Bug of the Month: Wasting Away

With staffing shortages and rising infection risks, the TEPHI 200-Series delivers accessible, high-impact training to empower healthcare professionals and strengthen infection prevention efforts nationwide.

Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.

Sterile processing departments face high-stakes challenges daily. At AORN 2025, Marjorie Wall outlined transformative strategies to improve safety, efficiency, and cross-departmental collaboration, and also discussed HSPA 2025.

Training EVS workers for hygiene excellence demands more than manuals—it requires active engagement, motor skills coaching, and teach-back techniques to reduce HAIs and improve patient outcomes.

Health care-associated infections are driving a shift toward disposable microfiber cloths, mop pads, and curtains—offering infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency in one-time-use solutions.

Bacteriophage therapy presents a promising alternative to antibiotics, especially as antimicrobial resistance continues to increase. Dr. Ran Nir-Paz discusses its potential, challenges, and future applications in this technology.