The 2026 AORN (Association of periOperative Registered Nurses) Global Surgical Conference & Expo presented an expansive platform for infection prevention experts across the United States to come together and underline an emerging priority. This priority was the induction of specialized Infection Preventionists (IPs) into the perioperative field, a strategy elucidated to bring tangible return on…
Carilion Clinic, a Roanoke based health system, showcased the measurable power of well-staffed infection prevention and control teams. By expanding its team from 11 to 24 full-time personnel, Carilion Clinic accomplished a significant reduction in healthcare-associated infections. Over the span of 2020 to 2023, the eight-hospital system diligently grew its infection prevention team. These strategic…