In this segment taken from her interview with Jacob Hutcherson, Wendy Kaler shared the key traits she looks for when hiring and training Infection Prevention professionals. As someone who has hired and trained many individuals in the field, Wendy has developed a clear understanding of what makes a great Infection Preventionist. The first thing she focuses on during the hiring process is the candidate’s knowledge of the role and their motivation for wanting to be an Infection Preventionist. Wendy believes that understanding a person’s motivation provides insight into their passion for the profession and their long-term potential.
One of the most important traits Wendy seeks is curiosity. She asks each candidate for an example of how they have demonstrated curiosity in their life, whether professionally or personally. Wendy emphasizes that this is critical because the field of Infection Prevention requires continuous learning and deep investigation into various topics. Candidates who display a natural curiosity are more likely to thrive in the ever-evolving environment of Infection Prevention, where new information and challenges constantly emerge.
Another key question Wendy asks is how candidates handle not knowing an answer. In the complex field of Infection Prevention, professionals will often find themselves in situations where they don’t have all the answers. Wendy looks for individuals who are comfortable admitting when they don’t know something but are committed to finding the correct information. She stresses that Infection Preventionists are a resource for the hospital, and it’s their responsibility to gather accurate data and follow up with the necessary information. Confidence in saying “I don’t know, but I will find out” is crucial for maintaining trust and credibility.
Wendy also values strong interpersonal and communication skills. She asks candidates about difficult conversations they’ve had at work and how they’ve navigated interpersonal issues. In Infection Prevention, professionals need to effectively communicate with a wide range of staff, from frontline workers to executives, and often need to address sensitive issues. Wendy is interested in understanding each candidate’s communication style and how they plan to build relationships within the hospital to stay informed about what’s happening on the ground.
Lastly on this topic, Wendy highlights the importance of staying up to date in the ever-changing world of Infection Prevention. She notes that rules, guidelines, and science are constantly evolving, and it’s vital for Infection Preventionists to stay informed. Curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning are qualities Wendy looks for, as they ensure that professionals are prepared to handle the complexities of the role and can maintain the respect and trust of their colleagues.