Sepsis at the Bedside: What New Graduate Nurses Should Recognize, Anticipate, and Do

Description:

This session was part of Sepsis Alliance Summit 2026

This session focuses on practical knowledge and clinical reasoning skills that new graduate nurses need for recognizing and responding to sepsis early. Participants will be able to connect the “why” behind common sepsis interventions, including cultures, antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, reassessment, and escalation, with the nurse’s role at the bedside. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing subtle changes in patient condition, anticipating time-sensitive interventions, communicating concerns, and mobilizing the appropriate resources to help prevent progression of sepsis and clinical deterioration.

Session Objectives:

At the end of this session, the learner should be able to:

• Recognize clinical findings and changes in patient condition that may indicate sepsis or evolving clinical deterioration;
• Explain the clinical rationale for time-sensitive sepsis interventions, including obtaining cultures, administering antimicrobials and fluids, reassessing response to treatment, and escalating care;
• Identify nursing priorities and potential next steps in the care of a patient with suspected or confirmed sepsis;
• Apply structured communication and escalation strategies to communicate concerns and mobilize appropriate resources for patients with suspected sepsis or worsening clinical status.

Target Audience:

Nurses, advanced practice providers, physicians, emergency responders, pharmacists, medical technologists, respiratory therapists, physical/occupational therapists, infection prevention specialists, data/quality specialists, and more.