Shawna Paro, MSN, RN, CIC

Shawna Paro has been an infection prevention specialist since November 2015. Shawna's dream of becoming a nurse began as a hospital volunteer candy striper in 2001, never imagining her career would take her to infection prevention. Now, reflecting upon her magnificent and rewarding career, she could not imagine anything different. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, when asked if she enjoys her career, the answer is always proudly, "yes". Her career began at long-term acute care, followed by her current employer of 15 years, an Acute Care Community Hospital.

Before entering infection prevention, she provided intensive care unit patient care while working per diem as a nursing supervisor and tri-chairing the quality patient council. During these amazing years, she refined her skills and found her niche, infection prevention. She became certified in infection control 2 years after becoming an infection prevention specialist. In 2018, Shawna became the department lead as the senior infection prevention specialist, followed by achieving her master's degree in nursing leadership and administration in 2021.

Shawna also enjoys giving back to the nursing career by instructing the young minds of nursing students. Shawna has been an adjunct clinical faculty instructor over the last 6 years, contributing many of her students to her hospital. Outside of work, Shawna enjoys spending time with her family. Shawna and her husband Mike met in high school and now share 2 beautiful boys.