In a conversation with Jacob Hutcherson on Voice for Infection Prevention, Krystal Robinson reflected on how the COVID-19 pandemic completely consumed her role in Infection Prevention. Like many in the field, she found herself at the center of the crisis, but rather than seeing it as just a time of overwhelming challenges, she viewed it as a defining moment for the profession. The pandemic placed Infection Prevention at the forefront of healthcare operations, demonstrating the critical role it plays in protecting both patients and staff.
Robinson believes in the idea of never letting a crisis go to waste. While COVID-19 created immense pressure, it also provided an opportunity to introduce new policies, strengthen infection control measures, and solidify Infection Prevention as an essential part of hospital leadership. With healthcare systems looking for guidance, Infection Preventionists were able to implement strategies that may not have gained traction in normal circumstances. The visibility and influence of the field grew significantly as a result.
Looking back, Robinson sees how the pandemic created lasting change in how Infection Prevention is perceived within healthcare organizations. The profession gained what she refers to as “political capital,” meaning there is now a higher level of trust in Infection Prevention recommendations. Hospital leaders and staff who may not have fully grasped the importance of infection control before the pandemic now recognize its value, leading to stronger collaboration and greater respect for Infection Preventionists.
This shift has opened doors that might have otherwise remained closed. The increased credibility of Infection Prevention means that conversations about long-term improvements—such as better staffing, resource allocation, and policy implementation—are now being taken more seriously. The challenge now is to maintain that momentum, ensuring that the lessons learned during COVID-19 continue to shape hospital practices for the better.
Robinson’s perspective serves as a reminder that while crises bring immense difficulties, they also create opportunities for progress. The pandemic may have consumed her role for a time, but it also elevated the field of Infection Prevention, strengthening its influence in ways that will continue to benefit healthcare systems for years to come.