1. Why did you choose a career in infection prevention and control?
Patient safety was one of my areas of interest from the beginning. Since infection prevention and control is one of the major components to provide safe care to the patient that’s the reason I have chosen my career.
2. What advice would you give someone who is interested in an infection prevention and control career?
With the increased demand for safe healthcare and continuous quality improvement, the need for infection prevention and control will continue to grow and there is a huge scope for those seeking to pursue a career in infection control. One can expect steep learning in this field which is based on scientific principles and advanced knowledge.
3. What does being a CIC® mean to you?
CIC credential is a symbol of competency and expertise in the field of infection prevention and control. It’s the commitment towards patient safety by instituting the best practices in clinical care. To use the CIC after my name was one of my dream which comes true. Being recognized as CIC is pride and now I can work with more confidence after being recognized with the official certification.
4. What was the best studying method for you when preparing for the initial certification examination?
I found my on-the-job training and practical experience regarding different aspects related to infection prevention and control so useful.
In addition, the APIC textbook is one of the important resources to prepare for the exam. It's a holistic approach based on the current evidence-based knowledge.
Since I am also working in the quality department this exposure has also helped me to implement and facilitate continuous quality improvement and patient safety aspects.
Discussion and knowledge-sharing groups with infection control expertise were also found to be useful strategies.
5. What advice would you give someone pursuing certification?
CIC certification demonstrates a formal commitment that is based on evidence-based principles and earning this certification will help to build strong individual competencies and provide a roadmap to a successful carrier.
6. How do you stay up-to-date on infection prevention and control practices?
I am always following the CDC and APIC websites for the current updates. Knowledge-sharing infection prevention groups also serve as an important resource for timely communication.
7. Are you part of an APIC or IPAC Canada chapter? If so, would you recommend it to others?
I was an APIC member and a part of the APIC UAE chapter. I will be renewing the membership soon.
8. How has the CIC® helped you grow professionally and in your career?
CIC is the most recognized and accepted credential in the field of infection prevention and control. APIC has defined the competency model for the infection prevention and control professional. After getting the CIC certification I found myself empowered and will pursue the next competency level.
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.
The field of infection prevention and control supports continuous learning. I have remembered my old student life when I was preparing for the exams and continuously studying as per the timelines. During this period I had networking opportunities with many experts in the field of infection control who supports continuous learning.