VIPTA is a statewide infection prevention and control education collaborative, led by the Virginia Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Group. Through partnership, VIPTA curates IPC resources for Virginia’s healthcare, congregate care, and public health settings.
Your Infection Prevention Week Game Plan Starts Here
International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) is October 19–25! It is a great time to celebrate the people who make infection prevention happen. Get your team in the game with activities that build skills, raise awareness, and keep others safe.
What to Expect:
International Infection Prevention Week: Start with the official IIPW site. Be on the lookout for resources for this year’s theme, Generations of Infection Prevention: PAST. PRESENT. PROTECTED.
VIPTA Resource Library: Build your game plan with resources for each daily focus. Monday covers sterile processing, TB, and outbreaks. Tuesday focuses on hand hygiene. Wednesday covers vaccines and antibiotics. Thursday focuses on environment of care. Finish the week on Friday with technology.
VDH Infection Prevention Training Power Tools: Add some fun with ready-to-use puzzles, coloring pages, games, and step-by-step training guides.
How to use it:
- Make a daily play: Pick one resource for each day. Send it to unit leaders with a few discussion points or trivia questions to share with staff. (Hack: A Project Firstline Micro-Learn is ready to go if you don’t want to make something new.)
- Set up a game station: Put puzzles, coloring pages, or trivia in a break room or staff area. Add a prize drawing to boost play.
- Cheer on your team: Use Cheers for Peers certificates to thank staff for great infection prevention work. Or, create an IIPW Kudos Wall where staff can leave notes or shout outs to celebrate each other.
Target Audience: Foundational & Intermediate IPC Education Level
Celebrating Virginia’s AL-CIP Leaders
The Advanced Leadership Certification in Infection Prevention (AL-CIP) launched in 2025. Since then, 11 Virginia infection preventionists (IPs) have earned this advanced credential. We spoke with Jessica Fielek and Tracey Odachowski from Sentara, and Becky Lapian from Inova, about their experience and advice for future applicants.
Why earn the AL-CIP?
Jessica Fielek said, “I chose to pursue the AL-CIP certification because I believe it represents the culmination of the leadership and infection prevention work that many IPs perform every day, often without a great deal of recognition. The certification provides a unique opportunity to showcase the impact of our work, not only to the selection committee but also to our peers and organizations.”
Tracey Odachowski shared, “Being a new certification and an early recipient, I feel it demonstrates my commitment to infection prevention advancements, leadership, and professional influence.”
Lessons Learned
Becky Lapian said, “The most challenging part was figuring out how to fit my experience and evidence into the different domains and subdomains. Connecting each piece of evidence to the specific domains and then writing the rationale to clearly explain the connection took some thought. It really made me reflect on the breadth of my experience and the impact of the work I’ve done.”
Her advice: “Go for it! Don’t underestimate the work you’ve already done or the experience you’ve gained as an IP. Take the time to really highlight your accomplishments and think about the impact of your work. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on your growth and showcase what you bring to the profession.”
Jessica added, “My biggest piece of advice is to carefully review the AL-CIP handbook several times before you begin and take advantage of any informational webinars or educational sessions offered about the certification. Understanding the requirements and domains upfront can save a great deal of time as you begin selecting and organizing your portfolio evidence. I would also encourage applicants to focus on collecting strong evidence and clearly articulating their specific leadership role within each project. Many infection preventionists contribute to numerous successful initiatives, but it is important to demonstrate how you personally influenced the work, led change, or contributed to achieving the outcomes.”
Interested in earning your AL-CIP?
Review the AL-CIP Handbook and access webinars to better understand requirements, organize your portfolio, and prepare a strong application.
Get personalized support at any stage. Book a coaching session with a current AL-CIP through the VDH HAI/AR Program’s Infection Prevention Educator Boost Sessions.
