| Sumario: | Significance & Background: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are a serious and preventable complication in oncology patients, often resulting in extended hospitalization, increased cost of care, and adverse clinical outcomes. In 2024, inpatient oncology units accounted for 63% of total hospital CLABSIs. Audits revealed inconsistent evidence-based interventions related to chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing and central line care and maintenance. Staff identified competing priorities and lack of real-time feedback as barriers to consistent practice and ownership. Purpose: To decrease CLABSI rates by 20% on inpatient oncology units through targeted nurse leader rounding, interdisciplinary coaching, and improved maintenance bundle compliance. Interventions: In January 2025, a structured nurse leader rounding process was implemented by a collaborative team consisting of IV therapy leadership, unit nursing leaders, infection prevention, and nursing education. Weekly interdisciplinary rounds focused on assessing dressing integrity and CHG bathing compliance. Rounding emphasized real-time coaching, supportive feedback, and direct engagement with bedside nurses and patients. Trends were monitored and shared with unit leadership to reinforce accountability and promote visibility of practice improvements. Results: From January to June 2025, CLABSI rates decreased by 38.46%, dropping from 1.23 infections per 1,000 central line days in 2024 to 0.76 year-to-date in 2025. Device utilization decreased by 9.5% from January to May 2025. CHG bathing compliance improved by 36.73% compared to 2024 averages and rose by 19.5% between January and June 2025. Line maintenance compliance improved by 27.79% compared to 2024 averages and increased 7% from January to June 2025, with a total gain of 19.8% since November 2024. Frontline staff reported increased awareness, confidence, and ownership in line care practices as a result of frequent leadership presence and non-punitive, in-the-moment guidance. Discussion: This quality improvement initiative highlights the impact of collaborative nurse leader rounding in reducing CLABSI rates and reinforcing central line care standards in oncology settings. The visibility of leadership, real-time coaching, and direct engagement with frontline nurses fostered accountability and culture change. This model offers a scalable, relationship-based strategy to improve infection prevention practices and patient outcomes across high-risk units.
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