1. Why did you choose a career in infection prevention and control?
I was a Medical Surgical Ward nurse before I applied to be part of the Infection Control team. I decided this career move as an opportunity to broaden my knowledge and skills with regards to infection prevention and control and I know being there I’d be able to contribute more with regards to patient safety.
2. How did you first hear about the CIC®?
I only heard about CIC from my colleagues here in Tawam. When I first joined the team it’s the first thing they told me that as part of my goal, I should take the CIC exam. Then I started searching the net and found.
3. As an international candidate, what types of hurdles, if any, did you have to overcome to take the CIC® exam?
As an international candidate, I was worried on where I could find reading materials in order for me to prepare for my CIC exam. I haven’t joined any study group even when I applied for the exam which I think is very helpful as I’ve read from others. Fortunately, I was blessed with generous and passionate colleagues who have been my resource persons during my preparation. They’ve lended me their reference books to read and fires up an email containing practice questions that I need to answer in a certain period and will personally discuss with me the answers and its rationale.
I just hope that same thing can happen to me if ever I’m in my own country, the Philippines. I’m not sure if this certification is as renowned as it is compared to other countries. I’ve seen several Filipinos who have been certified yet have taken it in another place.
4. If you have recertified, why do you stay certified?
5. What advice would you give someone like you interested in taking the CIC®?
Definitely to go for it and really prepare well! Utilize every possible resources you have. Pay close attention to every question being asked during the exam.
6. What resources did you find useful?
APIC Textbooks, CDC website
7. How do you stay informed with the latest industry news?
8. Finally, what does it mean to you to be a CIC®?
For me being a CIC means a commitment to maintain the best standards in Infection prevention and control wherever institution I maybe at.