New Certification Enhances SDFMC Infection Prevention Expertise

Cheri Fast and Jess Danko receive LTC-CIP certification
Cheri Fast

Cheri Fast, RN, CIC, LTC-CIP, commented about expanding her existing expertise, “The long-term care certification is a new test specific to the long-term care environment, where some of our most vulnerable patients and loved ones reside. Certification increases our potential to reduce harm and save lives through awareness and education. The support encourages people to step up and to eliminate infection risks in their facilities.”

“We point out infection control best practices that may be inadvertently overlooked. Making slight and easy changes in daily work can reduce infection risk and improve positive outcomes,” shared Jessica Danko, MSHA, RRT, LTC-CIP, program manager with Project Firstline. “Showcasing the education and training through SD PFL and assisting with ICARs allows me to use my knowledge and expertise to protect those that live in and work within the long-term care setting.”

Fast reflected on the effort required to achieve a culture of universal infection control. “We all, healthcare or not, have the power to reduce the transmission of infection in our homes and our communities. By sharing our various levels of expertise, we are making a difference.”