MedStar Washington Hospital Center

What do Infection Preventionists DO? In short – IPs do a LOT! They are specially trained professionals who make sure healthcare workers and patients are doing all the things they should to prevent infections. They are natural-borne problem solvers and innovators who come from diverse backgrounds, including nursing, epidemiology, and public health. Our infection preventionists are valuable members of our ONE TEAM, and we are grateful for everything they do to keep our patients, and all of us safe! L-R: Sierra Jones, Janette Ponticello, Pam Farrare-Wilmore, Sunny Chanthavongsa, and Kennedy Bradley (not pictured: Deena Levey) #IIPW | APIC

While all MedStar Washington Hospital Center patients have a path to our patients, sometimes that path can be a winding road. Radiology front-desk associate Lamesia (Mia) Foster often is the first person our outpatients have contact with. On two separate occasions recently, Mia had to call rapid responses for a patient she was registering. The first patient arrived short of breath and, as Mia described it, “gasping for air.” Mia knew this patient needed assistance and immediately reached out to a nurse, who advised Mia to call a rapid response. Mia stopped the registration process to tend to the needs of this patient. On another occasion, a patient arrived short of breath and “not feeling well.” Mia clearly saw that this patient needed assistance and once again called a rapid response. The patient was admitted to the ICU for care. Mia's attention to detail, her patient-focused attitude, the respect she shows to all and her teamwork earned her a SPIRIT Shout Out from President Gregory J. Argyros, MD. Thank you, Mia, for caring for our patients!

#InfectionPrevention starts with all of us. Protect yourself and others: ? Clean your hands often ? Get vaccinated ? Keep your environment clean ? Stay home if you are sick ? Cover your coughs and sneezes ? Practice food safety (clean, separate, cook, chill) #IIPW | APIC

Today is #GlobalHandwashingDay! Washing your hands is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect ourselves and others from illness. Follow these 5 easy steps every time: ? Wet your hands with water. ? Apply soap and lather well. ? Scrub for at least 20 seconds. ? Rinse well. ? Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them. #KeepHandsClean | #IIPW

When nurse navigator Lan Anh Phan learned that one of her senior patients on a limited income had challenges affording basic needs, including meals, she went above-and-beyond to help. The patient had limited family support, and English was not the patient’s first language. Lan researched resources available to Maryland residents and even called the Governor’s office to obtain information and guidance! Thanks to Lan’s extraordinary efforts, the patient received emergency food assistance and called Lan to express their joy and appreciation. Lan was nominated for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses by her leader in the cardio-oncology clinic, who said, “When Lan sees a need, she does not hesitate to step in to assist her patients.” Thank you, Lan, for your extraordinary care and advocacy for our patients! Congratulations! #DAISYAward ｜The DAISY Foundation

This week kicks off International Infection Prevention Week, focusing attention on the importance of infection prevention. Your hands carry germs you can't see. Scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds removes more germs from hands than washing for shorter periods. Learn more about the benefits of handwashing: https://ms.spr.ly/6047m4YMc #KeepHandsClean | #IIPW

Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Today, we recognize and honor the traditions, cultures, and history of all Indigenous People in America, and across the globe. #IndigenousPeoplesDay

Happy Dasara, Dussehra, and Vijayadashami to those who celebrate! Wishing you health, wealth, and prosperity. #HappyDasara #HappyDussehra #HappyVijayadashami

Wishing all those who celebrate a blessed Yom Kippur. #YomKippur

You’re six times more likely to have a #HeartAttack in the first week you have the #flu. Learn from Allen J. Taylor, MD why influenza raises your heart attack risk and how a flu shot should be an essential part of your heart health toolkit.