Jamie Swift, MSN, RN, CIC, LTC-CIP, FAPIC, shared her insightful philosophy on hiring Infection Preventionists (IPs) during a recent interview, highlighting the importance of diversity in educational backgrounds and experiences. Managing a large team often involves dealing with turnover and continuous hiring, and Swift’s approach is both strategic and inclusive, aiming to build a well-rounded and dynamic team.
Swift emphasized the value of having a variety of backgrounds within her department. Their job descriptions are designed to attract candidates from diverse educational and professional paths. Her team includes registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), individuals with Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees, and even a lab technician. She believes that each of these roles brings a unique piece to the puzzle, contributing to a comprehensive approach to Infection Prevention.
One of the key points Swift made is the benefit of not getting locked into hiring only one type of professional. She advocates for a mix of different trainings and perspectives, which can enrich the team’s collective knowledge and problem-solving abilities. Recently, her team added a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), a first for their program. This addition has brought a wealth of knowledge and analytical skills that have significantly enhanced their efforts. Swift’s openness to various professional backgrounds reflects her belief in the potential and value each individual can contribute.
In Swift’s ideal team, a mix of educational backgrounds is crucial. She places high value on nurses who have direct bedside experience, noting that they often make the best hires. These nurses provide real-world insights and practical perspectives that are invaluable to the Infection Prevention team. Their firsthand experience in patient care allows them to understand and address the practical challenges faced in clinical settings, which can sometimes be overlooked by those without such experience.
Swift’s hiring philosophy underscores the importance of recognizing and leveraging the diverse expertise available in the field of Infection Prevention. She believes that by being open to a wide range of professional backgrounds, her team can better address the complex and evolving challenges of infection control. This approach not only fosters a rich, collaborative environment but also ensures that the team is well-equipped with a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge.
For those managing or looking to build Infection Prevention teams, Swift’s insights offer a valuable perspective. Embracing diversity in hiring can lead to a more effective, innovative, and adaptable team, capable of addressing the multifaceted nature of infection prevention in healthcare settings.