IPC Career

Despite its critical role in patient safety, infection prevention and control (IPC) remains one of health care’s most misunderstood and understructured professions. While COVID-19 thrust IPC into the spotlight, the field still lacks a clear entry path, standardized training, and broad institutional recognition, leaving many professionals to learn on the job with minimal guidance.

Infection preventionists are at the forefront of the infodemic; the keynote session offered suggestions on how they can combat and mitigate misinformation.

As federal cuts reshape public health, students nationwide are reacting with fear, frustration, and renewed resolve as they face an uncertain future in the field.

When an unclear airborne isolation order disrupted patient care, one infection preventionist had to unravel entrenched practices and prioritize safety, communication, and staff trust.

Key Takeaways from WHO’s 2024 Global Report and Insights from Real-world Experience

As infection prevention infrastructure unravels, professionals face déjà vu from the pandemic’s darkest days—making resilience not just important, but essential for survival and progress.

Infection preventionists face relentless demands, but true resilience begins when they replace self-judgment with grace, processing emotions with acceptance and compassion—not perfection.

Infection prevention demands strength—but when vulnerability is praised in men and penalized in women, leadership becomes performance, not authenticity. It’s time to challenge that imbalance.

Trauma bonds. How do we break free? Brenna tells us, "We must remain unified in our shared mission, supporting one another as we navigate these challenging times."

Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today’s highlights for the week ending March 23, 2025.

"The greater impact of gratitude, whether localized or systemic, is to increase the opportunities for others to experience gratitude and to experience higher levels of gratitude in both personal and professional environments."

Discover how wise leadership in infection control transforms challenges into opportunities, fosters teamwork, and safeguards patient safety through emotional intelligence, strategic vision, and inspiring action.

Truth is not always obvious. Using triangulation, we can fact-check news, research, and social media, ensuring we make informed choices based on credible, multiple sources.

In this installment of IP Lifeline, Heather Stoltzfus, MPH, RN, CIC, in uncertain times, encourages us to focus on what we can control, adapt to challenges, trust our values, and keep moving forward. Together, we can navigate any storm.

Infection preventionists juggle constant challenges, often feeling overwhelmed. Learn how simple breathing and grounding techniques can help calm the chaos and restore focus.

The Advanced Leadership Certification in Infection Prevention (AL-CIP) validates leadership, expertise, and strategic decision-making in infection control. Learn why top professionals pursue this certification and how it enhances careers, and apply for yours today!

Burnout among infection preventionists is a growing crisis exacerbated by the pandemic. This personal reflection highlights the emotional toll, systemic challenges, and urgent need for support.

Effective sterile processing leadership requires active engagement, clear communication, and a transformational approach to foster collaboration, accountability, and quality in infection prevention and surgical instrument management.

Micromanagement from leadership can hinder infection preventionists (IPs). This guide explores strategies to reposition IPs as proactive partners in patient safety rather than adherence enforcers.

Infection preventionists play a vital role in health care, leveraging change management techniques to overcome resistance, unite stakeholders, and implement strategies prioritizing patient safety.

Supporting grieving colleagues can feel daunting, but small gestures of empathy and respect for boundaries can profoundly impact their healing while maintaining workplace connection.

The Cherokee parable of 2 wolves illustrates the importance of emotional intelligence in infection prevention. Feeding the "positive wolf" fosters resilience, collaboration, and meaningful leadership.

The health care staffing shortage impacts patient outcomes. Strategies in education, technology, and support roles aim to prepare resilient professionals and enhance job satisfaction amid challenges.

Explore APIC Chapter Conferences for the remainder of 2024 and 2025. As your APIC Chapter announces its conference, send it to ICT to be posted here!

Infection preventionists face severe stress from prolonged crisis-mode work environments, highlighting the need for boundaries, support, and self-compassion to restore personal well-being.