In an insightful interview, Kelly Zabriskie reflects on her early career in Infection Prevention, transitioning from a solo role at a rehabilitation hospital to a collaborative team environment in an acute care setting. As the only Infection Preventionist (IP) at the rehab facility, Kelly was tasked with overseeing not only infection control but also Environmental Services (EVS) and multiple offsite rehab programs, including a brain injury program. This role required her to manage a wide range of responsibilities alone, shaping her as a self-sufficient and resourceful IP.
Kelly’s move to a short-term acute care facility introduced her to the benefits and challenges of working within a team. In this new setting, she was part of a collaborative group with a supportive director and colleagues from nursing backgrounds. While she brought her expertise in microbiology to the team, her nursing colleagues helped her deepen her clinical knowledge. This shift was a learning experience, as Kelly had to adjust from working independently to contributing as part of a cohesive unit. She credits this experience with strengthening her skills and teaching her the value of teamwork in healthcare.
Looking back, Kelly acknowledges the risk and reward of taking on the solo IP role at the rehab hospital. She marvels at the opportunity she was given, even though it came with the daunting task of managing infection prevention alone. The experience taught her a valuable lesson: embracing opportunities, even challenging ones, can lead to significant personal and professional growth. She believes that this formative experience prepared her well for future roles and encouraged her to take on new challenges with confidence.
Kelly emphasizes the importance of seeking support and resources when working in such an isolated role. She frequently reached out to the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), consulted with colleagues, and actively sought out learning opportunities. Her proactive approach to seeking guidance and expanding her network highlights the critical role of community and continuous learning in Infection Prevention. For Kelly, these connections were invaluable in developing her skills and overcoming the challenges of a solo role.
Her advice to those entering the field is simple: take the leap. Kelly’s journey serves as an example of how taking risks, being open to learning, and embracing the support of colleagues can pave the way to success in Infection Prevention. Her story is a testament to the value of adaptability and resourcefulness in healthcare. To hear more of Kelly’s experiences and insights, watch her full interview on Voice for Infection Prevention.