1. Why did you choose a career in infection prevention and control?
This career chose me in fact, because of my knowledge in English in a French educated hospital, it was an opportunity for me to learn something new and I came to the hospital with the idea that hospitals should have an infection Control Officer and an infection program, so the leadership of the hospital assigned me this mission. (This is 20 years ago)
2. What advice would you give someone who is interested in an infection prevention and control career?
An Infection Control career is a place where you can make a real change in patient’s life not only in the hospital but in the community as well, you can learn everyday something new. So to be in this career my advice is to always be ready to learn, to know how to adapt what you have learned to your field of practice, to pursue certification in the domain.
3. What does being a CIC® mean to you?
Being a CIC was a dream that came true, it gave me more credibility in my work with my colleagues
4. What was the best studying method for you when preparing for the initial certification examination?
The best studying method for me was the study guide and the CIC study group on WhatsApp
5. What advice would you give someone pursuing certification?
- Study hard
- Be focused
- Don’t study alone find a study group
- Practice questions
6. How do you stay up-to-date on infection prevention and control practices?
I stay up to date on infection prevention by following
- APIC guidelines
- CDC infection control guidelines
- WHO guidelines
- AAMI Standards
By attending workshops and international meetings or webinars on infection prevention and control
7. Are you part of an APIC or IPAC Canada chapter? If so, would you recommend it to others?
- I am a part of the Saudi Arabia Chapter
And I recommend it because being part of a chapter is good because it will give the infection preventionist an opportunity to communicate with peers, to share experiences, to learn from others, to unify our language
8. How has the CIC® helped you grow professionally and in your career?
Being a CIC gave me more power in my practice in the meaning of when I take a decision related to patient’s condition or when I want to implement a practice, the board of directors sees it coming from somebody who is professional in the career not from an ordinary employee.
The nursing team is seeing me as reference in the subject and they rely more on my opinion
9. Are there any CIC® stories that keep you up at night? This can be related to the examination or a specific patient story that stands out.
The night before the exam I saw myself in the exam room wearing my PJs and not knowing to answer a single question. I was really sweating hard and my heart beat was rising. When I woke up I was relieved that I still in bed.