In Infection Prevention, success requires more than just technical expertise. As Sinthuya Alston explains in her interview with Jacob Hutcherson, hiring the right team members in this field involves looking beyond knowledge and experience to focus on personality traits and soft skills. For Alston, building an effective Infection Prevention team means prioritizing individuals who can communicate well, think critically, and approach challenges with a flexible mindset. These qualities, she argues, are essential for navigating the complexities of Infection Prevention.
Alston’s hiring philosophy revolves around selecting candidates who excel in collaboration. Infection Preventionists must often convey difficult messages to staff and obtain buy-in for new protocols, which requires both empathy and clarity. She looks for individuals who can handle these responsibilities diplomatically, recognizing that effective communication is critical to promoting infection control practices across an organization. For Alston, these soft skills enable a team member to build trust and foster a culture where Infection Prevention is embraced rather than resisted.
Risk management is another key area where Alston values specific mindsets over technical credentials. She stresses the importance of hiring team members who understand that while zero risk is the goal, it’s rarely achievable in practice. Instead, she seeks individuals who can assess situations in shades of gray, making informed decisions to mitigate risk. This approach requires critical thinking and a nuanced understanding of potential outcomes, as Infection Prevention often involves balancing different factors to achieve the safest possible solution.
Alston also values proactive, self-starting individuals who can go beyond their job descriptions to address potential issues before they escalate. Infection Prevention is an evolving field that requires continuous improvement and adaptability. She looks for candidates who can foresee challenges, initiate improvements, and contribute to process optimization. By hiring self-starters, Alston ensures that her team remains agile and responsive to new developments in Infection Prevention, fostering a proactive approach to patient safety.
In her hiring process, Alston employs behavioral-based questions to gauge whether candidates possess these traits. Experience is a bonus, but a collaborative spirit, adaptability, and a proactive mentality are what she truly values. By focusing on these qualities, Alston has built a team capable of tackling the ever-evolving demands of Infection Prevention, ensuring that they are not only technically skilled but also resilient and ready to lead. Her hiring philosophy underscores the importance of personality and mindset in creating a team that can meet the complex challenges of Infection Prevention effectively.