Care teams do their best work when they’re aligned—but growing complexity can make that difficult. Multiple systems, evolving workflows, and increasing daily pressures often pull teams in different directions. In this conversation with Mikaela Olsen, DNP, APRN‑CNS, AOCNS®, FAAN (Clinical Program Director, Johns Hopkins) and Blake Shay, PharmD, MS, BCPS (Pharmacy Leader, BayCare), we will explore real‑world workflow challenges and practical approaches for building alignment, improving communication, and creating more predictable processes—because every moment in care counts.

Sponsored by BD

In this episode, Dr Grace Xu discusses the critical role of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) in emergency departments, highlighting the challenges and current practices in insertion techniques. With over 20 years of experience, Dr Xu emphasizes the need for improved training, patient involvement, and evidence-based practices to enhance patient care and reduce complications associated with PIVC insertions. The conversation covers the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by patients with difficult venous access and the need for a systematic approach to improve outcomes in emergency care.

In this conversation, Kristi Reguin-Hartman, president of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses, and Hayley Sweetser, co-host of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) podcast, explore the challenges new nurses face in IV management. They discuss the critical role of hands-on practice, the value of interdisciplinary collaboration across nursing specialties, and the importance of strong patient education and communication, particularly between emergency departments and medical-surgical units.

The conversation also addresses ongoing staffing challenges and underscores the need to build and maintain IV therapy competencies. Additionally, Ms Sweetser and Dr Reguin-Hartman highlight opportunities for future collaboration between organizations to strengthen nursing practice and improve patient outcomes.

Sponsored by: Solventum. In this episode, DJ Shannon, an infection preventionist, discusses the challenges and advancements in preventing central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CABSI). The conversation covers persistent challenges faced by clinicians, the impact of bloodstream infections on health care systems, evolving standards in infection prevention, and the importance of collaboration among health care professionals. Mr Shannon also highlights innovations in vascular access protection and the significance of clinician confidence in adopting new practices.

Sponsored by: BD. In this episode of the INS Infusion Room, Dr Nathan Gilmore discusses the burden of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs), emphasizing the importance of sterile procedures and teamwork in preventing these infections. He shares insights on the impact of these infections on health care costs, patient outcomes, and the role of technology and education in reducing infection rates. Dr Gilmore also highlights the significance of maintaining a culture of zero CLABSIs and the collaborative efforts needed to achieve this goal.

Sponsored by: Fresenius Kabi. In this episode of the INS Infusion Room, Barb Nickel discusses the critical topics of concurrent flow and shared volume in infusion therapy. She emphasizes the importance of understanding these concepts for patient safety, particularly in critical care settings. The conversation covers the risks associated with concurrent flow, the standards and best practices in infusion therapy, and the significance of pump function and medication delivery. Ms Nickel also highlights the need for better education among nurses regarding tubing characteristics and the management of peripheral IVs. The episode concludes with a call to action for clinicians to advocate for optimal patient care and to implement best practices in their daily routines.

In this episode of the INS Infusion Room, Dr Marlene Steinheiser, Chief Clinical Officer at INS, joins the host to discuss the achievements and initiatives of the past year, as well as future plans for the organization. The conversation covers collaborations with various associations, the importance of vascular access, and the impact of educational programs. Enjoy the recap of the best moments of Season 1 as Dr Steinheiser and Derek prepare for the start of Season 2. 

In this episode of the INS Infusion Room, host Derek speaks with Carla Dillard about her extensive experience in nursing and the recent changes in the scope of practice for nurses in Louisiana. They discuss the introduction of electrocardiogram (ECG) technology for confirming catheter placements, the challenges faced in advocating for this change, and the successful presentation to the Louisiana Board of Nursing. Ms Dillard emphasizes the importance of data-driven advocacy and collaboration among nurses to improve patient care and outcomes.

In this episode of the INS Infusion Room, host Derek discusses product implementation in health care with Mike Whitner, who shares insights from his extensive clinical experience. They explore the challenges and surprises of product rollouts, the importance of building trust and communication among teams, and strategies for supporting clinicians during transitions.

In this episode, Louise Esterhuizen discusses her journey as a nurse practitioner in South Africa, focusing on vascular access and infusion therapy. She shares her passion for improving patient outcomes through better practices and the challenges she faces in advocating for expanded nursing roles. The conversation highlights the importance of standardization, collaboration among health care professionals, and the need for structured education to enhance patient care. Louise emphasizes the significance of finding support within the nursing community and the impact of international best practices on local health care.

In this episode of the INS Infusion Room, Suzie Eastwood, a board-certified vascular access nurse, shares her journey and the significant changes she implemented within her organization. From adapting to COVID-19 challenges to reforming policies at local and national levels, Suzie’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and dedication to patient care.