Infection preventionist retention and professional development strategies: Insights from a national survey

•67% (n = 294) of Infection Preventionists (IPs) in this sample had worked in their current position 4 or more years.•IPs left their positions for personal reasons, professional opportunities elsewhere, or due to work-life challenges.•52% (n = 230) of respondents anticipated 1-2 IPs staff would retire in the next 5 years.•Strategies to retain and professionally develop IPs include continuing education, mentoring, certification and conference support, and flexible schedules. This brief report explores why Infection Preventionists (IPs) leave their positions and strategies implemented to retain and professionally develop IPs. National survey data of over 500 APIC members found turnover is due to personal reasons, professional advancement opportunities and work-life balance challenges. In addition, IPs are retiring in great numbers. The creation of career pathways and providing an environment that supports work-life balance are novel strategies that could retain and professionally develop IPs.