1. Why did you choose a career in infection prevention and control?
I became CIC certified for a reason. To identify any knowledge gaps while I was learning to be an IP, validate my self-training, in other words to prove to myself and others that “I knew what I knew”.
2. What advice would you give someone who is interested in an infection prevention and control career?
I strongly recommend spending time with an infection Preventionist, job, reading a few articles from AJIC or Infection Control Today, as well as reviewing information on the APIC website and CDC to get a basic understanding of the role. Infection Prevention and Control is a very interesting and challenging field. It’s not just about hand washing and isolation. It consist of a lot of parameters in order to effectively implement a sound Infection Control program.
3. What does being a CIC® mean to you?
Being recognized as professional person and it gave more credential to work
4. What was the best studying method for you when preparing for the initial certification examination?
I used a variety of resources including CBIC study guide, APIC text, APIC books from the APIC Store. I borrowed APIC text book from other IPs. I also took the online APIC Infection Prevention Certification Review Course.
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. Being an active member of the Infection Prevention and Control team, attending conferences and subscribing to latest news and journals.
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?
For most of my career, I have always wondered how I can get people to realize the importance of all of the infection control practices that we continue to talk about year after year. How many times can you talk about hand hygiene? How many times do you need to remind people to wear their personal protective equipment properly? During this COVID pandemic, I honestly feel that this problem may have resolved itself. Everyone is so concerned with having the right equipment to protect themselves. I hope that this concern lingers long after the pandemic resolves