The Role of Nurses in Implementing Antimicrobial Stewardship

Description: 

A multidisciplinary approach is needed to implement an effective antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) program. Traditionally, nurses have been excluded from the AMS team structure. However, to steer a successful program in the increasingly complex field of health care, it is crucial to involve dedicated nurses and nursing professionals. The role of nurses in caring for and improving outcomes for patients with infections and sepsis is well known. Nurses can also directly impact antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) through a variety of nurse-driven protocols and practices. These can include assessments and allergy documentation, evidence-based specimen collection techniques, consideration for antimicrobial duration and route of administration, and thoughtfulness in culturing. In this presentation, attendees will learn about the nurse’s role and responsibility in AMR and AMS, gain an understanding of opportunities for and barriers to nurses’ engagement in AMS across the continuum of care, and examine key strategies to empower nurses’ ownership, accountability, and contribution to the core elements of AMS.

Target Audience: 

Nurses, advanced practice providers, physicians, emergency responders, pharmacists, medical technologists, respiratory therapists, physical/occupational therapists, infection prevention specialists, data/quality specialists, and more.

Webinar Supporter:

Sepsis Alliance gratefully acknowledges the support provided for this webinar by Roche.