Episode 59: March 26, 2020 - Straight Talk on COVID-19: INS Leaders Discuss the Path Forward

INS answers the most commonly asked clinical practice questions, regarding COVID-19. Join us as INS leadership talks through the rescheduling of INS 2020, our national conference. We discuss the impact this unprecedented situation on INS, as employees work remotely. Our session closes with guest Abagail Zuehlke, BSN, CRNI®, who will be talking about assessing and initiating care for patients with COVID-19.

Chris Hunt, MBA

Chief Executive Officer

INS

Chris Hunt, MBA, serves as the Chief Executive Officer of INS and INCC. In this role, Chris works with the executive management team to develop strategies for new business development and overall organizational growth. Chris began his INS career in 1995 when INS did not have e-mail or the internet and people had to use a telephone to communicate. He held positions as meetings manager, director of meetings, director of marketing, and executive vice president before assuming his current position as CEO in May 2023.

Maria Connors, MBA, CAE

Chief Operating Officer

INS

Maria Connors, MBA, CAE. As part of the INS executive team, Maria is responsible for maximizing the operational performance of the Infusion Nurses Society (INS) and the Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation (INCC) and achieving each organization’s financial goals. In addition, she works to implement the strategic view and initiatives of both organizations, as set forth by the board of directors, and helps ensure that all mission objectives are met. Maria is also responsible for all human resource initiatives and key performance indicators.

Maria completed her MBA program with a specialization in Human Resource Management. She also sat for and passed the CAE exam and was awarded the designation of Certified Association Executive. When not working, Maria’s favorite role is that of Nonnie to her 2 beautiful grandchildren.

Meghan Trupiano, MBA, CMP

Director of Conferences & Member Services

INS

Meghan Trupiano, MBA, CMP, serves as the Director of Conferences & 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.

Abigail Zuehlke, BSN, CRNI®

RN, Martha Jefferson Hospital

Abigail Zuehlke, BSN, CRNI®, has considerable clinical experience in oncology, critical care, and emergency nursing. She has varied practice-setting experiences with fluid and electrolyte challenges, across the spectrum of illness, organic and iatrogenic. Abigail has a passion for quality improvement and meaningful solutions for hardworking bedside clinicians and their patients.

Host: Dawn Berndt, DNP, RN, CRNI® – INS Clinical Education & Publications Manager

Guests:

• Christopher Hunt, INS Executive Vice President
• Maria Connors, CAE, INS Director of Operations & Member Services
• Meghan Trupiano, CMP, INS Meetings Manager
• Abigail Zuehlke, BSN, CRNI®

Message From INS:
INS would like to express how proud we are of our nation’s health care professionals. We are currently facing one of the most challenging periods in our collective practice. We understand that those in the medical field are working through exhaustion, frustration and personal loss, in a crisis that affects every aspect of our lives. Working through the COVID-19 pandemic will be perhaps the greatest challenge you have ever faced. INS wants you to know that our response regarding your work and dedication through this time is: “Well done!” We are thankful for and proud of each and every one of you!

Program:
INS Addresses COVID-19-Related Clinical Questions
INS is fielding many clinical practice questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This segment addresses the top 4 questions and concerns, posed by clinicians who are managing scarcity or depletion of PPE and other health care supplies due to Covid-19. Topics include: 1) Moving infusion pumps outside the patient room, 2) CVAD dressing change interval in homecare settings, 3) Pump administration set change intervals, and 4) ability to use reusable masks for CVAD dressing changes.
COVID-19 FAQs

INS Leadership – INS 2020 Conference Rescheduling, Working from Home, and the Path Forward
In this segment, INS leaders discuss the rescheduling of INS 2020 national conference. Learn about what’s next, including what registered attendees need to know.
INS employees are working remotely, staying connected, and working to address membership needs.

Assessing and Initiating Care for Patients with COVID-19
Listen in as Abigail Zuehlke, BSN, CRNI®, discusses working in an emergency department, managing initial assessments for those with respiratory illness, donning and doffing personal protective equipment, and supportive care for patient with COVID-19.

COVID-19 Resources:
ANA COVID-19 Information Page: https://www.nursingworld.org/p...

ANA's Position on the Use of Cloth Masks:
“Evidence does not support the notion that cloth masks are safe for health care professionals in providing care to patients with coronavirus. ANA continues to press for appropriate PPE, including N95 respirators and, if those are not available, medical/surgical masks. Nurses should not be wearing cloth masks, as they do not afford the wearer any significant protection.”

LitCovid - curated literature hub for tracking up-to-date scientific information about the 2019 novel Coronavirus: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/r...

ONS: IS PPE Running Out? ONS Interim Guidelines during the COVID-19 Pandemic
https://www.ons.org/covid-19-i...
https://www.ons.org/