An infection control nurse is a type of nurse that specializes in detecting and managing outbreaks of infection in a hospital setting. Infection control actions are planned and managed using analytical and management abilities. Furthermore, these nurses may teach people and organizations about infection prevention. In this article, I will show you step-by-step on how to become an infection prevention nurse.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, infection control nurses are now more vital than ever.
What Is an Infection Control Nurse?
An infection control nurse, often known as an infection prevention nurse, is a registered nurse who specializes in illness prevention and care for patients with infectious conditions.
Infection Prevention Nurses play an important role in the overall health of the community and the healthcare facility in which they operate.
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Infection Control Nurses are significantly more likely to work in research, teaching, policy, and project administration than in direct patient care. Infection Control Nurses conduct interventions that are data-driven and focused on education and policy.
Infection Control Nurse Job Description
Infection Control Nurses are problem solvers who utilize their expertise to gather and analyze research before educating and implementing new guidelines and procedures to enhance protection. Their roles include;
- Control and prevention of infectious agent transmission
- Recognize infectious disease mechanisms
- Epidemiologic and surveillance studies
- Education and research
- Managerial review or evaluation of occupational and employee health
Infection Prevention nurse Salary
In terms of career prospects, the general nursing profession is predicted to expand and remain a consistent source of employment. Nurses in specialist fields, such as infection control, will benefit from increased understanding and cultural interest in infectious disease prevention and control.
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An infection control nurse earns a good living even though this is a specialist profession of nursing. The average annual salary is expected to be $75,000 per year. This is the typical salary; anticipate to make somewhat more or less based on the nurse’s geographical region, experience, and degree.
How to become an infection prevention nurse
The following are key steps in becoming an infection prevention nurse
- Get an RN degree
Become a registered Registered Nurse by acquiring either a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or RN degree from a school of nursing
- Spend at least two years working in infection control.
Gaining experience in infection control and prevention is important to be able to specialize in it. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) mandates that applicants work in the field of infection control for at least two years after becoming a Registered Nurse before taking and passing the certification test for becoming an Infection Control Specialist.
- Take the certification exam
The Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology administers the infection control certification test. Every five years, your certification must be renewed.
You can become a certified infection control nurse by passing the certification exam.
Conclusion
The function of the Infection Control Nurse, unlike most other nursing roles, serves both patients and hospital employees. Your education and skills as an Infection Control Nurse will safeguard the entire community from injury and the possible spread of illness.
An ICN aids in the development and implementation of processes and policies develops infectious disease instruments and collaborates in audits. They also give expert advice on prevention, monitoring, identification, and infection control.
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