While talking with Jacob Hutcherson from the Voice for Infection Prevention, Cristine Lacerna shared her journey toward gaining confidence in her role as an Infection Preventionist. When asked how long it took for her to feel truly confident in her ability to answer questions and meet expectations, Cristine provided a candid reflection on her experiences.
Initially, Cristine felt superficially confident after about two years in her role. She had studied extensively and felt she had a good grasp of the necessary answers. However, it wasn’t until years later, during the pandemic, that her confidence grew exponentially. This period forced her to confront the reality that true confidence also involves being comfortable admitting when you don’t have all the answers.
Cristine explained that her initial confidence came from a deep dive into academic knowledge and understanding the technical aspects of Infection Prevention. Yet, real confidence came from being able to engage in meaningful dialogues and maintain integrity, even when she didn’t have immediate answers. This ability to communicate effectively while acknowledging her limits was crucial in building trust and respect.
Understanding the context in which she worked also played a significant role in Cristine’s confidence. After two years, she began to comprehend not just the textual knowledge but also the environment, services, and workflows specific to her role. This contextual understanding allowed her to apply her knowledge more effectively and navigate the complexities of her work environment with greater assurance.
Cristine’s journey highlights the importance of continuous learning and the need to develop a holistic understanding of one’s professional environment. Her experience underscores that confidence in Infection Prevention comes not only from technical expertise but also from the ability to communicate openly and understand the broader context of the work. This comprehensive approach ultimately leads to more effective and confident practice in the field.