In the discourse with Jacob Hutcherson, the Founder and CEO of Clutch Recruitment, Tamara Behm, an interim director of infection prevention at Kaiser Permanente, recounts her early days in infection prevention with a touch of emotion. She reminisces about the unparalleled support she received, marking it as a cornerstone of her success and longevity in the field.
Tamara shares how a fellow infection preventionist devoted two weeks to mentor her, alongside the Kansas City chapter of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), which she holds in high regard. This community, she mentions, was always a phone call away, ready to provide answers and guidance, which was instrumental during her formative years in infection prevention.
Her narrative highlights a crucial factor for retention and success in this challenging profession – a supportive community and mentorship. The first year, as Tamara points out, is a make-or-break period for infection preventionists. The right amount of support and a conducive learning environment not only help in overcoming the steep learning curve but also in instilling a sense of belonging and purpose.
Tamara’s experience underscores the profound impact that a supportive professional community can have on individual practitioners, especially in fields as demanding and critical as infection prevention. Her story is a testament to the power of collective knowledge and the enduring relationships built on the shared goal of ensuring patient safety and advancing healthcare standards.