AL-CIP Q&A with Shannon Simmons, DHSc, MPH, AL-CIP, CIC, CPH, CHES, MLS(ASCP)CM

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Genesis Uricochea

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Written by Shannon Simmons, DHSc, MPH, AL-CIP, CIC, CPH, CHES, MLS(ASCP)CM

Shannon Simmons, DHSc, MPH, AL-CIP, CIC, CPH, CHES, MLS(ASCP)CM has been CIC certified since 2016. Shannon is currently the Program Manager of Ambulatory Infection Prevention at Christus Health.
  • Tell us about your experience putting together your portfolio for the AL-CIP

Putting together my portfolio for the AL-CIP was not difficult or too time consuming, but I did put a lot of effort into understanding the requirements needed to demonstrate each sub-competency. The CBIC AL-CIP Handbook did a great job in fully explaining how to address each of the sub-competencies and the informational sessions provided a platform to ask specific questions about appropriate rationale decisions. I was also very pleased the submission platform was very user friendly.

  • Can you provide tips for writing a successful rationale?

My number one tip is to keep it simple! Although you are offered 1000 words to demonstrate your work and impact, you should have the confidence in what you’re presenting to not over complicate your rationale. Take your time to make an outline of your evidence and stay focused on painting a full picture of your work and its impact, don’t get too bogged down with minute details.

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

I took my time and briefly addressed all the competencies in a separate document. This gave me the opportunity to determine which of the sub-competencies I had actual evidence to substantiate my rationale. Addressing each sub-competency also allowed me to choose those that I had the most compelling rationale for a successful portfolio. 

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

This is a great opportunity to promote the work that you’ve done as infection preventionist. Infection Prevention is a profession that does not always get the recognition it deserves, so having the opportunity to show your dedication to the profession and obtain an advanced certification is rewarding. Putting together your portfolio is not only an opportunity to look back at all that you have done throughout your career, but could shine a light on the areas where you would like to grow in the future.

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

Earning the AL-CIP distinction gives me great pride because it represents not only how much I have advanced in my career, but also how much the profession is growing. This portfolio-based certification process objectively allows me to be recognized an expert in infection prevention and control. This gives me great excitement as I look forward to a long career in infection prevention.