APIC Toolkit for Rural and Isolated Settings

This toolkit was developed by members of APIC’s 2021 Professional Development Committee as a resource to provide practical support for infection preventionists (IPs) working in rural or otherwise isolated settings. It is not uncommon, even for the most experienced IPs within larger urban acute care settings, to share that they felt isolated when starting in the IP role.
While initially it seems daunting, being an IP is a great career, especially if you like to learn and embrace professional development. This toolkit provides a variety of practical resources, networks, strategies, and tips for IPs working in isolated contexts, in any healthcare setting, to develop and sustain effective infection prevention and control (IPC) programs and connect with other IPs who can help them launch, navigate, and grow careers as IPs.
Please share any comments with us at education@apic.org.
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) gratefully acknowledges the following individuals for their valuable contributions.
Contributing Authors
Anieca Ashley, RN, BSN, CIC
Infection Preventionist, Multicare Deaconess Hospital
Janet Conner, MT(ASCP), MSPH, CIC, FAPIC
Infection Prevention Director, Banner Health Western Region
Melissa Gallant, RN, MSN, CPN, CIC
Infection Preventionist, HCA Healthcare
Stephanie Holley, RN, BSN, CIC, FAPIC
Infection Preventionist, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics
Eileen R. Sherman, MS, CIC, FAPIC
System Director, Infection Prevention and Control, Main Line Health
Christine Zirges, DNP, APRN-BC, CIC, FAPIC
System Director of Infection Prevention, SSM Health – St. Louis
Copyeditor
Elizabeth Haberkorn
Acknowledgements
This toolkit was researched and written by members of APIC’s 2021 Professional Development Committee.