Featured Member: Our 5,000th ACDIS member
Like dozens of other attendees at this year’s ACDIS Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, Mercedita Morales, RN, BSN stopped by our booth to sign up for an ACDIS membership. Little did she know that she would be the 5,000th person to become a part of our association. A CDI specialist at St. Joseph Health System in Irvine, California, Morales is an active member of the California ACDIS Chapter.
Morales is happily married with two daughters and two grandsons. She loves spending time with her family and enjoys beach days and traveling. We caught up with her about her CDI experience and how it feels to be our 5,000thmember.
ACDIS: What did you do before entering CDI?
Morales: I worked as a clinical nurse in critical care, observation, and outpatient procedural units. I also worked as an observation charge capture specialist prior to becoming a CDI specialist.
ACDIS: Why did you get into the CDI field?
Morales: I decided to enter the CDI field because I was interested in exploring other areas of nursing. I wanted to challenge myself in my career and look for opportunities for growth.
ACDIS: What has been your biggest challenge and biggest reward?
Morales: It was challenging initially because I had no prior CDI experience or education. However, the biggest reward is working with a great CDI team and very supportive leadership in our organization who understand the value and impact of the work we do as CDI specialists.
ACDIS: Why did you join ACDIS?
Morales: I joined ACDIS because it is an established organization for all professionals working in this field, which offers members vast professional resources, networking, and education. I believe being a member of a national organization proves that you are committed to your profession because you want to keep up-to-date with the latest best practices and guidelines.
ACDIS: What do you hope to gain from being a member of ACDIS?
Morales: Valuable educational opportunities and resources that I can use and apply to my work.
ACDIS: What piece of advice would you offer to a new CDI specialist?
Morales: I would say it’s important to be persistent, flexible, and willing to learn. Also, to use your resources—there are so many tools out there to help us out.
ACDIS: Tell us a few of your favorite things?
- Vacation spots: I enjoy going to the beach—especially San Diego, Philippines, and Hawaii
- Hobby:Gardening
- Non-alcoholic beverage:Green tea
- Foods:All types of Asian food
- Activity: Spending time with my family