Maimuna Jatta’s career in Infection Prevention started in her home country of Gambia, where she initially trained as a nurse. After completing her Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in Gambia, she realized that her education would not be recognized in the U.S. when she decided to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in nursing. Moving to Iowa, she enrolled in a four-year program, despite most of her prior credits not transferring. However, after passing the NCLEX exam, her previous credits were accepted, allowing her to complete her degree in just a year and a half.
After obtaining her U.S. nursing license, Maimuna worked at a community hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, where she embraced the compassionate side of nursing, enjoying the direct patient care and the personal connection it brought. However, despite her love for nursing, she knew it wasn’t her ultimate career goal. Growing up, she had been torn between studying medicine and computer science, but her volunteer work with the Red Cross had sparked an interest in public health.
It wasn’t until a friend and roommate suggested she explore Infection Prevention that Maimuna realized this field could combine her passions for nursing and public health. Intrigued by the idea, she began researching Infection Prevention and realized it was a perfect blend of her skills and interests. The field also aligned with her desire to make a broad impact on public health, beyond the individual patient care she experienced as a nurse.
Maimuna pursued her Master’s in Infection Prevention and Control at American Sentinel University (now Post University). The program gave her the knowledge and skills she needed to transition into the field, allowing her to merge her clinical nursing experience with a new focus on epidemiology and public health. This academic background, combined with her previous nursing experience, prepared her for a career in Infection Prevention.
After completing her master’s degree, Maimuna moved to Virginia, where she joined a hospital with a robust Infection Prevention program. She began volunteering during Infection Prevention Week and soon found herself deeply involved in educational activities. Her passion and dedication led to a full-time role in Infection Prevention, where she found her true calling, thriving in a field that brings together her expertise in both nursing and public health.