I always knew I wanted to pursue a career that intersects community health and infectious disease. Infection prevention combined the perfect blend of healthcare, epidemiology, and population-level health.
Go for it! We need Infection Preventionists who are passionate and have inquisitive minds. If investigating, planning, and knowledge-sharing is of interest to you, then infection prevention and control just might be your calling.
Much of my work involves outbreak management to healthcare facilities. Being a CIC, to me, is a reflection of my dedication to this field and of my respect for my colleagues by adhering to the same professional standards.
Practice tests. It may not be that you don't know something, but need to improve test taking skills like taking time to carefully read the questions and understand the nuance of what is being asked or how to prioritize the options laid out before you.
Don't let the certification process intimidate you. Study; take every opportunity to strengthen your understanding of varied topics and processes; ask questions of other IPs. "In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take."- Lewis Carroll.
Always be learning. We should never be so sure of a situation that we don't stop to ask ourselves if we are operating on the most up-to-date information or data. The difference of a few days in a course of illness, updated treatment guidelines, or change in an epi-curve can significantly impact what the best course of action is.
8. How has the CIC® helped you grow professionally and in your career?
Being a CIC has allowed me greater clarity in what I want from my career: utilizing my experiences and passion for learning to be of service to my community in the protection and promotion of its health and wellbeing.
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