Learning Center
IV Nurse Week
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/29/2026
This session examines how smart pump–electronic health record (EHR) interoperability improves infusion safety, accuracy, and workflow efficiency. Participants will explore how bidirectional data exchange between pumps and EHRs reduces manual programming errors and enhances clinical decision-making. The discussion will highlight key technical and clinical components that support safe, reliable integration, along with real-world outcomes demonstrating error reduction and workflow optimization. Common challenges, such as data mapping, validation, and user adoption will be addressed, with practical strategies for overcoming them. Attendees will also learn how to use interoperability data and continuous quality improvement (CQI) methods to monitor performance and drive ongoing safety improvements. By the end of the session, participants will gain a clear understanding of how to implement, sustain, and optimize interoperable infusion systems.
This session examines how smart pump–electronic health record (EHR) interoperability improves infusion safety, accuracy, and workflow efficiency. Participants will explore how bidirectional data exchange between pumps and EHRs reduces manual programming errors and enhances clinical decision-making. The discussion will highlight key technical and clinical components that support safe, reliable integration, along with real-world outcomes demonstrating error reduction and workflow optimization. Common challenges, such as data mapping, validation, and user adoption will be addressed, with practical strategies for overcoming them. Attendees will also learn how to use interoperability data and continuous quality improvement (CQI) methods to monitor performance and drive ongoing safety improvements. By the end of the session, participants will gain a clear understanding of how to implement, sustain, and optimize interoperable infusion systems.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:
• Understand the role of smart pumps in enhancing infusion safety
• Recognize the benefits and challenges of interoperability with clinical systems
• Explain how smart pump EHR interoperability enhances infusion safety and workflow efficiency
• Identify key technical and clinical components of interoperable infusion systems
• Summarize current evidence and outcomes from interoperability implementations
• Recognize common challenges and strategies for maintaining safe, reliable integration
• Utilize data and CQI methods to monitor and improve interoperable infusion practices
• Identify best practices for drug library programming and maintenanceSheryl Krause, PhD, RN, CEN, ACNS-BC
Sheryl Krause, PhD, RN, CEN, ACNS-BC, worked as a bedside nurse in oncology, obstetrics, and the emergency department for 19 years before becoming a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in the emergency department in 2005. As a CNS, Dr Krause is passionate about ensuring that nurses have access to technology that enhances patient safety without disrupting efficient and effective workflows. She completed her PhD in Nursing with a minor in Industrial and Systems Engineering in 2024. The study of human factors in health care informed her thinking about infusion therapy practices. While in the PhD program, she led a project to implement smart pump technology and interoperability. Dr Krause presented the related outcomes at the 2023 International Symposium on Human Factors and Ergonomics in Health Care.
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: January 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 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/28/2026
Selecting the appropriate vascular access device is critical when administering high-risk medications. Infusion nurses often face institutional barriers that prevent them from following evidence-based guidelines, leading to patient harm. This session provides an overview of the risks associated with incorrect device selection and introduces the INS 2024 Vesicant List as a tool for guiding safe infusion practices. Learners will explore how decision-making support tools can empower nurses to advocate for appropriate care. In this session, we will examine how clinical judgment, updated guidelines, and technology can work together to improve vascular access outcomes.
Selecting the appropriate vascular access device is critical when administering high-risk medications. Infusion nurses often face institutional barriers that prevent them from following evidence-based guidelines, leading to patient harm. This session provides an overview of the risks associated with incorrect device selection and introduces the INS 2024 Vesicant List as a tool for guiding safe infusion practices. Learners will explore how decision-making support tools can empower nurses to advocate for appropriate care. In this session, we will examine how clinical judgment, updated guidelines, and technology can work together to improve vascular access outcomes.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:
• Review key factors that influence vascular access device (VAD) selection in clinical practice
• Understand infusion-related considerations such as solution characteristics, administration methods, and therapy duration
• Recognize patient and vessel-related risks associated with infusion therapy
• Utilize educational resources to support informed, evidence-based decision-making for device selectionBarb Nickel, APRN-CNS, CCRN, CRNI®
Clinical Nurse Specialist
CommonSpirit Health
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 internationally and published in several peer-review journals on infusion-related topics. She was the chair of the 2024 INS Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice Committee, and is now chair of the 2027 Standards Committee. She also serves as Adjunct Research Fellow for Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
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: January 28, 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 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/27/2026
Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are among the most frequently used medical devices, yet the optimal choice between integrated and non-integrated systems is still debated. Despite strong conceptual advantages for integrated designs, real-world evidence has not consistently demonstrated superiority across all clinical contexts. This session will explore current evidence, practical implications, and cost–benefit considerations for device selection. Drawing on recent trials and clinical experience, we will discuss when integrated catheters may offer measurable benefit and when non-integrated devices may perform equally well. Participants will gain tools to interpret the evidence within the context of their own clinical environment and patient population
Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are among the most frequently used medical devices, yet the optimal choice between integrated and non-integrated systems is still debated. Despite strong conceptual advantages for integrated designs, real-world evidence has not consistently demonstrated superiority across all clinical contexts.
This session will explore current evidence, practical implications, and cost–benefit considerations for device selection. Drawing on recent trials and clinical experience, we will discuss when integrated catheters may offer measurable benefit and when non-integrated devices may perform equally well. Participants will gain tools to interpret the evidence within the context of their own clinical environment and patient population.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:
• Describe the structural and functional differences between integrated and non-integrated PIVCs
• Discuss current evidence regarding device performance, complications, and cost-effectiveness across different patient populations and care settings
• Explain how contextual factors, such as insertion site, gauge, expected dwell time, and inserter experience affect PIVC outcomes and the applicability of published findingsTricia Kleidon, PhD, MNSc, BNSc
Tricia Kleidon, Phd, MNSc (Nurse Practitioner), BSc (Nursing), is a Nurse Practitioner in Paediatric Vascular Assessment and Management at Queensland Children’s Hospital and a Research Fellow at The University of Queensland. She works within a dynamic clinical and research team dedicated to improving patient outcomes and reducing vascular access-related complications. Dr Kleidon recently completed her PhD, which focused on techniques and technologies to improve first-time peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion success, and reduce complications. She is passionate about the intersection of research and clinical practice and is always up for sharing ideas—preferably over a spritz or 2.
DJ Shannon, MPH, CIC, VA-BC, AL-CIP, FAPIC
DJ Shannon, MPH, CIC, VA-BC, AL-CIP, FAPIC, has been involved in infection prevention and infectious diseases for over a decade, with experience spanning research, state public health, academics, and acute care hospitals. With a background in human biology and epidemiology, his focus is on the intersection of antimicrobial resistance, device-associated infections, and infection prevention. Mr Shannon is the 2025 Immediate Past President of Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Indiana. He was a clinical reviewer for the 2021 INS Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice and a co-author of the Association for Vascular Access (AVA) Standards of Care for Peripheral Intravenous Catheters. Most recently, he served as the lead author for the APIC Implementation Guide for Preventing Catheter-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CABSIs) in Adults.
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: January 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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Contains 2 Component(s)
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.
In this episode, DJ Shannon, an infection preventionist, discusses the challenges and advancements in preventing catheter-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.
DJ Shannon, MPH, CIC, VA-BC, AL-CIP, FAPIC
DJ Shannon, MPH, CIC, VA-BC, AL-CIP, FAPIC, has been involved in infection prevention and infectious diseases for over a decade, with experience spanning research, state public health, academics, and acute care hospitals. With a background in human biology and epidemiology, his focus is on the intersection of antimicrobial resistance, device-associated infections, and infection prevention. Mr Shannon is the 2025 Immediate Past President of Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Indiana. He was a clinical reviewer for the 2021 INS Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice and a co-author of the Association for Vascular Access (AVA) Standards of Care for Peripheral Intravenous Catheters. Most recently, he served as the lead author for the APIC Implementation Guide for Preventing Catheter-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CABSIs) in Adults.
Host: Derek Fox, MSN, RN, VA-BC, CRNI®, NEA-BC
Guest: DJ Shannon, MPH, CIC, VA-BC, FAPIC
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.
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Contains 2 Component(s)
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.
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.
Nathan Gilmore, MD, MBA
Nate Gilmore, MD, MBA, has been Chief of Service for Critical Care at Hoag Hospital, with Newport Critical Care in Newport Beach, California since 2019. He coordinates and manages continuous improvement of intensive care services for Hoag and develops treatment algorithms, cost and acuity assessments, and outcomes analyses. He is Assistant in Quality Improvement for Hoag Hospital.
Dr Gilmore is American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM)-certified in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care. He received his Doctor of Medicine in 2007; he completed his post-graduate residency in emergency medicine at University of Pittsburgh, and then a multidisciplinary Critical Care Fellowship in 2013 at the University of Florida.
Dr Gilmore earned his Executive MBA at the Marriott School of Management at Brigham Young University in June 2017. He has served as Medical Director for the Hoag Academy Improvement Course since April 2018 and as Medical Director and Professor of American Career College Respiratory Therapy since 2015.
Dr Gilmore has been actively involved in research, including recent publication on dialysis efficiency and catheter selection. He has also researched respiratory monitoring and ventilator weaning protocols; refractory hypoxemia treatment management; and computerized sepsis algorithm.
Dr Gilmore is a member of the Hospital Quality Board, Clinical Excellence Committee, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Reporting Committee, Infection Prevention Committee, Blood Bank Utilization Committee, and COVID-19 Response Leadership Council. He is responsible for the creation and introduction of Hoag Academy Training in Quality Improvement and also developing and refining curriculum, delivery, and coordinating improvement teams and strategies.
Dr Gilmore works with the CMS Bundled Payment program with diagnosis related group (DRG) population-based care management. He is the Physician Leader for the Multi-disciplinary central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) Elimination Team: 24 in 2016 to ZERO for 2017, 2018 (and again currently).
Host: Derek Fox, MSN, RN, VA-BC, CRNI®, NEA-BC
Guest: Dr Nathan Gilmore, MD, MBA
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.
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Contains 2 Component(s)
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, 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.
Barb Nickel, APRN-CNS, CCRN, CRNI®
Clinical Nurse Specialist
CommonSpirit Health
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 internationally and published in several peer-review journals on infusion-related topics. She was the chair of the 2024 INS Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice Committee, and is now chair of the 2027 Standards 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, MSN, APRN-CNS, CRNI®, CCRN
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.
Sponsored by:
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