Mrs. Sarah Thomas1
1Gold Coast Health, Australia
Biography:
Sarah Thomas works with Gold Coast health for the last decade. She holds a Master's Degree in Infection Control from Griffith University. She is a member of the ACIPC Credentialling and Fellowship Assessment Panel. She has been a facilitator with ACIPC. She is endorsed nurse immunizer and hand hygiene educator.
Abstract:
Background
Everest base camp challenge is always on my wish list. I have been an ICP for over 15 years in different countries but was working in the same health service for the last decade. I have my Masters in Infection Control and credentialled with Australian College of Infection Prevention & Control (ACIPC). I wanted to challenge myself whether I can apply my skills and experiences in a different health service.
Method
Late 2024 I made the decision to actively look for a role outside my health service. I was successful in getting a 6-month Clinical Nurse Consultant position. Throughout this time, I set myself professional goals, role like leading teams, policy review, construction and renovation work, product reviews to name a few. The transition felt like the base camp challenge with unfamiliar systems and new teams and weight of expectations.
Results
I successfully completed the secondment and achieved most of my goals. My key learning was that leadership matters. Recent leadership changes have posed some challenges in the setting. Team visibility improved with the Infection Control forum and shadow days we organised. I could review a new built and could review new policies. I could learn some human resource skills like rostering and budgetary allocation. Staff were supported on their education and credentialling.
Conclusion
Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is a valuable way to grow as an ICP. Clear training pathway for CNC roles should be developed which incorporates leadership training. Take the challenge-it’s worth the climb.