Dear Helpdesk: Advocating for Novice Infection Preventionists

Dear Helpdesk: Inoculating your work life with IP wisdom by Infection Control Today.

Dear Helpdesk,

Often, when infection preventionist (IP) positions are posted, they expect someone experienced to get on the floors and solve their issues. This makes it extremely difficult for novice IPs. I’ve met so many IPs who left the field within three years due to their bad experiences of being expected to know certain things when they started. Even when the direct team is supportive, it’s difficult for novice IPs due to the treatment from other departments. How can we solve this?

Sincerely,

Advocating for Novice IPs

Dear Advocating for Novice IPs,

The infection prevention field has faced many challenges over the last few years, and I appreciate you elevating such an important topic and creating a conversation that normalizes what novice IPs may be experiencing.

IPs are huge proponents of supporting and raising each other up, and to your point, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. Not all new IPs have a strong, experienced team to mentor them; many are solo IPs, and others may be in teams that are also relatively new to the role.Due to the gravitas of this topic, I reached out to Rebecca Bartles, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC, executive director of the Center for Research, Practice, and Innovation for Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), to solicit her thoughts.

Novice Infection Preventionist

(Image credit: author with AI)

Brenna Doran, PhD, MA, ACC, CIC: Thank you very much for taking the time to share your thoughts and input on this. I have a few questions I’d like to ask you, as infection preventionist attrition is a topic close to your heart.

From your perspective as an IP leader, what strategies and resources have proven effective in supporting the development of your new IPs?

Rebecca Bartles, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC: As IPs can come from many different types of backgrounds (nursing, public health, microbiology, etc.), it’s important to first understand the skill set of a new IP. Understanding strengths and weaknesses, as well as areas of primary interest, will allow a leader to craft a personalized development plan. Of course, all novice IPs require training across many disciplines, which takes time. Considering the IP’s background and experience, introducing them to work that uses their existing knowledge can help build confidence and expertise more quickly.

For example, a novice IP who is also a nurse might feel more confident working with task forces on catheter-associated urinary tract infection or central line-associated bloodstream infection reduction efforts while they learn the CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network definitions and expand their prevention knowledge. A novice IP with public health experience may feel more comfortable having their first project centered around emergency management or outbreak investigation. Taking this approach can result in early successes and increased job satisfaction as the novice learns more about areas in which they have less experience.

BD: Based on your experience, how common is it for novice IPs to experience interdepartmental challenges?

RB: I’d say it is very common for novice IPs to experience interdepartmental challenges, but again, this varies based on background and experience. An IP with no clinical background will require considerable training and shadowing to “learn the ropes” and the lingo of the clinical environment. Those with clinical backgrounds may not experience that same friction. Still, they may struggle with adjusting their perspectives and stepping into a leadership role—particularly if they have practiced clinically at the same facility where they work. Novice IPs need access to a mentor while they make this adjustment and for the mentor to “manage up” the IP within the organization.

BD: What APIC resources would you suggest IPs leverage during their initial years in the field to help them build their relationship skills and confidence as SMEs?

RB: APIC has many great resources in this space. The first one I would turn to is the “Novice Roadmap for the Infection Preventionist.” This tool provides an information pathway for new IPs to build a solid conceptual foundation and has many complementary resources. The content also indicates what the IP will eventually see on the Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) exam, so it’s a great study resource from that perspective.

This year, APIC also launched the “Infection Preventionist Career Development and Advancement Guide.” This guide provides direction for IPs at various career stages and can help new IPs decide what they would eventually like their practice to look like.

Finally, APIC provides an “Accelerated Internship Program Guide” that employers can use to host accelerated internship programs of approximately 10 weeks. The guide offers a week-by-week curriculum that includes topics, clinical applications, tools and templates, and external resources.

BD: What guidance would you offer IPs regarding relationship building with other departments?

RB: The guidance I would offer an IP regarding relationships is the same as anyone in any career. First, assume good intent. Most people want to show up and do great work. When it appears that is not the case, first look for the barriers and broken processes that could be at fault. Second, always give yourself grace. This is a tough profession, and the learning curve is high. Be patient with yourself as you learn, and depend on your mentor when in doubt. Finally, don’t be afraid to use humor liberally in your work. Most people appreciate a bit of light-heartedness in a field that can be incredibly somber. Even if you aren’t a stand-up comedian, be open to a laugh whenever one is available.

BD: Thank you very much for your time and for sharing your experience and resources through APIC that IPs can access for additional support.