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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

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Ready to begin your journey to becoming an infection control nurse?