Rita Olans, DNP, CPNP-PC, SNP, FAAN, FNAP is a nationally recognized leader on nurses’ contributions to antimicrobial stewardship. She has authored numerous publications in nursing and medical literature and is a contributor to the National Quality Partners Playbooks for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Acute Care, in Post-Acute, and in Long-Term Care. Dr. Olans also served as a technical expert to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Comprehensive Unit-based Safety Programs for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Acute Care and in Ambulatory Settings. She was a co-author of the ANA/CDC White Paper defining the nurse’s role in stewardship. She has been invited by The Joint Commission, the Pew Charitable Trust, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Hospital Association, and the National Quality Forum to address how nurses contribute to antimicrobial stewardship. She is also a frequent presenter to physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, microbiologists, public health officials, and regulatory agencies.

Dr. Olans is an Associate Professor at the MGH Institute of Health Professions and a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.