New to Infection control

[nursinmama921]

I am new to infection control nursing. When I asked about my job description they handed me their infection control policy book along with a prior list of infections from previous months and said if you have any questions just ask. I took this position bc I am always trying to learn new things but I was also hoping I could get some guidance along the way which I have yet to get. From what I understand from reading other posts on this site it is quite difficult to get your foot in the door in this specialty and I am now considering myself quite lucky that this opportunity presented itself to me and I would like to make the most of it. I have been scouring the internet for information but I honestly I do not even know where to start. Does anyone have any advice? Anything would be helpful at this point! Thank you in advance!!

[santeeaholic]

I too am facing "taking over" infection control. Since this is one of the MOST cited deficiencies in a long term care setting, I am sure you can understand my anxiety. Please let me know of any resources that may be available to show me what I need to do. I will be more than happy to comply with all requirements, but I don't want to overdo and I certainly don't want to under-do. Any help would be welcome. Thanks!

[nursegirl33]

I am in the same position with so many other roles. Its hard when there was no system in the first place. So trying to create the role by guidelines is hard. I just became ICP certified and it helped but if theres no system its hard. Any advice? I would love to offer suggestions but I can't seem to find anything myself.

Nursegirl33

[sauconyrunner]

One of the best things for you all to do is to join APIC, and go to local meetings. They usually have them 4 times a year. You can meet and learn from everyone in your area. It's also a good place to commiserate, as some of your job, will be totally not understood by anyone else. (And EVERYONE has an idea of what you do...which is usually not at all what you do.)

I am also new to Infection Control, but I was given 2 weeks of teaching at our parent hospital.

There are a million different thing that one does as an Infection Preventionist, including inspecting construction for Infection problems around the hospital. (you might think you don't do that, but actually pretty much all ICP's I know are very involved in this area, and should be...)

It is quite difficult to know all the responsibilities without some orientation. Did the old IP leave any files? Notes from Infection control meetings?

I'd ask to be sent to the APIC epi 101 class and then epi 201. Then of course test for CIC.

I can try to help, but I'm still pretty new. Luckily I was not new to the hospital, so I kind of had some ideas about what was going to be important to address immediately.

[JHagens]

I agree...join APIC, review the daily IP talk...a lot of great information is shared there as well as policies, forms etc. Try to find a mentor in your area that can answer your questions. Attend an Intro to Infection Control Course sooner rather than later. APIC has a great course...here in Texas, the Texas Society for Infection Control Professionals also offers a great basics course and an advanced course...these are cheaper than the APIC course. Must be an advid reader because there is SO much to learn and it is everchanging. Good luck and welcome to the wonderful world of Infection Prevention.