In a recent interview with Jacob Hutcherson, Jessica Swain shared her thoughts on the learning curve she experienced in her early years as an Infection Preventionist. When asked how long it took for her to feel confident in her role, Jessica provided an honest and refreshing perspective: even with years of experience, the complexity of Infection Prevention means you never stop learning. Her candid reflections offer valuable insights for anyone in the field, whether they’re just starting out or have been working for years.
Jessica explained that after her first year, she felt comfortable with the foundational elements of Infection Prevention. Surveillance, responding to pager alerts, and handling email inquiries were areas where she began to feel more confident. However, she emphasized that her growth was largely tied to understanding her resources. Knowing where to find answers when she didn’t have them was key. She built confidence not just by having the right answers, but by knowing where to look or who to ask when faced with a challenge.
Jessica noted that after three years, she felt more comfortable taking on leadership responsibilities, such as leading committees and being a point person for different issues that arose. By that time, she had developed the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate more complex situations and felt assured in her ability to provide guidance. Still, she was quick to emphasize that even years into her career, she never claimed to know everything.
A major takeaway from Jessica’s journey is her belief that vulnerability is an important trait in Infection Preventionists. She stressed the importance of acknowledging that no one can be an expert in every aspect of the field. What matters, according to Jessica, is knowing your limitations and being resourceful. The ability to recognize gaps in your knowledge and actively seek out the right resources is what allows Infection Preventionists to continue growing and providing high-quality care.
Jessica’s story highlights the ever-evolving nature of Infection Prevention and the importance of continuous learning. Her advice to Infection Preventionists at all stages of their careers is simple but powerful: it’s okay to not know everything. What’s crucial is maintaining a network of resources, building strong relationships with colleagues, and being open to learning, even after years in the field. Jessica’s journey serves as a reminder that mastery in any field takes time, but the most critical skill is knowing how to keep learning.