1. Why did you choose a career in infection prevention and control?
Having started my nursing career as a hemodialysis nurse in the KDU Department, I was introduced to the basics of infection prevention and control, its importance to a vulnerable population, and how a simple act of doing proper hand hygiene help prevent the spread of microorganisms to patients who are undergoing hemodialysis.
Then, after a few years of working as a hemodialysis nurse, I was appointed as the infection control nurse of a facility specializing in caring for ESRD patients. This prompted me to research evidence-based practices to prevent infections, read current standards, both locally and internationally, and implement changes in the facility in collaboration with our quality department.
2. What advice would you give someone who is interested in an infection prevention and control career?
The advice I can give to individuals interested in a career in infection prevention and control is to start by reaching out to the IP department, learning more about the program, and asking questions. Another way is by volunteering to be part of the IP team, and it may be by starting as an IP champion in your department. Lastly, searching for colleges and universities that offer programs or courses such as
"Basic Infection Prevention and Control" that can help establish a foundation on one's knowledge in the field of infection control.
3. What does being a CIC® mean to you?
Being Certified in Infection Control (CIC®) not only shows that I have the experience, knowledge, and capabilities as an infection preventionist. It helped me gain confidence that I am a subject expert who can help my team and other facility stakeholders provide evidence-based practices by promoting the infection prevention and control program to promote patient safety.
4. What was the best studying method for you when preparing for the initial certification examination?
Study Groups: Both in-person and virtual groups through local APIC or IPAC Canada chapters provide peer support and shared tips. Consistently using practice tests helps you adapt to the "CBIC style" of critical thinking questions.
5. What advice would you give someone pursuing certification?
Establish your foundation in infection control. Use your experience and your knowledge to guide you in answering questions. Do not rush; spend time analyzing the questions. If you fail, that's okay. Do not let others bring you down and hinder you from attaining your CIC®. Instead, use it as a motivation to take your next exam. Not everyone excels in written exams on their first or second try. The most important thing is that you do not give up and lose hope that you can succeed.
6. How do you stay up-to-date on infection prevention and control practices?
I stay up-to-date on infection prevention and control practices by frequently reading guidelines and standards and attending seminars, webinars and national conferences.
7. How has the CIC® helped you grow professionally and in your career?
Being the infection prevention and control practitioner at my workplace challenged me to move out of my comfort zone and be more proactive by engaging with different stakeholders. By doing this, staff members, volunteers, students, and even family members ask questions about policies and procedures and evidence-practices to prevent the spread of infection. Obtaining my CIC® gave me a boost in self-confidence to lead the Infection Prevention and Control program in my workplace.
