In a recent interview, Kelly Zabriskie shared her insights on what makes an exceptional Infection Preventionist (IP), emphasizing a mix of passion, curiosity, and adaptability over extensive experience. When evaluating candidates for Infection Prevention roles, Kelly looks for individuals with a genuine interest in the field, especially if they are new to the role. She encourages prospective IPs to gain exposure by shadowing professionals or taking online classes to understand the responsibilities, as this firsthand experience can solidify their enthusiasm and preparedness for the demands of the job.
Kelly’s approach to building a strong IP team is rooted in a preference for candidates who are not only driven but also willing to engage in a variety of tasks. Infection Prevention, she explains, is anything but a desk job. Successful IPs need to be comfortable multitasking and tackling diverse challenges, from investigating leaks and coordinating outbreak responses to educating staff and handling equipment issues. Kelly loves the unpredictability of each day, noting that it requires a willingness to dive into both planned and unplanned situations—a trait she considers crucial for anyone entering the field.
The dynamic nature of Infection Prevention means that flexibility and investigative skills are essential. Kelly describes a day in the life of an IP as one where you might shift from managing infection surveillance to troubleshooting urgent infrastructure issues. She values candidates who are comfortable with this range of responsibilities and possess a strong investigative mindset. IPs must be ready to dig deep, whether it’s researching the cause of an outbreak or evaluating potential infection sources, a quality she actively seeks in her team members.
Kelly also looks for passion and excitement in both new and experienced candidates. For newcomers, she likes to ask, “What do you think Infection Prevention does?” to gauge their understanding and interest. For seasoned professionals, she’s interested in hearing about their biggest challenges and how they have navigated those situations. Her focus on understanding a candidate’s motivation and problem-solving skills helps ensure that she builds a team capable of handling the diverse demands of Infection Prevention while staying motivated by the impact of their work.
Through her hiring philosophy, Kelly demonstrates that the best Infection Preventionists are those who bring enthusiasm, adaptability, and a love for learning to the table. Her approach underscores the importance of resilience and curiosity in navigating the complex, ever-evolving landscape of Infection Prevention. For those passionate about the field, Kelly’s insights offer a valuable roadmap to success. To explore more of her perspective, check out her full interview on Voice for Infection Prevention.