Welcome back to Voice for Infection Prevention! I'm your host, Jacob Hutcherson, and today, I’m talking with Tawanna McInnis-Cole, whose career journey is a testament to adaptability, leadership, and passion for patient safety. Tawanna’s entry into Infection Prevention was unexpected—she applied for a nurse educator role but found herself stepping into infection control instead. She quickly embraced the field, realizing it was the perfect blend of science, patient care, and education. In this interview, she shares how her background in med-surg, women’s health, and emergency care shaped her approach, why relationship-building and mentorship are essential, and how earning her CIC and a doctorate in healthcare administration helped her advocate for staffing, resources, and Infection Prevention leadership. If you’re looking for insights on career growth, leadership, and making an impact in Infection Prevention, you won’t want to miss this one! Let’s dive in.