Mary Greer Scott, MSN, RN, CIC

1. Why did you choose a career in infection prevention and control?

It chose me.  My hospital that I was working for at the time had a C. diff problem and my floor had the most.  I started investigating the issue and started a task force to reduce those numbers.  In that process, I fell in love with Infection Prevention and microbiology.
 

2. What advice would you give someone who is interested in an infection prevention and control career?

Know your organisms, build a great network of colleagues across the spectrum of professions, and take some leadership and communication classes. 

3. What does being a CIC® mean to you?

 Credibility

4. What was the best studying method for you when preparing for the initial certification examination?

 I studied for my masters in Infection Prevention while I was studying for my CIC and that helped tremendously.

5. What advice would you give someone pursuing certification?

Use the CIC study guides and join a study group. 

6. How do you stay up-to-date on infection prevention and control practices?

I am constantly reading journals, CDC website, WHO website, etc. 

7. Are you part of an APIC or IPAC Canada chapter? If so, would you recommend it to others?  

 I belong to the SC APIC.  The network of IPs that we have are a wonderful resource.

       8. How has the CIC® helped you grow professionally and in your career?

 I received my CIC only nine months after starting my career in Infection Prevention.  It has definitely helped me to be relevant and credible.

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.  

There are so many stories that come to mind that it is very hard to choose.  Of course, COVID will forever be etched in my mind.  After the vaccines came out and we worked so hard to get as many people vaccinated as possible, it was defeating to see the patients die who chose not to get vaccinated.  To see the frustration on our frontline heroes was probably one of the hardest periods I had to go through as an IP.