Written by Erin (Beck) Wilder, MPH, RN, AL-CIP, CIC, CPHQ, LSSBB

Erin (Beck) Wilder, MPH, RN, AL-CIP, CIC, CPHQ, LSSBB
has been CIC certified since 2008.
Erin is currently the Director of Infection Prevention at Kootenai Health, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

• Tell us about your experience putting together your portfolio for the AL-CIP.

When I first started putting together my material and writing the rationales, I struggled to view my experiences as impressive enough to submit.  Self-promotion is not a strength for me, and I kept looking for experiences that were impressive and extraordinary. However, once I started objectively comparing my experiences to the components within the sub-competencies, I was able to see that my day-to-day work actually did fulfill the portfolio requirements.   

• Can you provide tips for writing a successful rationale? 

I would recommend starting with a description of your work product followed by a detailed explanation of how you believe you meet each component of the sub-competency. It is important to give detailed evidence for each component of the sub-competency. I also intentionally addressed them in the order they were listed in the AL-CIP Handbook to help streamline the evaluation. I did not rely on the evaluator being able to find evidence of any component of the sub-competency within my supportive evidence, even if it was extremely obvious.   

• How did you decide on which sub competencies to select for your portfolio?

I considered several examples to fulfill each sub-competency and then did a gap analysis of the components within each sub-competency. I also found it helpful to discuss options with a few trusted Infection Preventionists who had the necessary content expertise to provide relevant feedback. I found that the experiences I initially thought perfectly demonstrated a sub-competency actually missed several of the required components.  If I had more than one experience that fulfilled each of the components of a sub-competency, I selected the one I thought was most convincing and interesting.  I did not want my portfolio to be a bore! 

• What advice would you give to someone considering the AL-CIP?

I would recommend anyone interested in the AL-CIP to seriously consider it. You can assess your experience using the AL-CIP Handbook as a guide and seek new opportunities to fulfill sub-competencies if necessary. The process of compiling your portfolio for this certification also enables you to better see and articulate the impact of your work. Your portfolio is also a valuable resource for you to use to promote your knowledge and expertise.   

• What does earning your AL-CIP mean to you?

Earning my AL-CIP has been a huge accomplishment for me. Unlike a test with one best answer for every question, this portfolio-based competency requires vulnerability as you submit your work and professional experiences for evaluation. Achieving this certification has provided me with a sense of objective validation of my professional expertise and demonstrates advanced growth within the field of infection control and prevention.