Behind the 5 Second Rule 5 Second Rule

The questionable concept of the “5 Second Rule” is one we have all grown up with. You drop a food item on the floor that you really-really wanted and as a grade-schooler, you were very likely to get ready to pick it up and put it in your mouth. Meanwhile, your Mom is shouting “noooooo” from across the room. In this episode, we dive into the history behind this “rule” and if it really holds up.

Co-Host: Marie H. Wilson, MSN, RN, CIC, is the Manager of Infection Prevention & Control at Methodist Dallas Medical Center in Texas. She draws upon her experience as a critical care nurse and public health nurse specialist in her daily work to help improve the safety of care and the environment for all within her facility. Her special interests in her daily work include IP professional development, outbreak investigations and data analytics. On the local level, she’s currently serving at the Chapter President for APIC-DFW (Chapter Number 005). She’s also been a member of the Communications Committee for headquarters since 2018. Connect with Marie on Twitter @mhwilsonrn

Guest: Nicole Nomides, MT(ASCP), MS, CIC, FAPIC is currently Manager of Infection Prevention & Epidemiology at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Nicole has been working as an infection preventionist for over 15 years, with experience covering all levels of patient care. Nicole has served as a board member for the APIC-Great Lakes Chapter as Chapter President, Secretary, Bylaws Chair, Program Co-Chair, and Nominating Committee member. She received the APIC Chapter Leadership Award in 2013. Ms. Nomides has served on the APIC Membership Services Committee and was recently elected to the APIC Nominating and Awards Committee. She has also been a speaker and poster presenter at multiple national and local professional conferences. Infection Prevention is Nicole’s passion and Germs Rule!