1. Why did you choose a career in infection prevention and control?
Actually, IPC chose me to be in this career. It was God’s plan that I will shift my nursing profession to be an IPC practitioner. Though I don’t have any background about it, I believe I will be learning new things about IPC.
2. What advice would you give someone who is interested in an infection prevention and control career?
Some people say that being an IPC practitioner is an easy job; more of paper works, and sitting in the office. But this career gave me a satisfaction that I believe other profession can’t give. Especially when giving health education and knowledge sharing to colleagues, staffs, patients, and relatives.
3. What does being a CIC® mean to you?
Being a CIC means a lot to me. It shows people how hardworking and dedicated I am to this profession that I belong. It gives me confidence that I am updated with the trends of epidemiology.
4. What was the best studying method for you when preparing for the initial certification examination?
As per quoted by Wikipedia, REAP method (Read, Encode, Annotate, Ponder). I read, then encode or paraphrase the idea and write it in a note, then annotate and ponder through thinking, reflecting and reading other related materials.
5. What advice would you give someone pursuing certification?
Pursuing CIC title is not an easy journey, everybody feels the fear of the unknown. But I can give the aspirants this acronym “2Ps” which stands for Prayer and Preparation. Prayer that God will give you knowledge and understanding as you go through this journey. Preparation starts with having a goal of passing the examination, and then comes with strategies on how to study well. Remember that experience is a need, but your passion for reading is a must to be successful.
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.
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 be 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 remember the days when I was preparing for my CIC exam, the preparation for few months had taught me to have consistency, passion, discipline and the burning desire to top or to pass the examination. I believe that these traits will help to face the challenges not only professionally but in realms of life.