1. Why did you choose a career in infection prevention and control?
I wanted to do something in my career that is challenging, interesting and makes a difference in people’s lives daily. Being an IP I got an opportunity to deal with multifaceted patient care, construction, outbreak investigations and many more things. These experiences strengthened me to provide quality of care to patients and heath care workers.
2. What advice would you give someone who is interested in an infection prevention and control career?
Infection prevention and control practices is needed in all the departments that related to patient care, so my advice is to spend time with these departments and find out the role that we can do for better outcome. You can also do literature review from CDC and APIC to enhance your knowledge to act as a leader.
3. What does being a CIC® mean to you?
Being a successful CIC candidate, I am committed to providing best service to my organization and patients. This certificate gives value to my career and made me feel more confident, to be up to the responsibility in educating others, contributing to improving the work environment and paying more attention to preventing infection from the side of society. The higher knowledge, expertise and self-efficacy leads to higher performance. With higher performance, we can expect higher compensation, higher career advancement, better employment options and greater job security.
4. What was the best studying method for you when preparing for the initial certification examination?
I used a variety of resources including CBIC study guide, APIC text and CDC guidelines. I was participated in group discussions in IPQ Academy it helps me to understand my gaps and reinforced me to cover all the important topics related to CIC exam.
5. What advice would you give someone pursuing certification?
A high-value certification ensures that you maintain a high level of knowledge and skill in your profession
6. How do you stay up-to-date on infection prevention and control practices?
I stay updated with IPC by reading updated articles, attending seminars and trainings, and continuing to learn new things/topics about IPC. Being an active member of the Infection Prevention and Control team, attending conferences and subscribing to latest news and journals.
7. Are you part of an APIC or IPAC Canada chapter? If so, would you recommend it to others?
I am not yet an APIC or IPAC Canada member but looking forward to being an active member in the near future
8. How has the CIC® helped you grow professionally and in your career?
CIC had helped me a lot to grow professionally by having that confidence through successfully passing the exam and experience needed to be an IPC professional. I was able to know new knowledge and innovations through CBIC. Being a CIC simply means having that dedication, passion, and competence in the field of IPC.
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.
I always dreamed of being a CIC, when you have a dream that you want to make a reality you will work hard to achieve this goal, and you will not let anything stand in your way