1. Why did you choose a career in infection prevention and control?
I love being an infection Preventionist, because I can effectively communicate and discuss the evidence based best practices with my colleagues to ensure patient safety as well as their own occupational safety as a healthcare worker. I started my career as an Intensive care unit Nurse, where I started to learn the Infection control basics, and soon within a year I got influenced by the Infection Control professional who used to visit our department. I was keen to know what exactly the job after collecting the data from each department. Then I started to dig and learn more and concluded that “from intensive care units to outpatient clinics to construction project planning, there is nothing in healthcare that doesn't benefit without an infection preventionist's involvement.” This profession is great for people who wish to learn continuous.
2. What advice would you give someone who is interested in an infection prevention and control career?
IPC is wonderful career which demands your dedication and hard work. Once you are in the track of Infection control you will never feel tired more over you will be curious to learn more things. Always follow the evidence-based practices and Practice them in your daily professional life.
3. What does being a CIC® mean to you?
Certification is the proof that I have knowledge, experience and skills to perform IPC tasks in which I have been trained. By attaining certification, I took my career to next level. It increased my confidence and knowledge. Certification gave guarantee to the employer that I am knowledgeable and experienced in my Infection Control Prevention.
4. What was the best studying method for you when preparing for the initial certification examination?
I found that a mix of learning modalities is the best way to prepare for your initial certification exam, including online resources through APIC and CBIC, YouTube videos and webinars, group discussions, direct experience with professionals from pertinent departments like sterile processing, and studying via the APIC text.
5. What advice would you give someone pursuing certification?
Take the necessary steps, study for the exams thoroughly, and follow through with keeping the certifications up to date. Certification will give you career advancement. But don’t be in a hurry. Give time to learn and achieve your goal.
6. How do you stay up-to-date on infection prevention and control practices?
I will stay up-to-date on infection prevention and control practices by frequently reading guidelines and standards, attending seminars, webinars and national conferences. Being updated with all the areas of Infection control is difficult but it is not an impossible task.
7. Are you part of an APIC or IPAC Canada chapter? If so, would you recommend it to others?
No
8. How has the CIC® helped you grow professionally and in your career?
Being the infection prevention and control manager at my workplace challenged me to move out of my comfort zone and be more proactive by engaging with different stakeholders. By doing this, staff members, volunteers, students, and even family members ask questions about policies and procedures and evidence-practices to prevent the spread of infection. Obtaining my CIC® gave me a boost in self-confidence to lead the Infection Prevention and Control program in my workplace.