The State of Infusion Administration in US Health Care

Purdue University researchers share results from the second survey of infusion-related study questions. You can read about the results in the newest edition of INSider here. 

New INS Podcast

Infusion Nurses Society (INS) presents "Complications Happen," a 6-part series presented by top infusion therapy experts, which addresses infusion therapy-related complications. Knowing how to recognize the signs and symptoms of problems and identifying them as early as possible can have a significant impact on positive patient outcomes. Treating the sequelae of unrecognized complications can be costly, result in poor outcomes, and decrease patient satisfaction. Each episode will discuss a different complication.

NSO Webinar - The Non-Adherent Patient: Risk Control Strategies For Nurses

Patient non-adherence can come in many forms: unwillingness to follow a course of therapy, repeated missed appointments, rejecting treatment recommendations, reluctance to take medications, refusal to provide information or chronic late payments. If left unchecked, such conduct may result in litigation. The objective of this presentation is to empower nurses with strategies to not only recognize these patient behaviors but also take steps to reduce the likelihood of malpractice claims. Using selected claim scenarios, RNs and LPNs/LVNs can examine their own current risk control practices in relation to the claims and losses experienced by their peers.

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American Nurses Foundation - INS Research Grant
INS is pleased to announce the sponsorship of a $5,000 grant through the American Nurses Foundation Nursing Research Grants (NRG) Program. Each year the NRG Program provides funds to beginning and experienced nurse researchers to conduct studies that contribute toward the advancement of nursing science and the enhancement of patient outcomes. 

The INS Research Grant focuses on the science and practice of infusion therapy with preference given to applicants who are INS members. Submission deadline is May 1, 2018. Don't miss this great opportunity!

NSNA Scholarship Recipient 
INS in conjunction with the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA), is pleased to announce that Katelyn Dalton of the University of Tennessee Knoxville, was awarded the Infusion Nurses Society Student Leadership Scholarship through NSNA. As a long-time sponsor of this award, INS recognizes the importance of nursing leadership and the key role it plays in advancing the profession. We congratulate Katelyn and wish her well as she embarks on her nursing career.

Empowering Nurses to Protect Themselves and Their Patients: Disaster Preparedness through the Seasons
Healthcare personnel may serve as responders during disasters or infectious disease outbreaks. To effectively respond to public health emergencies and natural disasters, healthcare professionals must engage in emergency preparedness and response activities. This webinar will address how nurses can be prepared to maximize patient safety, decrease occupational exposures, and prevent the spread of infections in their schools, healthcare facilities, and communities during an outbreak or disaster. To register for this webinar on Friday, March 16 at 2 PM EST, visit https://cc.readytalk.com/r/93rso6jbhnai&eom

Self Assessment Submission Deadline Now March 16, 2018
ISMP is extending the date by which data must be submitted for the new self assessment on high-alert medications from February 28 to March 16. The additional extension is being provided due to numerous requests from organizations for more time to evaluate all of the categories of high-alert medications used in their facilities. Each of the 11 medication sections included in the assessment can be submitted to ISMP separately when ready. To access the ISMP Medication Safety Self Assessment for High-Alert Medications workbook, go to: www.ismp.org/selfassessments/SAHAM/Default.aspx. To continue work on the assessment, verify that data has been submitted, and/or view your facility’s results, log in to your account at: http://ismpassessments.org/high_alert/.

Free Continuing Education Opportunity in Infection Prevention and Control
In its quest to help empower nurses to protect their patients and themselves through real time infection prevention and training the Nursing Infection Control Education Network (NICE Network) will be hosting its fifth webinar series titled Empowering Nurses to Protect Themselves and Their Patients: Exploring Best Practices in Injection Safety on February 22 at 1:00pm EST. INS’ Nurse Educator Michelle Berreth BSN, RN, CRNI®, CPP is one of the presenters, and will be discussing safe injection practices that are intended to prevent CLABSIs in her presentation entitled Reduce Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infections: Practice Safe Injection. To register for the webinar visit https://cc.readytalk.com/r/j5n63qeujgek&eom

ECRI Institute Seeking Clinical Reviewers
ECRI Institute is an independent nonprofit that researches the best approaches to improving safety, quality, and cost effectiveness of patient care. We conduct hands-on testing of medical products and devices ranging from sutures, and patient monitors to implants and robotic surgery systems. Our evaluation findings are published on-line for our members.

INS CEO Mary Alexander Elected to NOA Coordinating Team for 3-Year Term
INS Chief Executive Officer Mary Alexander, MA, RN, CRNI^®, CAE, FAAN, was elected to the Nursing Organizations Alliance (NOA) Coordinating Team (CT) at NOA’s Fall Summit held, November 16-18, 2017, in Birmingham, Alabama. The CT is responsible for coordinating educational opportunities and business affairs for NOA, a coalition of 59 nursing organizations united to create a strong voice for nurses. INS has been an NOA member since its inception in 2001.
(12/28/17)

Nurse In Washington Internship
Participants learn from health policy experts and government officials, network with other nurses, and gain hands-on experience through scheduling visits and meeting with their members of Congress. Legislative “asks” will be provided for the attendees to practice with and present in their meetings with their members of Congress. NIWI is open to any RN or nursing student that is interested in an orientation to the legislative process. NIWI also features an Advocacy 201 breakout session for repeat attendees or those who already have basic advocacy skills. Learn more!
(12/28/17)

Fluid & Medication Shortage: Implications for Nursing
During times of fluid or medication shortages, the infusion nurse must be fastidious when administering infusion therapies. As supply inventories are adjusted to manage these shortages, infusion nurses may anticipate changes in product brands, fluid containers or connector designs. Also, methods of administration may change, such as pushing IV medications that may have been previously diluted and administered as an infusion. In the midst of these many unpredictable changes, our patients depend on infusion nurses who are dedicated to ensure safe medication administration. Remind your colleagues to slow down and practice the steps of verification for each infusion according to the Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice 57: Parenteral Medication and Solution Administration.
(12/08/17)

Home Infusion Therapy Services Market to Witness Exponential Growth by 2025
Read about the expect growth in home care infusion health in this article!
(08/23/17)

Endorsement of Policies and Procedures, For Infusion Nursing
INS is proud to announce that Policies and Procedures for Infusion Therapy: Neonate to Adolescent, has been endorsed by the Society of Pediatric Nurses. Get your copy today!
(08/14/17)

The Modern Infusion Nurse
Read how being a member of INS and following the Infusion Nursing Standards of Practice are components to best practice for infusion nursing.
(08/09/17)

MPS Clinical Consultants Save US Veteran
Read about two clinical consultants who rushed into action to assist an elderly veteran.
(07/25/17)

AAMI Foundation Patient Safety Online Seminar
Register for the part 2 of this 2-part online seminar, A Case Study from Parallon: Improving Compliance with the Smart Pump Drug Library Across a Large Hospital System. Hear how two pharmacy directors successfully led their large hospital groupings, with over 13 hospitals each, to use standardized drug libraries. Presented July 10, 12 p.m.
(06/26/17)

Mary Alexander Celebrates 20 Years as INS and INCC CEO
In celebration and recognition of Mary Alexander's 20 years as INS and INCC CEO, the INS team, past INS presidents, and Mary's family surprised her with a special video tribute at INS 2017. Congratulations Mary!
(06/08/17)

INS CEO Mary Alexander Contributes Guest Blog to WeInfuse
Flushing and locking vascular access devices (VADs) are 2 common procedures performed on patients receiving treatment in infusion centers. So how does this practice become risky? Mary’s blog explains.
(06/20/17)

March 2017 CRNI® Exam Passers
INCC is proud to announce the March 2017 exam passers.
(04/01/17)

AAMI Publishes Infusion Therapy “Quick Guide” for Health Care Executives
The AAMI Foundation has published a new infusion therapy safety “quick guide” aimed at healthcare executives. Optimizing Patient Outcomes: Questions Senior Hospital Leaders Should Ask about Infusion Therapy Safety. Learn more about AAMI and why this guide is so important.
(03/15/17)

From Our CEO
In a blog for IMPROVE PICC, INS CEO Mary Alexander, MA, RN, CRNI®, FAAN, discusses an array of key issues important to the infusion community, including changes to the newly published 2016 Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice, the influence of the recently released MAGIC document on infusion practice, and the three biggest challenges ahead for infusion nursing. Read it here.
(02/08/17)

Safety Information Alerts—The latest Safety Information alerts are here.