1. Why did you choose a career in infection prevention and control?
Keen interest in Infectious Disease after taking an HIV course and a good friend was an ICP for many years convinced me to take an infection control course and now have been doing it for 11 years!
2. What advice would you give someone who is interested in an infection prevention and control career?
Find an ICP to shadow and learn more about the job. It is a lot more diverse and interesting than you think! And the knowledge base required is immense! It's not as easy as it looks, but can be so interesting.
3. What does being a CIC mean to you?
It means that I have invested in my education and future with international credentials and that I take my profession seriously.
4. What was the best studying method for you when preparing for the initial certification examination?
Reviewing the APIC manual, but really learning from the CIC study guide how the questions were worded. I studied alone (my preference) and did fail the first time. But I preserved and wrote again!
5. What advice would you give someone pursuing certification?
Have a copy of the CIC study guide, the APIC manual and ICPs that can help you navigate some of the questions. CIC is worth it if you are pursuing jobs-most jobs require it so it is beneficial to have it.
6. How do you stay up-to-date on infection prevention and control practices?
Online resources: APIC, CJIC, IPAC Canada, CIC, the occasional conference, other ICPS/colleagues, other provinces; being involved provincial guideline groups.
7. Are you part of an APIC or IPAC Canada chapter? If so, would you recommend it to others?
IPAC Canada, yes! It is a valuable resource for our profession! I always search and refer to IPAC Canada for anything to do with Infection Control.
8. How was the CIC helped you grow professionally and in your career?
Yes! It has enabled me to find employment relatively easily because it shows employers that I have taken the time to become certified.
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 first time taking the exam and failing sure disappointed me. But I took more time to really study in a different way, plus added experience helped, and it helped me to become successful. I have now completed a SARE-that one did keep you up! Definitely a group study session and liaising with other colleagues really helps with that one! It also shows you how far and wide your knowledge base and experience has expanded, the CIC really validates my investment in my profession and enables me to be taken seriously as an Infection Control Practitioner.