VIPTA is a statewide infection prevention and control education collaborative, led by the Virginia Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Group. Through partnership, VIPTA curates IPC resources for Virginia’s healthcare, congregate care, and public health settings.
Winter Reminder: Ice Safety Goes Beyond the Sidewalk
Winter means watching your step outside, scanning sidewalks and parking lots for patches of ice. But in healthcare settings, ice deserves just as much caution indoors as it does outdoors. From ice machines to scoops and storage bins, ice can become a hidden source of germs if it’s not handled carefully.
The CDC Project Firstline “Think Twice About Ice” micro-learn offers an easy-to-use training resource with a facilitator discussion guide and an educational handout.
How to use it
- Tie-in to Facility Protocols: Connect the micro-learn’s points to your facility’s infection control policies. For example, clarify who is responsible for cleaning and maintaining ice machines and how often equipment should be disinfected.
- Post the Job Aid: Print the one-page job aid and place it on breakroom boards, near staff lounges, or by ice machines. Visual reminders reinforce key actions like washing hands before handling ice and using clean scoops and containers.
Target Audience: Essential IPC Education Level
Celebrating Sue Moeslein’s Dedication to Mentorship
Susan (Sue) Moeslein is not just a leader in infection prevention, she’s a mentor shaping the next generation of professionals. With over 40 years in healthcare and 17 years as an infection preventionist (IP), Sue has been a steadfast advocate for patient safety and quality of care. With a diverse background spanning various healthcare settings and roles including infection prevention and care management, Sue has brought her wealth of experience to Health Quality Innovators (HQI).
Sue is passionate about mentoring the next generation of IPs. As co-chair of the APIC-Virginia/VDH IP Mentorship Program, she has been instrumental in the program’s success. Recognizing the challenges faced by early-career IPs, Sue played a key role in developing this structured, low-burden mentorship program. By pairing experienced IPs with newcomers, the program fosters professional growth, enhances knowledge sharing, and standardizes best practices across the field. Sue’s dedication helped create a scalable model that supports both mentors and mentees while reducing the workload on seasoned professionals.
Thanks to her efforts, the mentorship program has seen high engagement, strong retention rates, and overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants. With structured learning modules, interactive discussions, and continuing education credits, mentees gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in infection prevention.
Sue’s passion for mentorship embodies the spirit of collaboration and leadership. Her work ensures that infection prevention professionals across Virginia are supported, empowered, and prepared for success.
Fun Facts About Sue
- Celebrating her 43rd wedding anniversary this year
- Has 3 grandchildren
- Registered nurse for 42 years
- In her spare time, she loves to quilt (and is very good at it)
