Leonila Saan Sumpreque, BSN-RN, RM, CIC

Location: Ajman, UAE

Company/Organization: Sheikh Khalifa Medical City Ajman

Title: Infection Control Nurse

First Certified: July 2018

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

Before I become an Infection Preventionist 2010. As a Nurse, I worked in all areas in my nursing profession for 17 years. I saw how my patient suffered not only for the process of their diseases but more on the complication of treatment and healthcare associated infections. As a caregiver I must not do harm to them. As an infection control link in my unit, I thought to be more helpful in taking care of them thru Infection Prevention work in my organization. When the vacancy came, I took the opportunity to apply and got it.

2. How did you first hear about the CIC®?

Upon joining with my infection control team, they are the one who oriented me everything about CBIC & CIC.

3. As an international candidate, what types of hurdles, if any, did you have to overcome to take the CIC® exam?

The challenge I have were the infection control practices in the country and organization I am in, against the ideal infection control and prevention practices that I read in the APIC textbooks, JCIA, other resources, and international guidelines. I am trying to be perfect but that is not the reality. I overcome everything by using my common sense in application of all that I learned. As there is no one size fits all in the practice of infection prevention and control, even we think they are the same.

4. If you have recertified, why do you stay certified?

Being certified or recertification is important because at the end of the day that staff’s and patients health is in your hands. Certification demonstrates proficiency beyond the knowledge and skills. Certification also become the demands of accrediting and regulatory bodies for valid processes to verify my competency.

5. What advice would you give someone like you interested in taking the CIC®?

It is necessary for every Infection Preventionist to be certified as this is not only to test their competency but also to show that they committed and up to date for best practices. She must put CIC as her top priority to enhance professional credibility and prestige. The CIC is the widely recognized certification for infection prevention and control in North America and many parts of the world.

What resources did you find useful? APIC text, APIC certification study guide, CDC.

6. How do you stay informed with the latest industry news?

I am an APIC member both locally and international where resources is up to date, Journal subscription, infection prevention conferences, etc.

7. Finally, what does it mean to you to be a CIC®?

Being Certified by CBIC is my pride in my profession, it verifies my skills, knowledge and commitment to best practices in infection prevention and control. I become more confident and competent to carry out my task and improved care regardless of the facility type in which I practice.

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