Schedule
|
Time |
Session |
|---|---|
|
7:30 - 8:30 am |
Registration & Exhibits Open |
|
8:15 am |
Conference Welcome |
|
8:30 - 9:15 am |
Building Infection Prevention and Control Programs of Excellence: The Roles of Key Ancillary Departments Debbie Hurst |
|
9:15 - 10:00 am |
Welcome to the Jungle: Navigating Healthcare Outbreak Pitfalls Rebecca Battjes An infectious disease outbreak is one of the infection preventionist's biggest fears, but also one of the most important tasks we encounter in healthcare. This session will help IPs define and identify outbreaks. Using interactive case studies, we will outline immediate and subsequent outbreak control measures for a myriad of outbreak types--from long term care to the operating room and beyond. Easily accessible outbreak tools and resources will be shared. |
|
10:00 - 10:30 am |
Break & Exhibits Open |
|
10:30 - 11:15 am |
How Does Your Wound Care Program Score on Infection Prevention and Control? Debbie Hurst This session will explore the opportunities for improvement (OFI) related to infection prevention and control during the delivery of wound care. Participants will have the opportunity to complete a brief gap analysis of key aspects of their wound care program through the "eyes" of the infection preventionist and review best practice examples for improving. |
|
11:15 am - 12:00 pm |
Concurrent Sessions: Ebola, Covid, Measles, What's Next? How to Prepare and Be Ready for the Next Emerging Pathogen Jacob Wiersch & Courtney Baker Dialysis Defense: Partnering on Sepsis Prevention
Infection and sepsis is a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality in dialysis patients. This session will provide a foundation for better understanding infection risk factors, promote participants to deep dive the data and build a team culture of safety, examine successful strategic interventions to prevent infections and reduce sepsis, and highlight the role of collaborative partnerships. Through "Dialysis Defense", participants will be armed with the skills to improve outcomes in this high risk population. Loading for Success: Best Practices for Sterilizer Setup and Instrument Preparation Alisha Sheffield & Lauren Musil Effective sterilization begins long before the cycle starts. Improper instrument preparation and incorrect sterilizer loading remain common contributors to failed cycles, wet packs, and compliance gaps. This session will review evidence-based best practices for instrument preparation, packaging, and sterilizer loading to ensure successful sterilization outcomes. Participants will gain practical strategies aligned with AAMI ST79, manufacturer IFUs, and CMS expectations to reduce reprocessing errors and improve patient safety. Damage is Danger - Visible Inspection of Flexible Endoscopes Michael Mathews Flexible endoscopes are essential—and incredibly fragile. When damaged, they can harbor pathogens, compromise reprocessing, and put patients at risk. This engaging session will explore real-world evidence linking visible endoscope defects to infection and injury, highlighting how visual inspection tools and training can prevent harm. Attendees will learn the “3 T’s” of inspection—Tools, Training, and Time — and discover how investing in proper protocols leads to fewer repairs, faster turnaround times, and safer outcomes. Join us to uncover the hidden dangers of scope damage and practical steps to protect your patients and your facility. Trunk of Treasurers HAI Team |
| 12:00 - 1:00 pm |
Lunch - Provided |
| 1:00 - 1:45 pm |
Clean, Sanitize or Disinfect: An Environmental Hygiene Quiz Show! Rebecca Battjes This interactive session focuses on the core concepts of cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection. While many people use these terms interchangeably, each process has very unique impacts on the removal of germs in our lives and in the healthcare environment. We will explore real life examples in a variety of settings in a quiz show format, so have your smartphones ready! |
| 1:45 - 2:30 pm |
Breathe Easy: Creating a Safer Workplace Through Respiratory Protection Megan Compson This presentation provides an overview of how an effective respiratory protection program helps reduce workplace exposure to airborne hazards. It covers the purpose of a respiratory protection program, key steps for implementation, and the basics or respirator fit testing to ensure proper protection and compliance. |
| 2:30 - 3:00 pm |
Break & Exhibits Open |
| 3:00 - 3:45 pm |
Concurrent Sessions Loading for Success: Best Practices for Sterilizer Setup and Instrument Preparation Alisha Sheffield & Lauren Musil Effective sterilization begins long before the cycle starts. Improper instrument preparation and incorrect sterilizer loading remain common contributors to failed cycles, wet packs, and compliance gaps. This session will review evidence-based best practices for instrument preparation, packaging, and sterilizer loading to ensure successful sterilization outcomes. Participants will gain practical strategies aligned with AAMI ST79, manufacturer IFUs, and CMS expectations to reduce reprocessing errors and improve patient safety. Responding to Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs) in a Healthcare Setting Danni Pinnick As childhood vaccination coverage has dropped in recent years, the threat of once forgotten disease such as measles and rubella has become a reality. Health care workers play an essential role in containment of infectious diseases, in these settings. In this presentation, participants will learn more about what providers need to do to keep themselves and their patients safe from contracting these diseases, including: prompt and accurate diagnosis, post-exposure prophylaxis, patient isolation, and proper protective equipment. Enhancing Vascular Access Safety: The Role of Tissue Adhesives in Infection Prevention Jennifer Ballard This presentation makes the case that vascular access devices, especially peripheral IV catheters, are under-recognized contributors to blood stream infections and will affect hospital onset bloodstream infections. Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive is an evidence-supported strategy to reduce infection, device failure and complications across all vascular access types. Immunization Recommendations for Healthcare Workers - Preparing for Vaccine Preventable Diseases in the Workplace Jenny Galbraith From Guidelines to Innovation: Navigating the Future of UTI Care Emily Perry Urinary tract infections remain one of the most frequently reported healthcare‑associated
conditions, and evolving clinical guidance is reshaping how prevention, diagnosis,
and treatment should be approached across care environments. For infection preventionists,
staying ahead of these changes is essential to reducing unnecessary antibiotic exposure,
improving diagnostic stewardship, and strengthening facility‑wide UTI prevention strategies. |
| 3:45 - 4:30 pm |
Healing the Healers: Tools to Tackle Stress and Burnout Jess Wurtz In this session, we’ll explore the unique stressors that infection prevention professionals face and provide effective tools to combat burnout. By understanding the emotional and physical toll of this vital work, participants will gain insight into the signs of burnout and learn practical strategies to manage stress, build resilience, and prioritize mental health. Through self-care techniques, team support strategies, and organizational practices, this session empowers infection prevention teams to heal themselves and continue their critical work with renewed energy and focus. |
| 4:30 pm |
Conference Wrap Up |
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 7:30 - 8:00 am | Registration & Exhibits Open |
| 7:55 - 8:00am | Welcome & Announcements |
| 8:00 - 8:45 am |
Water Management Program Adam Moench |
| 8:45 - 9:30 am |
From Pathogens to Prescriptions: Foundations of Antimicrobial Therapy Emily Perry This introductory‑level session breaks down the essentials of matching common pathogens with the right antibiotics—perfect for infection preventionists seeking a clear, accessible refresher. We’ll cover the fundamentals of antibiotic selection, review which organisms commonly cause which infections, and walk through the spectrum of activity for frequently used outpatient antibiotics. A practical, back‑to‑basics overview to help strengthen collaboration with stewardship teams and support safer antibiotic use across your organization. |
| 9:30 - 10:00 am | Break & Exhibits Open |
| 10:00 - 10:45 am |
Concurrent Sessions: Appropriate Utilization of Immediate Use Steam Sterilization Alisha Sheffield & Lauren Musil Immediate Use Steam Sterilization (IUSS) is intended for limited, urgent situations—yet it remains frequently overused and misunderstood. This session will clarify when IUSS is appropriate, when it is not, and how improper use increases infection risk and regulatory exposure. Attendees will learn how to identify root causes of IUSS reliance and implement sustainable strategies to reduce dependency while maintaining compliance with AAMI, AORN, and CMS requirements. Connecting the Dots: How Reporting Leads to Prevention and Education Brenton Nesemeier An overview of why it is important to report any reportable condition to the state health department and how that information can lead to better decision making at the local, state and even federal levels. We will also give some North Dakota specific information on reporting and who, what, when and how that is accomplished. Paws and Precautions: Infection Prevention and Control Considerations for Therapy Animals in Healthcare Kelli Maddock This presentation explores the critical intersection between therapy animals, infection prevention and control (IPC), zoonoses, and the growing challenge of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in healthcare environments. As therapy animals become increasingly common in hospitals, long term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers, understanding how to safely integrate these programs while minimizing infectious disease risks is essential. We will explore IPC measures, including grooming, vaccinations, environmental, and personal hygiene measures that protect the therapy animals, their handlers, healthcare workers, and the patients they serve. We will explore potential zoonotically transmitted pathogens and antimicrobial resistant infection risks. Small Jobs, Big Risks - IPs Leading ICRA Oversight Christa Mardaus & Amanda Brown Antibiotic Stewardship Game (Limited to 24 Attendees) Emily Perry Get ready for a lively, teamwork‑driven challenge in this Chutes & Ladders–inspired antimicrobial stewardship game! In this interactive session, teams will compete head‑to‑head as they climb the board by answering infectious‑disease and stewardship‑focused questions. Correct answers move you forward, while missteps may send you sliding back—just like real‑world stewardship pitfalls. This game‑based session reinforces essential stewardship principles, encourages collaborative problem‑solving, and offers a fun way to test your knowledge of pathogens, antibiotics, resistance trends, and best practices in infection prevention. Whether you're new to stewardship concepts or looking for a refresher, this engaging activity brings learning to life and sparks friendly competition. |
| 10:45 - 11:30 am |
Activities, Laundry and Kitchen: Are They Really an Infection Control Issue? Debbie Hurst This session will look at 3 different areas in the long term care environment and ways that each may contribute to the spread of healthcare associated infections. |
| 11:30 am - 12:30 pm |
Lunch & Exhibits Open |
| 12:30 - 1:15 pm |
Concurrent Sessions: Beyond the Unit: Infection Prevention Strategies for the OR, Endoscopy, and Central Processing Alisha Sheffield & Lauren Musil Procedural areas such as the Operating Room, Endoscopy, and Central Processing present unique infection prevention challenges that can feel overwhelming to Infection Preventionists due to highly specialized workflows, terminology, and regulatory requirements. This session is designed specifically for IPs to focus on what we need to know and how to confidently oversee, assess, and support these areas. Participants will learn key nuances, high-risk practices, and practical tips for navigating these environments. All while learning how to ask the right questions, identify red flags, and effectively partner with subject matter experts to ensure IPC compliance and patient safety. From Guidelines to Innovation: Navigating the Future of UTI Care Emily Perry Urinary tract infections remain one of the most frequently reported healthcare‑associated conditions, and evolving clinical guidance is reshaping how prevention, diagnosis, and treatment should be approached across care environments. For infection preventionists, staying ahead of these changes is essential to reducing unnecessary antibiotic exposure, improving diagnostic stewardship, and strengthening facility‑wide UTI prevention strategies. Dr. Perry will highlight updates to UTI guidelines, prevention strategies, and newly approved antibiotic therapies that may influence UTI management and stewardship. Bed Bugs in the House - Panic Time! Debbie Hurst Participants will learn the stages of the Bed Bug's growth cycle including appearance changes as well as activities and habits of these parasites. Integrated pest control programs will be discussed and ways reocmmended to manage bed bug infestations in a healthcare settings. A review of some free training information will be included to assist the infection preventionist in developing a program that is proactive and not one of "panic"! Ebola, Covid, Measles, What’s Next? - How to Prepare and be Ready for the Next Emerging Pathogen in our Facilities Jacob Wiersch & Courtney Baker Clostridioides Defficile: Press Pause Before Pointing Fingers! Rebecca Battjes Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the US. When hospital-onset cases occur, they are typically classified as HAIs and this often triggers a root cause analysis into how the patient was exposed. EVS is typically considered the weak link in the chain with a break in practice, causing the exposure. The accumulating evidence is that while this can occur, other factors, such as testing practices and antibiotic stewardship are more important factors. This presentation provides a robust, multifaceted discussion about CDI and the environment. |
| 1:15 - 2:00 pm |
Concurrent Sessions: Connecting the Dots: How Reporting Leads to Prevention and Education Brenton Nesemeier An overview of why it is important to report any reportable condition to the state health department and how that information can lead to better decision making at the local, state and even federal levels. We will also give some North Dakota specific information on reporting and who, what, when and how that is accomplished. Environmental Hygiene in Dialysis: Key Considerations for Frontline Staff & Infection Preventionists Rebecca Battjes Dialysis care areas are high risk for environmental contamination & subsequent pathogen transmission risk. Equipment & surfaces are also unique and complex. All together, dialysis areas represent specific challenges for infection prevention and control programs. This session reviews recent dialysis related- outbreaks and studies, discusses common gaps in dialysis cleaning & disinfection and provides recommendations to reduce risk and improve patient & occupational safety. ICAR Frequent Findings 2025 - Ask the ICAR Team Panel ICAR Team Paws and Precautions: Infection Prevention and Control Considerations for Therapy Animals in Healthcare Kelli Maddock Immunizations Recommendations for Healthcare Workers – Preparing for Vaccine Preventable Diseases in the Workplace Jenny Galbraith |
| 2:00 - 2:30 pm |
Break & Exhibits Open |
| 2:30 - 3:15 pm |
Concurrent Sessions: Small Jobs, Big Risks – IPs Leading ICRA Oversight Amanda Brown & Christa Mardaus This session, Small Jobs, Big Risks – IPs Leading ICRA Oversight, is designed for Infection Preventionists and focuses on the often-overlooked infection risks associated with routine maintenance tasks. Even seemingly minor jobs, such as ceiling tile replacement or small plumbing repairs, can release dust and pathogens into patient areas, potentially leading to healthcare-associated infections. Participants will review the ICRA process from an IP perspective, explore real-world case examples, and discuss strategies for guiding and monitoring facility staff to ensure compliance. Through interactive scenarios and practical tools, IPs will strengthen their ability to assess risk, implement appropriate controls, and protect patients, reinforcing the principle that no job is too small to require oversight. NHSN-analytic HAI Data Interpretation for Dummies Clay Bryant Bed Bugs in the House - Panic Time! Debbie Hurst Participants will learn the stages of the Bed Bug's growth cycle including appearance changes as well as activities and habits of these parasites. Integrated pest control programs will be discussed and ways reocmmended to manage bed bug infestations in a healthcare settings. A review of some free training information will be included to assist the infection preventionist in developing a program that is proactive and not one of "panic"! Responding to Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs) in a Healthcare Setting Danni Pinnick As childhood vaccination coverage has dropped in recent years, the threat of once forgotten disease such as measles and rubella has become a reality. Health care workers play an essential role in containment of infectious diseases, in these settings. In this presentation, participants will learn more about what providers need to do to keep themselves and their patients safe from contracting these diseases, including: prompt and accurate diagnosis, post-exposure prophylaxis, patient isolation, and proper protective equipment. Trunk of Treasurers HAI Team |
| 3:15 - 4:15 pm |
From the Eyes of the Surveyor Carolyn Desper, Jennifer Kelley & Michele Twiss This session will provide, through the eyes of a surveyor, an overview of the infection prevention survey process and common infection prevention issues identified. |
| 4:15 - 4:30 pm |
Closing Comments |