Take 5 with an IP Newbie
'I was doubtful at times . . . it was humbling.'
(Editor's note: Carol LaChance, RN, infection preventionist at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, ME, has been in the field three years. With a background of 24 years in nursing, she has found the switch to an IP position difficult but empowering. We recently asked her five key questions.)
1. What is the most satisfying thing about the job?
It is ever changing — it's definitely not boring. We are able to teach, coach, intervene, work on committees, community service, etc. We infection preventionists have our hands in every aspect of the hospital. Even when I was a clinical coordinator — and before that, a floor nurse — I always had some involvement with infection control. A friend of mine thought that I would be very good in this role. I didn't realize the challenge I was about to embark upon, but it was time for a change from what I was doing. My interest in infection prevention was the beginning of a positive career move. It has not only challenged me professionally, but has been very empowering. I feel more respected. I also realize I play an important role in helping staff with education and giving guidance on infection prevention throughout the facility.
2. What is one of your greatest challenges? In the beginning, it was whether or not I would be able to learn what I needed to — to move from being a novice all over again to a competent IP. I was doubtful at times that I could grasp all the knowledge necessary to do a good job.
3. How have you overcome that constant "learning curve"? You have to try to be progressive, innovative, well informed — always realizing that things may change from your current practice. Read, read, and read a lot more. Educate yourself. I found that the bulk of my knowledge would have to be self-taught through hands-on practice and trial and error. Although I have been in this role for three years, I still believe I have just hit the top of the iceberg. This profession is not something you learn in a year. It takes time, patience, experience, and the support of your colleagues. You really have to build upon what you know and move forward.
4. What kind of advice would you give to incoming IPs? Not to give up. Realize that you never will know everything there is to know about infection prevention. Things change all the time — what may be important today may be different the next. But there are resources out there that are available to you. It is important to join your APIC chapter and attend educational conferences and network with others. It was humbling for me to realize I didn't know everything that I needed to really be effective, but I have learned.
I have the support of colleagues that you need to be successful. There are plenty of resources out there. Reading the IP Newbie and speaking with [section columnist] Patti Grant helped me realize that I could do it. Yes, it takes time, but as long as we build upon what we know, we can achieve much. Infection prevention is in the forefront of health care with the realization of goals for "zero tolerance" of infections, whether they are related to devices, hand hygiene compliance, or some other issue.
5. You're right; infection prevention has changed a lot in recent years. What is your vision of the future for the field? I would like to see infection prevention continue to be an integral part of the day-to-day management of all health care facilities. We need to have the resources necessary to be successful. With so many diseases and ever-changing expectations, we need to be creative and appropriately compensated for the tremendous responsibility held by those in our positions.
(Editor's note: Carol LaChance, RN, infection preventionist at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, ME, has been in the field three years. With a background of 24 years in nursing, she has found the switch to an IP position difficult but empowering. We recently asked her five key questions.)You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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