IP LifeLine: A Blessing in Disguise; Navigating a Job Loss in Infection Prevention

Health care in the US is going through a tough time. Health care organizations are facing increasing operational costs, shrinking insurance payouts, and loss of vital federal funding dollars, which have created intense financial pressure.¹ This reality has led to an increasing number of health care facilities making difficult decisions like hiring freezes and even layoffs.

These trends directly affect infection preventionists (IPs) departments and programs. As IPs retire, transition to new roles, or leave the organization, there is growing scrutiny of the role's vitality. From an organizational perspective, it may be simpler to eliminate unfilled roles or choose not to replace staff once they leave.

The world of infection prevention has always been demanding, requiring both a sharp mind and a resilient spirit. But lately, as hospitals face increasing financial pressure, that resilience is being tested in new ways.

For Saba Shaikh, MPH, a recent layoff came as a shock, but it also became a pivotal moment—a chance to find a better, more supportive environment and to learn some hard truths about the profession. This is her story, a story of unexpected endings and new beginnings.

The Sudden End

My layoff from my full-time acute care infection preventionist (IP) role in California was abrupt and unexpected. The day before, I had a performance review, and my director’s demeanor felt off; she was unusually "short and sweet." My intuition was right. The next morning, I was at my desk responding to emails when she called and asked me to report to the administrative office. When I arrived, a human relations (HR) representative told me, very matter-of-factly, that I was part of a massive layoff.

I was stunned. Having spent 2 and a half years at the hospital, I had strong relationships with my colleagues, and the suddenness of it all was heartbreaking. The HR representative had my file ready and escorted me to my office. She watched as I packed up my belongings, took my badge and keys, and then walked with me to the nearest exit. The experience was completely devoid of compassion, making me feel like an object rather than a person. The way I was treated made me feel as if I had done something wrong, but when I asked, the HR representative simply repeated the same line: "You're part of the layoffs."

Looking back, I still don’t understand why me. I wasn’t the newest IP on the team, and while we were a system with multiple facilities, I was the solo IP at my facility.In this type of situation, when the decision to choose you doesn’t make sense, it is hard not to take it personally. Despite having a positive performance review just the day before, was there something I did or didn’t do that led to me being targeted?

While these questions were hardest in the days after my layoff, the time also gave me a much-needed mental reset.I had time to reflect on my performance, how I showed up for my stakeholders and team, and ultimately to accept that, whatever factors led to the layoff. In hindsight, I’m grateful to have left a work environment that did not value me and was provided with the opportunity to find one that did.

The Job Hunt: New Challenges and a New Role

Entering the job market for the first time in over 2 years was a rude awakening.It was clear to me that the infection prevention field had changed with challenges I hadn't faced before. I quickly realized that many facilities now require their IPs to be nurses. In the past, some jobs required it, but it wasn’t the norm. In today's market, more job postings require a registered nursing license. Recruiters would contact me, only to apologize and explain that the role required a nursing license after they realized I wasn't a nurse, despite my resume clearly stating my qualifications.

I decided to reframe this setback and let my years of direct infection prevention experience and master's in public health speak for themselves. When an infection prevention role opened at an academic medical center that was also my alma mater, I felt I had found my new home.As if it were meant to be, the infection prevention director emailed me within 2 days of my application and offered me a part-time position. The entire interview process was seamless, and it was clear from the initial conversation that the value I brought was recognized.

A Word of Advice for IPs

For anyone in the infection prevention field, my experience taught me some valuable lessons that might help you navigate your own career path.

• Know your worth and advocate for yourself: As an IP, your skills are crucial. It's important to recognize your value and be willing to walk away from toxic environments.
• Keep your career in perspective: No matter how dedicated you are to your job, remember that you are replaceable. Be a self-advocate and always protect your own career path.
• Get specific with employers: When looking for a new job, make sure to ask direct questions about the department's structure, who you'll be working with, and the level of support you can expect. Ask about staffing levels and if the role has been affected by recent financial cutbacks. My experience taught me that what you see isn't always what you get.

The job market for infection prevention is more competitive now than ever, but that doesn't mean you have to settle. By being honest about your qualifications and advocating for the support you need, you can find a role that not only fits your skills but also provides a healthy, supportive environment.

You Are Not Alone: Navigating the New Normal

Saba’s story is a powerful reminder that in the face of widespread layoffs and shifting industry expectations, your resilience may be tested. But it’s also proof that you are not alone in this experience. For every IP facing an unexpected ending, there is a new beginning waiting to be found—one that is often healthier and more aligned with your worth.

So, how can you prepare for a more volatile job market? Here are some tangible steps you can take today to protect your career and empower yourself for the road ahead:

• Build your "go bag." Your career is your own. Just as an emergency kit is always ready, you should maintain a professional "go bag" of your own. This isn't just a resume. It’s a portfolio of your achievements. Document your successes with specific metrics. Quantify your impact on patient outcomes, cost savings, and quality improvement. These are your tools for self-advocacy, and they are invaluable in a world where your value might be questioned.
• Invest in your network. Your professional connections are your strongest resource. Beyond formal conferences, build authentic relationships with other IPs. Join online forums, participate in LinkedIn groups, or attend local chapter meetings. These networks can provide not only job leads but also emotional support and a sense of community. When recruiters make assumptions about your background, your network can vouch for your expertise and help you find a role where your specific skills are valued.
• Embrace a "portfolio career." The days of a single, full-time IP role may be changing. Consider a future where your work is a mix of part-time positions, consulting projects, and other opportunities. This can not only provide flexibility but also diversify your income and reduce the risk of a single layoff affecting your entire livelihood. The skills you have are highly transferable; don't limit yourself to a single path.

Layoffs can be devastating, but they don’t define you. Your expertise is in high demand, and your unique perspective is what the future of infection prevention needs. Use this moment to redefine your career and find a role where your value is not just recognized but celebrated.

References

1. Boyle P. Hospitals make painful choices as federal cutbacks add to economic headwinds. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Published August 7, 2025. Accessed September 5, 2025. https://www.aamc.org/news/hospitals-make-painful-choices-federal-cutbacks-add-economic-headwinds