1. Tell us about your experience putting together your portfolio for the AL-CIP?
I’ll admit, I was a bit intimidated by the portfolio process at first, especially since it was a newer pathway for certification. I ended up putting off starting my submission until about a week before the deadline because of a vacation I had right in the middle of the window. I do not recommend waiting, but I highly recommend the vacation, you deserve some time off. That said, having a solid plan of attack helped me stay focused and make steady progress. I set aside a few hours each evening and tackled two exemplars a night, which made the process feel manageable. If you are planning to pursue this route, I strongly encourage you to start early. Laying out your approach ahead of time helps you work at your own pace and avoid the stress I experienced. It really is doable with the right structure in place.
2. Can you provide tips for writing a successful rationale?
One tip I really recommend is to start by listing all the projects you've worked on over the past ten years, which is the eligible window for the portfolio. Include anything you're proud of, excited to share, or that highlights your leadership and impact. Then, go back through that list and put a star next to the projects that have easy-to-attach supporting documents. This could include something you created, a training you delivered, a poster or presentation, or a project with clear outcomes that you reported to your infection control committee or leadership. Once you have that short list, start matching those projects to sub-competencies that feel like a good fit. This approach gives you a clear framework to work from and makes the writing feel much more manageable. You probably won't find a match for every project, and that’s okay. You don’t have to include everything you’ve ever done for them to see what a strong leader you are.
3. What advice would you give to someone considering the AL-CIP?
There are so many ways to be an effective and impactful infection prevention leader. Don’t get caught up in comparing your path to someone else’s. Your contributions matter, and the work you’ve done deserves to be recognized. Be proud of your impact, and don’t be afraid to share your accomplishments, you’ve earned it.
4. What does earning your AL-CIP mean to you?
Earning my AL-CIP was a proud moment. Public health is in a time of change and challenge, so having the opportunity to share my work and be recognized for it was incredibly encouraging. Including my work as an HAI and AR Education and Training Specialist alongside my years as an Infection Preventionist made me feel seen for the unique contributions I bring to the field. One of the most meaningful parts has been the conversations it sparked. I've received thoughtful questions from peers and had the chance to help coach others through their own potential submissions. It’s been rewarding to support colleagues and help them see the value of their work through a new lens.