective, and comparable to that of healthy donors. Specifically, red blood cells from HH donors improve hemoglobin increments in transfusion recipients, and their platelet quality is comparable to healthy donors. This evidence strongly supports updating policies to integrate HH patients into the general blood supply and mitigate the professional liability associated with the unnecessary waste of a valuable medical resource.
Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HH), a genetic condition characterized by excessive iron accumulation, is prevalent among Northern European populations, causes excessive iron accumulation, and requires regular therapeutic phlebotomy (blood removal) for treatment. Despite critical global blood shortages, this blood is often discarded based on outdated safety concerns. A rapid review of literature was conducted to assess the safety and effectiveness of using blood from uncomplicated HH patients. The review found strong evidence that blood from HH donors is safe, effective, and comparable to that of healthy donors. Specifically, red blood cells from HH donors improve hemoglobin increments in transfusion recipients, and their platelet quality is comparable to healthy donors. This evidence strongly supports updating policies to integrate HH patients into the general blood supply and mitigate the professional liability associated with the unnecessary waste of a valuable medical resource.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:
• Explain the clinical necessity of therapeutic phlebotomy for hemochromatosis patients and the global blood supply implications of discarding this blood.
• Analyze the safety and efficacy data of blood collected from uncomplicated HH patients, as evidenced by a rapid review of the literature.
• Compare the quality of key blood components (red cells and platelets) from HH donors against those from healthy donors.
• Justify policy changes and propose strategies to safely integrate uncomplicated HH patients into standard blood donation programs.Fatima Karashi, MSN, BSN, RN
Fatima Karashi, MSN, BSN, RN, has a master’s degree in Nursing Leadership and Management, with experience in ambulatory and specialty care, nursing leadership, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice. Throughout her career, she has been actively involved in initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care, improving health care processes, and supporting professional development within multidisciplinary teams. Ms Karashi’s academic background and professional experience have strengthened her interest in research and the application of evidence to practice. This presentation reflects her commitment to advancing health care through evidence-informed decision-making. By synthesizing and evaluating current literature, this work seeks to provide meaningful insights that can inform clinical practice, health care policy, and future research.
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: June 30, 2029
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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- Member - Free!
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Contains 2 Component(s)
This episode features Dr Lois Rajcan, an Infusion Therapy and Vascular Access Standards of Practice 10th edition committee member, discussing best practices, standards, and organizational strategies for safe port access. Learn about the importance of competency, evidence-based practices, and patient-centered care in vascular access management.
This episode features Dr Lois Rajcan, an Infusion Therapy and Vascular Access Standards of Practice 10th edition committee member, discussing best practices, standards, and organizational strategies for safe port access. Learn about the importance of competency, evidence-based practices, and patient-centered care in vascular access management.
Lois Rajcan, PhD, RN
Lois Rajcan, PhD, RN, has more than 38 years of experience as a registered nurse across diverse clinical settings, including 10 years specializing in vascular access as a clinical manager. Her commitment to safe, patient-centered vascular access practice has shaped both her scholarly work and her contributions to nursing education. She has conducted research examining patients’ trust in nurses and their perceptions of nursing care quality when nurses access implanted vascular access ports. Active in nursing education since 2011, she also developed an undergraduate vascular access and infusion therapy course designed to strengthen foundational competence and promote evidence-based practice among emerging nurses.
Host: Derek Fox, MSN, RN, VA-BC, CRNI®, NEA-BC
Guest: Dr Lois Rajcan, PhD, RN
This episode features Dr Lois Rajcan, an Infusion Therapy and Vascular Access Standards of Practice 10th edition committee member, discussing best practices, standards, and organizational strategies for safe port access. Learn about the importance of competency, evidence-based practices, and patient-centered care in vascular access management.
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Contains 2 Component(s)
In this episode, Dr Marlene Steinheiser shares a compelling story about her in-laws' medical emergency, highlighting the importance of patient-centered care, communication, and adherence to standards in vascular access. The discussion emphasizes how health care professionals can improve patient experiences and outcomes through education, collaboration, and advocacy.
In this episode, Dr Marlene Steinheiser shares a compelling story about her in-laws' medical emergency, highlighting the importance of patient-centered care, communication, and adherence to standards in vascular access. The discussion emphasizes how health care professionals can improve patient experiences and outcomes through education, collaboration, and advocacy.
Marlene Steinheiser, PhD, RN, CRNI®
Marlene Steinheiser, PhD, RN, CRNI®, Chief Clinical Officer at INS, is responsible for supporting the vision and mission of the organization nationally and globally, which includes strategic planning and development of new programs, research, and education. Additionally, she provides leadership and oversight for the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Infusion Nursing and the Editor in Chief of the Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic vision and publication standards.
Dr Steinheiser has been a CRNI since 1991 and has 40 years of nursing experience. Her background includes work in diverse clinical settings, faculty roles in both pre-licensure and post-licensure nursing education, and service as a nurse practice consultant for a state nursing regulatory board. Her passion for infusion therapy and vascular access has been integrated into each of her varied career roles.
Dr Steinheiser holds a PhD from the University of Arizona, a master’s degree and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Akron, and a nursing diploma from Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital School of Nursing. She conducts research on infusion therapy, vascular access, and compassion fatigue in nursing, with a particular interest in mixed methods research and qualitative data analysis. She also presents nationally and internationally on infusion therapy and vascular access topics.
Host: Derek Fox, MSN, RN, VA-BC, CRNI®, NEA-BC
Guest: Dr Marlene Steinheiser, PhD, RN, CRNI®
In this episode, Dr Marlene Steinheiser shares a compelling story about her in-laws' medical emergency, highlighting the importance of patient-centered care, communication, and adherence to standards in vascular access. The discussion emphasizes how health care professionals can improve patient experiences and outcomes through education, collaboration, and advocacy.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 05/27/2026
Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion is a routine procedure in emergency departments (EDs), yet current practice often deviates from evidence-based standards. Research highlights key issues, including unnecessary (idle) catheter insertion, overuse of antecubital fossa (ACF) sites, and limited patient involvement in decision-making. These gaps can lead to avoidable patient harm, reduced comfort, and inefficient use of resources. This intermediate-level session will provide an evidence-informed overview of these challenges and the factors driving them. In this session, we will examine the evidence–practice gap in ED PIVC care and identify practical, patient-centered strategies to improve clinical decision-making and outcomes.
Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion is a routine procedure in emergency departments (EDs), yet current practice often deviates from evidence-based standards. Research highlights key issues, including unnecessary (idle) catheter insertion, overuse of antecubital fossa (ACF) sites, and limited patient involvement in decision-making. These gaps can lead to avoidable patient harm, reduced comfort, and inefficient use of resources. This intermediate-level session will provide an evidence-informed overview of these challenges and the factors driving them. In this session, we will examine the evidence–practice gap in ED PIVC care and identify practical, patient-centered strategies to improve clinical decision-making and outcomes.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:
• Analyze the current gaps between evidence-based guidelines and real-world PIVC practices in emergency departments
• Evaluate the clinical, behavioral, and system-level factors contributing to suboptimal practices, including ACF insertion and idle catheter use
• Apply evidence-based and patient-centered strategies to improve PIVC decision-making, insertion, and care in the ED settingGrace Xu, Phd, RN
Dr Grace (Hui) Xu, PhD, is a Nurse Practitioner at an Emergency Trauma Center in Australia and a Senior Implementation Science Research Fellow at the Queensland University of Technology. As a Clinician-Researcher, Dr Xu is dedicated to the core belief that patients in emergency departments should receive medical treatment without any associated harm.
Her work focuses on advocating and promoting evidence-based practices in patient care, with a particular emphasis on optimizing insertions and preventing complications associated with vascular access devices in emergency settings.
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: May 27, 2029
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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- Non-member - $45
- Member - Free!
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Contains 2 Component(s)
This episode features Chris Cavanaugh discussing equitable care for patients with substance use history, focusing on harm reduction, stigma, and best practices for infusion therapy across various settings.
This episode features Chris Cavanaugh discussing equitable care for patients with substance use history, focusing on harm reduction, stigma, and best practices for infusion therapy across various settings.
Chris Cavanaugh
Chris Cavanaugh, MSN, RN, CRNI®, VA-BC, has been an RN for more than 25 years and has worked in many health care settings, always with a focus on vascular access and infusion therapy. She has been involved with both the Association for Vascular Access (AVA) and Infusion Nurses Society (INS) since 1995 and has served as a board member, committee chair, committee member, and speaker for both organizations. Ms Cavanaugh was a co-author for the AVA CPG Guidelines and a chapter in the latest Vessel Health and Preservation book. Her master's degree capstone project investigated the disparities and stresses on the health care system caused by patients with a history of substance use. Ms Cavanaugh interviewed and collected data from 100 hospitals across the United States and has been an advocate for treatment with dignity ever since.
Host: Derek Fox, MSN, RN, Va-BC, CRNI®, NEA-BC
Guest: Chris Cavanaugh, MSN, RN, CRNI®, VA-BC
This episode features Chris Cavanaugh discussing equitable care for patients with substance use history, focusing on harm reduction, stigma, and best practices for infusion therapy across various settings.
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Contains 1 Component(s)
INS invites you to join our partner, the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN), for a free educational webinar designed for nurses at all experience levels on Peripheral IV catheter (PIVC) insertion and infusion practices.
INS invites you to join our partner, the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN), for a free educational webinar designed for nurses at all experience levels on Peripheral IV catheter (PIVC) insertion and infusion practices.
PIVC insertion and management are essential skills across all care settings, yet practice variation and persistent myths can increase the risk of complications such as infection, phlebitis, extravasation, and occlusion. This webinar will examine common misconceptions in PIV insertion and peripherally administered infusion therapy, and present evidence-based strategies to improve patient safety and clinical outcomes.
Presenter Details:
Barb Nickel, APRN-CNS, CCRN, CRNI, is a nationally recognized nurse leader, educator, and researcher. Ms. Nickel is chair of the 2027 INS Standards of Practice Committee and has extensive experience in staff development, infusion therapy, and practice improvement across multiple clinical settings.
What You’ll Learn:
- Best practices for optimal PIVC placement
- Aseptic technique throughout the device life span
- Safe peripheral medication administration
- Early recognition and prevention of common complications
How To Register: Enter code INSWEBFREE at the bottom of the course overview page under “Apply Redeem Coupon. "Note: You will be prompted to create a free AMSN account to enroll.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/22/2026
Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) practices often vary across clinicians and care settings, contributing to inconsistencies in care and increased risk of complications. This session will review current organizational practices and highlight common variations identified in the literature, while discussing evidence-based standards for PIVC insertion, assessment, and maintenance, including site selection, aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT®), and standardized assessment tools such as i-DECIDED. The presentation will also share results from a quality improvement initiative aimed at reducing practice variation through product standardization, insertion checklists, competency-based education, and validation audits. Outcomes related to adherence and infection prevention will be discussed, along with practical strategies for translating quality improvement results into sustainable organizational practice change.
Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) practices often vary across clinicians and care settings, contributing to inconsistencies in care and increased risk of complications. This session will review current organizational practices and highlight common variations identified in the literature, while discussing evidence-based standards for PIVC insertion, assessment, and maintenance, including site selection, aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT®), and standardized assessment tools such as i-DECIDED. The presentation will also share results from a quality improvement initiative aimed at reducing practice variation through product standardization, insertion checklists, competency-based education, and validation audits. Outcomes related to adherence and infection prevention will be discussed, along with practical strategies for translating quality improvement results into sustainable organizational practice change.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:
• Discuss the existing concerns with PIVC practices
• Describe the professional standards and recommendations for PIVC practice
• Demonstrate actions to eliminate discrepancies between existing practices and professional standards
• Apply quality improvement (QI) project results to organizational practice changeKristie M. Coleman, MSN, RN, VA-BC
Kristie M. Coleman, MSN, RN, VA-BC’s vascular access experience began when she transitioned from critical care to a hospital peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) team, eventually becoming a clinical lead for the team. She then moved into a vascular access team (VAT) program coordinator role with another organization. Ms Coleman’s involvement there included redefining the role and expectation of vascular access nurses, changing workflow process, changing dwell time for ultrasound-guided peripheral IVs inserted by VAT nurses, teaching, course development, updating nursing procedures, and encouraging interdepartmental and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her experience also provided the opportunity to lead a VAT that bridged into a new second hospital, expanding the system. Ms Coleman has since transitioned into her institution’s infection prevention department utilizing her vascular access background.
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: April 22, 2029
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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- Non-member - $45
- Member - Free!
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Contains 21 Product(s)
The INS 2026 Virtual Conference is a great option for anyone who can’t join us in person. With 20 curated sessions available virtually and on-demand, CRNI®s can earn up to 40 recertification units (RUs) at their own pace. This year’s virtual lineup includes 3 specialty tracks—Vascular Access Devices, Alternative Care Settings, and Disease States—each designed to strengthen your infusion therapy practice from anywhere.
The INS 2026 Virtual Conference is a great option for anyone who can’t join us in person. With 20 curated sessions available virtually and on-demand, CRNI®s can earn up to 40 recertification units (RUs) at their own pace. This year’s virtual lineup includes 3 specialty tracks—Vascular Access Devices, Alternative Care Settings, and Disease States—each designed to strengthen your infusion therapy practice from anywhere.
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- Non-member - $800
- Member - $660
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