In her recent interview for VIP with Jacob Hutcherson, Wendy Kaler reflected on her unique experience as a non-nurse joining an Infection Prevention team in the mid-1990s, a time when it was almost unheard of for someone without a nursing background to enter this field. Despite this, Wendy explained that she was fortunate to be part of a highly respected and scientifically driven team. The infectious disease physician she worked with was a member of the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) and was involved in writing national guidelines. This expertise, along with the team’s focus on evidence-based practices, created an environment where science was prioritized, allowing Wendy to thrive in her role.
Wendy shared that her success in Infection Prevention was largely due to the well-established and respected team she was part of. The infection control nurse and medical director she worked with were both highly regarded within the hospital, which helped set the foundation for her own role. The team had strong connections to the CDC, which provided them with opportunities to attend training sessions and stay updated on the latest infection control practices. In 1992, Wendy and her team traveled to the CDC for specialized training in the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System (NIS), an experience that further deepened her expertise in the field.
Wendy credited much of her early career development to being in the right place at the right time. She described how her hospital’s support for science-based, evidence-driven programs gave her the chance to grow professionally in ways she hadn’t anticipated. Her team’s collaborative relationship with the CDC helped shape her Infection Prevention journey and provided her with the tools she needed to succeed. This support, combined with the respect her team garnered within the hospital, allowed Wendy to contribute meaningfully, despite not coming from a nursing background.
After spending 20 years at the hospital in Southern California, Wendy made the decision to return to Northern California. She recounted how she once again found herself in a fortuitous position. When she arrived at a hospital in San Francisco, she was surprised to learn that they were deeply connected with national policy efforts and had a strong following in the field. Wendy’s work in Southern California, including a published study in 2006, had preceded her. The team in San Francisco was aware of her work and quickly promoted her into leadership roles, recognizing her value and contributions to the profession. Wendy hadn’t expected these opportunities but was grateful to find herself in another supportive and progressive environment.