In a recent interview, Infection Preventionist Maimuna Jatta shared valuable insights and advice for those interested in pursuing a career in Infection Prevention. Jatta acknowledges that the landscape for hiring IPs has traditionally been restrictive, with many healthcare systems still holding outdated views on who qualifies for the role. However, she notes that a shift is occurring, with more organizations beginning to open up their hiring processes to create interdisciplinary teams. She encourages nurses not to be discouraged by postings that may limit opportunities, such as requiring only registered nurses, as there are growing avenues outside of traditional healthcare roles where IPs are in high demand.
Jatta highlighted that even veterinary hospitals are beginning to incorporate Infection Preventionists into their teams, demonstrating the evolving nature of the field. She sees great potential for IPs to work across different industries beyond hospitals, and she’s excited about the increasing diversity of roles that infection prevention professionals can take on. This broadening of career opportunities, she believes, can attract those who may not want to work strictly in a hospital setting but still want to make a significant impact in public health and infection control.
She also discussed the importance of building strong academic tracks for Infection Prevention. Jatta herself went through a structured academic program focused on infection prevention and control, and she believes that such programs should be at the forefront of higher education. According to Jatta, creating robust academic pathways for Infection Preventionists will help address the critical shortage of IPs in the healthcare system, ensuring that future professionals enter the field with the necessary foundational knowledge and skills.
As Jatta reflects on the challenges within healthcare organizations, she emphasizes the need for growth opportunities within Infection Prevention. Too often, she observes that IPs hit a ceiling in their careers within one organization, forcing them to seek new opportunities elsewhere. This, she explains, can disrupt projects and programs that took years to develop. Jatta encourages healthcare organizations to invest in the long-term growth of their IPs, allowing them to build upon their work and continue advancing Infection Prevention practices within the organization.
Ultimately, Jatta advocates for healthcare systems to recognize the critical role that Infection Preventionists play. Their contributions not only improve infection control metrics but also enhance overall patient safety, making their work an invaluable investment for the future of healthcare.