Carla Danielson

When I joined IPAC Canada in 2016, I was not sure if it would be the right ‘fit’ for me. I was not an Infection control practitioner. I was a Public Health nurse working with Long Term Care homes to manage outbreaks. Joining IPAC Canada connected me with IPAC professionals through our local SASKPIC chapter but also across the country. Participating in various interest groups and local chapter meetings it was clear I was surrounded by incredibly bright and capable professionals. I found a supportive space where everyone was endlessly generous with their knowledge and where I was welcomed and encouraged to get involved.

Fast forward to late 2021 and like many frontline healthcare workers, I was feeling the strain of the pandemic. I decided to join the LTC Infection prevention and control team as it would allow me to continue working with the LTC homes I had strong relationships with but now I could focus on preventing infections every day, not just when there was an outbreak. The transition to ICP was challenging but I used the opportunity to study and pursue my CIC designation to reflect my commitment to excellence in IPAC.

Membership has provided access to opportunities such as attending my first IPAC national conference in 2024, thanks to the generous support of Diversey and their IPAC scholarship awards. I have also been able to give back and contribute to the important work that IPAC Canada members do to keep patients and communities safe by volunteering as a member of the IPAC Canada Standards and Guidelines committee and acting as webmaster for the LTC Interest group. I had no way to know back in 2016 how much the decision to join IPAC Canada would influence my career but it turns out it was a perfect fit!