Infection Control Nursing
The Path to Becoming an Infection Control Nurse
Infection control nurses help prevent patient infections by instructing other nurses and health care staff on proper sanitation, handwashing procedures, and other steps to prevent the spread of disease. They also study bacterial cultures taken from patients. Infection control nurses are usually the ones responsible for notifying the Centers for Disease Control if there is an outbreak of infection.
Preparation Path
Attain a BSN
Pass the NCLEX and become an RN
Gain clinical experience with infection control
Become certified if desired
Typical Tasks
- Identifying, controlling, and preventing outbreaks of infection
- Collecting and analyzing infection control data
- Implementing and evaluating infection prevention and control measures
- Developing and revising infection control policies and procedures and ensuring compliance
- Investigating suspected infection outbreaks
Employment Settings
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Outpatient facilities
- Home care facilities
Annual Salary Range
$86,833 – $104,233
Certification
RN, plus certification through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology
Education Requirements
BSN
