In a compelling interview with Jacob Hutcherson, Tawanna McInnis-Cole shared her journey from nursing into the field of Infection Prevention, a career shift that was both unexpected and transformative. Tawanna’s transition into this role wasn’t a straightforward path, but one filled with strategic thinking and a keen eye on both professional growth and financial stability.
Tawanna explained that she stepped into the field of Infection Prevention right after completing her master’s degree. What made this role appealing was the perfect blend of clinical involvement and administrative responsibilities it offered—something she was actively seeking. Unlike the traditional nursing shifts that demanded long hours of direct patient care, Infection Prevention allowed her to have a broader impact on patient outcomes without being tied to the bedside 24/7. This shift in focus gave her the chance to influence healthcare processes at a systemic level while still staying connected to clinical practices.
During the interview process, Tawanna admitted that she didn’t entirely grasp what the role of Infection Preventionist entailed, but she was intrigued by the potential to make a meaningful impact. The job title she initially applied for was “education resource specialist,” a strategic label used to attract candidates like her with a clinical background. While the title wasn’t explicitly tied to Infection Prevention, Tawanna saw the potential it held for career development, which prompted her to give it a second look.
One of the most significant factors that guided her decision to take on this role was its alignment with her professional aspirations and its financial viability. Tawanna was clear that the position made sense from a career growth perspective, allowing her to transition into a role with both stability and opportunity for advancement. She valued the fact that it opened doors to leadership roles, enabling her to contribute to patient care in a broader and more impactful way than she could as a bedside nurse.
Now, looking back on that decision, Tawanna has no regrets. What started as a leap of faith into a relatively unknown field has grown into a fulfilling 18-year career in Infection Prevention. Her story highlights the importance of seizing opportunities that align with your career goals, even if they don’t come with a straightforward job description. For Tawanna, the role was more than just a job—it was the start of a rewarding journey that allowed her to shape patient safety practices in healthcare.