1. What made you want to pursue a career in infection prevention and control?
My personal experience with my immunocompromised son, who underwent a kidney transplant back in 2011, initially sparked my interest in infection prevention. Witnessing firsthand the importance of safeguarding vulnerable patients like him drove my passion to make a positive impact in this field. I started at Clorox Healthcare focused on environmental cleaning and disinfection and then transitioned to hand hygiene at GOJO/Purell Healthcare. At these two organizations, I built a solid foundation for understanding the critical role of Infection Prevention. Now, working in facilities and construction in healthcare settings at The Garland Co., I’m particularly drawn to the unique challenges and opportunities that arise during construction, renovation, and maintenance activities. By focusing on preventing healthcare-acquired infections as a result of critical infrastructure work, I can continue to contribute to the safety and well-being of patients, like my son.
2. What does being a-IPCTM mean to you?
Obtaining the a-IPC is a significant milestone for me, reflecting over 15 years of time as a valued strategic partner in this field. My dedication to making a meaningful difference in patient care is evident in the relationships I have built, where I truly strive to understand their unique challenges and provide solutions that lead to positive outcomes. I believe that collaborative partnerships between healthcare providers and strategic partners are essential for achieving success.
3. What was the best studying method for you when preparing for the examination?
My experience working with hospitals was invaluable in preparing for the Infection Prevention certification exam as I always strived to learn as much as I could, even outside of my specific focus. I encourage all vendors to deepen their understanding of infection prevention by actively participating in organizations like APIC (I served on several local APIC chapter boards), attending CE presentations, and spending time learning from clinicians. Additionally, I found the APIC prep course and practice exams to be great resources.
4. How has gaining the a-IPCTM credential impacted your career development?
Gaining the a-IPC credential has inspired me to seek out opportunities where I can use my expertise to help others, by providing education for teams, particularly in facilities and construction as a valued partner. I'm eager to share my knowledge to help improve compliance and mitigate risks associated with construction activities.