The role of a CBIC Ambassador is to embody the values, mission, and objectives of CBIC, and advocate for certification. Additionally, an ambassador supports CBIC in building relationships and fostering strong connections with key stakeholders including health officials, strategic partners, and others. Today I sat down with CBIC’s first ambassador, Shazia Irum, RN, MSC, MBA, CIC, CPHQ, to learn more about her background and how she began her career in infection prevention and control.
- What sparked your interest in infection prevention, and how did you end up pursuing it as a career?
Answer: I actually stumbled upon the profession unpredictably while was working as a registered nurse at hemodialysis center in Saudi Arabia. In September 2015 once I came back from my annual vacation, I received a letter from administration to be transferred to Infection Control Department. At first, it was a huge surprise to me to suddenly jump in a totally different domain and I decided to refuse to take this post because I thought I do not have any background knowledge or skills to work as Infection Control practitioner. However, my refusal was not accepted by the managers and they encourage me to start learning. Later on I underwent for special Infection Control training from one of the renowned hospital in the town which gave me the basic understanding of skills required as a novice IP. With time I kept researching current trends relevant in the field and started taking up online courses, attending webinars to stay abreast.
The point which captivated me to indulge more in this field was that when I heard about that there is a specific certification in infection control which surely enhance the credibility and skills of IP practitioners to excel in their filed. This gave me the new horizon to think and I started to search the pathways to study and learn more about certification. I was so fortunate that I found a great study platform and joined it to peruse my certification. The truth is, it was not a piece of cake for me to study and absorb all the contents required to be studied for exam preparation. As I was practicing in the ambulatory center where we did not have major surveillance and several other activities essential for an IP to understand and learn, which is why it took me almost one and half year to study regularly before applying for the CIC exam. APIC textbook remained my all-time best buddy during the preparation period. Finally, in 2019 once I got my certification and touched the taste of this prestigious success I started to love my career and decided to own it completely.
- How do you stay updated on the latest developments and best practices in infection prevention?
Answer: APIC Textbook, CDC, WHO, JCI, AJIC, local guidelines and many more are always on the top of my list to stay connected and get updated information. Since 2019 I got certified I am a member of APIC which is one of the amazing pathway to get updated with latest developments. Attending online APIC courses, annual conferences and webinars are also highly meaningful to stay connected with current evidence-based practices and knowledge. Connecting with online APIC community discussion platforms are also very helpful to share and receive information about current trends and advancements in the field of infection prevention. Moreover, I kept myself involved in several study groups where to exchange the knowledge and discussions with peers and industry experts nationally and internationally. Last but not the least, I love to attend online or onsite courses, conferences, webinars (as an attendee or speaker) which always keep me updated about this dynamic field of infection prevention.
- Can you walk me through a specific situation where you had to address a challenging infection control issue? What was the outcome?
Answer: Undoubtedly, COVID-19 pandemic was the definite situation where I faced several challenges with regard to handle the surge of Covid cases in my facility. In my past years of Infection Control experience, I never encounter with any single outbreak in my facility. COVID-19 realized me that this is really a serious threat and especially when it was declared by WHO as a pandemic.
It was a great challenge for me to deal with such devastated situation when it reached to us and attacked on our patients and healthcare workers. At first, things were not much clear, however with the support of maximum available literature, my CIC knowledge, competencies helped me in an abundant way to deal with this disputed situation. I and my team, stood firmly beside our patients and staff who were suffering with COVID-19 as well as developed a process of implementing maximum prevention strategies in order to stop the further spread within the facility. CIC knowledge and certification gave me additional strength and confidence in terms of to take precise decisions on the spot and to deliver evidence based information to all my staff and administration.
The outcome was very hopeful as I and my team used to work tirelessly throughout the day and night which includes infection prevention issues, emotional support to staff and patients, counselling and reassurance. I am very thankful to my administration also for providing all the required resources to support and maintain our best infection prevention practices in the facility. While the nation was struggling with the shortage of PPEs, my facility worked persistently to provide enough amount of all items for the safety of staff and patients.
- How did earning your Certification in Infection Control (CIC) help your career within infection prevention and control?
Answer: Obtaining my CIC gave me a boost in self-confidence to lead the Infection Prevention and Control program at my workplace. I believe CIC credential is far more than a certification. It is a mark of devotion and a responsibility towards a profession. Choosing a career in infection prevention and control gave me a confidence and satisfaction that I believe other professions would not be able to give, especially in terms of sharing of updated knowledge and experience with my colleagues, superiors, patients and visitors which absolutely enhance my professional skills, improves the safety of patients and employees in my organization. CIC for me showing a commitment to the best evidence based practices in infection prevention & control and improved patient care and signals to the employers and colleagues that you are committed to your professional growth.
- If you had to give a piece of advice to someone starting their career in infection prevention, what would it be?
Answer: 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. My advice for those who are pursuing certification and career in infection prevention & control is to be focused, consistent, practice harder and never give up on your personal and professional goals because by the end of the day your efforts, dedication and commitment will pay off. Join your local APIC chapter to get regular updates to boost your IP skills.
Ending with the note that love what you do to produce a positive outcome and leave a remarkable footprint in other’s life by serving with dedication, devotion and passion. To be an Infection Preventionist is one of the greatest example of this.