An infection control nurse may also be referred to as an infection preventionist (IP). In a fact sheet, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) describes an IP as a healthcare professional “with specialized training and certification in infection prevention and control (IPC).”
Noting that IPC is a field made up of multiple disciplines, the APIC says that in addition to nurses, IPs may be professionals who work in:
Public health
Microbiology
Laboratory studies
Medical technology
Information technology
Allied health professions, e.g., respiratory therapy, medical imaging, radiography
What Does an Infection Control Nurse Do?
Infection control nurses, aka infection preventionists (IPs), are registered nurses (RNs) who are responsible for IPC programs within healthcare settings.
The APIC says IPs are “the only specialists in healthcare dedicated primarily to preventing infections. IPs collaborate throughout the facility ensuring compliance with public health and regulatory standards, pandemic management, staff education, construction management, water quality, environmental disinfection, ventilation and airflow systems, antibiotic stewardship, instrument sterilization, and more.”
According to the APIC, the duties of an IP may include:
Looking “for patterns and spot clusters of infections in healthcare facilities,” with a particular focus on infections caused “by antibiotic-resistant organisms and/or those associated with invasive procedures and indwelling devices.”
Tracking “infection data and activities to prevent healthcare-associated infections.”
Integrating “evidence-based infection prevention practices into facility-wide policies, guidelines, protocols, and educational strategies.”
Working “with clinical teams to limit unnecessary antimicrobial use to prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistance.”
Educating “healthcare personnel and the public about infectious diseases and how to limit their spread.”
Observing and coaching “healthcare personnel on proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, cleaning of hospital rooms and medical instruments, and other practices proven to reduce the spread of infectious organisms.”
Communicating and consulting with public health agencies.
Reporting “communicable diseases to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other public health agencies.”
Serving “as leaders and subject-matter experts in preparing healthcare facilities, personnel, and the public for health threats…”
Collaborating “with regulatory partners to ensure compliance with accreditation agencies.”
Where Do Infection Control Nurses Work?
Infection control nurses who are IPs may work in a variety of settings, including:
Hospitals and health systems
Nursing homes and other long-term care settings
Outpatient clinics and surgery centers
Rehabilitation centers
Behavioral health units
Jails and prisons
Public health agencies
The APIC says IPs also “consult with schools, businesses, and other entities on how to keep the public safe and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.”
How Much Does an Infection Control Nurse Make Per Year?
According to salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for registered nurses was $81,220 in May 2022—with half of nurses earning more than that amount and half earning less. Wages of nurses in the lowest 10 percent averaged $61,250. Wages of nurses in the highest 10 percent averaged $129,400.
The BLS does not provide a pay breakdown according to specialty but does provide median annual wages for registered nurses according to general categories of work location. Since most infection control nurses care for patients in the settings previously noted, the following median annual salaries may apply:
General medical and surgical hospitals: $90,600
Outpatient care centers: $97,200
Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities): $77,190
Specialty hospitals: $91,290
Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals: $84,920
The salary of an infection control nurse is also influenced by factors such as education, experience, and geographical region of the country.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Registered Nurses,
at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/map_changer.htm (visited July 1, 2023).
How Do I Become an Infection Control Nurse?
The path to becoming an infection control nurse depends upon the credentials involved. Infection control nurses are registered nurses and must attend an accredited nursing program that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
RNs must also be licensed in the state in which they work. Licensure can be obtained by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and meeting any additional requirements of the state’s board of nursing. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) offers a resource to determine state-based nursing licensure requirements.
An infection control nurse who is an IP can also obtain specialty certification by meeting eligibility requirements and taking a certification exam. The Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) offers three types of certification exams for IPs:
The CIC® examination is “the standardized measure of the basic knowledge, skills and abilities expected of professionals working in the field of infection prevention and control.”
The a-IPC (Associate – Infection Prevention and Control) entry-level certification examination is “a measure of basic infection prevention knowledge. It is intended for the novice IP and for those interested in pursuing careers in infection prevention and control. It is also intended for those who do not meet the eligibility requirements for the CIC®.”
Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP) — which “provides a standardized measure of the basic knowledge, skills and abilities expected of professionals working in the field.”
What Are the Benefits of Being an Infection Control Nurse?
Being an infection control nurse offers many benefits, including the ability to:
Work in a variety of settings
Enjoy a certain level of autonomy
Collaborate with other professionals from various disciplines
Engage with the public and community organizations
Enjoy interesting work
Earn a great salary
Make a difference in the lives of the patients and colleagues they serve
Additional Resources About Becoming an Infection Control Nurse
To learn more about becoming an infection control nurse, these additional resources may help:
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