Certification Opportunities: The Intersection Between Quality and Infection Prevention And Control

Steven J. Schweon RN, MPH, MSN, CIC, CPHQ, FSHEA, FAPIC is a seasoned, board certified Infection Preventionist. He first became interested with infectious diseases while serving as an 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 board infection control certification since 1997. Clinical experiences include the acute care and Long-Term Care settings.

 Chris Olson, MBA, M(ASCP)CM, CIC, LTC-CIP, CPHQ is a former member of the CBIC board of directors and served as CBIC’s Treasurer. Chris is the Program Manager, Infection Prevention and Control UCHealth - Highlands Ranch Hospital in Colorado with 17 years of healthcare experience. He has his associate degree in medical laboratory Technology from Arapahoe Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Willamette University and a MBA in Healthcare Administration from the University of Colorado Denver. He worked in the clinical lab for 12 years with 7 of those years in Microbiology prior to transitioning into Infection Control. 

Sheranda Fesler PhD, RN, RNC-NIC, NE-BC, CPHQ, CPPS, FNAHQ is the Vice President of Quality and Safety at HCA Houston Healthcare. Sheranda is a quality and safety nurse leader and mentor with a passion for advancing clinical practice, improving quality and safety outcomes, and promoting healthy work environments conducive to the delivery of high quality and safe competent patient care. Highly skilled in quality and safety and process improvement, nursing education, research and evidence-based practice, and team-building/mentoring.