Steven J. Schweon RN, MPH, MSN, CIC, LTC-CIP, CPHQ, FSHEA, FAPIC is a seasoned, board-certifiedinfection preventionist. He first became interested with infectious diseases while serving as a United States Army medic in South Korea, where he supervised a microbiology department that specialized in sexually transmitted diseases. He later worked on the high technology isolation ward at Ft. Detrick, Maryland, home of “The Hot Zone.” Prior to becoming an infection preventionist, he had 14 years of experience, and achieved certification, in critical care and behavioral health nursing. Steve was also a long-term care “orderly” prior to attending nursing school. Steve has been an infection preventionist since 1995, achieving continual certification since 1997. Clinical experiences include the acute care, Long-Term Care, and behavioral health clinical settings. For 8 years, he was responsible for LTC infection prevention programs and never received a CMS 2567 deficiency. He joined IPAC-Canada in 2022 and quickly joined several interest groups, including EHIG. He presented a webinar to the membership in 2023 and will be published in the Canadian Journal of Infection Control in 2024. Specialty interests include hand hygiene, environmental hygiene, vaccine preventable diseases, emergency management of infectious diseases, surveillance, outbreaks, antibiotic stewardship, dialysis, and the special needs of the patient in the long-term care and behavioral health settings. He has authored / co-authored articles in peer reviewed publications, lectured / presented posters at national conferences, and presented national webinars. He is currently serving/previously served on APIC, SHEA, CBIC, IPAC Canada and AMDA national committees. He has authored chapters in APIC’s “Infection Preventionist Guide to Long-Term Care” and the “APIC Text Online.” Additionally, Steve has served as a faculty member for the AHRQ Safety Program for Long-Term Care: HAI/CAUTI. He is also an APIC EPI acute care/LTC faculty member. On a personal level, both of his parents have developed healthcare associated infections (HAIs) while hospitalized. Steve clearly appreciates the gravity of HAIs, both personally and professionally. Resultantly, he strives daily to make a difference, and make his presentations interesting, informative, and fun.
What role can certification play in reducing the risk of infection and transmission of AMR? Join certified infection prevention and control professionals from The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology and the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology for this panel discussion. Topics will include the impact of certification and infection rates, how certified infection preventionists (IPs) are collaborating with antibiotic stewardship programs, and the value of collaboration between IPs and other departments within both acute and long-term care settings.