1. Why did you choose a career in infection prevention and control?
My initial journey in infection prevention and control was driven by my desire to provide the safest environment of care and infection control practices in my role as a post-acute care Director of Nursing.
2. What advice would you give someone who is interested in an infection prevention and control career?
My advice would be to join the APIC community and utilize the many resources provided to you by the membership. The networking ability, the best practices guidelines, and many more learning opportunities to improve your knowledge base. The CDC website also has tools to help you to grow professionally and remain up to date with regulatory compliance.
3. What does being a CIC® mean to you?
Being a CIC has given me the honorable distinction of being a board-certified expert in the field and gives credibility to my business in consulting and providing clinical expert guidance to my clients.
4. What was the best studying method for you when preparing for the initial certification examination?
I am very much a nerd when it comes to studying, so I purchased the APIC Text and read it from cover-to-cover numerous times before I felt confident in knowing all the material that may be covered on the exam. However, I know there is a certification prep course that many others have taken and utilized with the APIC Text to successfully pass the exam.
5. What advice would you give someone pursuing certification?
I would tell them to utilize all resources available, and it may be valuable to choose all of the options that are now available to take a step-by-step approach such as a-CIC which was not available when I began my journey. It is a great way to gain your knowledge and work your way up to the CIC exam.
6. How do you stay up-to-date on infection prevention and control practices?
I am a part of the APIC Chapter groups in Miami-Dade and Broward and Palm-Beach Counties, I attend the meetings and educational sessions provided, I keep up with the AJIC journals, and stay engaged in the APIC and CDC websites for the latest evidence-based practice guidelines and emerging technologies. Attending the APIC annual conference also gives you the opportunity to stay current and learn about areas that may be out of your setting.
7. Are you part of an APIC or IPAC Canada chapter? If so, would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I am Miami-dade and Broward County. I would recommend joining a chapter. I also recommend getting involved in serving in the chapter.
8. How has the CIC® helped you grow professionally and in your career?
The CIC has helped me grow in my career by allowing me to be a subject matter expert able to provide services for the community and elevate the abilities of other novice infection control personnel in advancing their knowledge base and mentoring them to have the tools and confidence in their roles.
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.
Honestly, it is the preparation for the exam and the anxiety I experienced in my preparation. I don't like to fail, so I studied long and hard and by the time I sat for the exam it was easy. Preparation is the key!