| Name: |
Infection
Control Nurse |
| Description: |
Specializes
in identifying, controlling, and preventing
outbreaks of infection in healthcare settings and
the community. Activities include the collection
and analysis of infection-control data; the
planning, implementation, and evaluation of
infection prevention and control measures; the
education of individuals about infection risk,
prevention, and control; the development and
revision of infection control policies and
procedures; the investigation of suspected
outbreaks of infection; and the provision of
consultation on infection risk assessment,
prevention, and control strategies |
| Diagnoses: |
HIV/AIDS,
TB, scabies, nosocomial infections; also
prevention |
| Practice
roles: |
Infection
control nurse, nurse manager, supervisor,
coordinator, director, educator, researcher |
| Characteristics: |
Collaborative
relationships, high-profile position, patient
contact, teaching and consulting opportunities |
| Client
age group: |
All
ages |
| Drawbacks: |
Multitude
of federal/organizational mandates and
guidelines; can be difficult to keep knowledge
current |
| Desirable
skills: |
Knowledge
and expertise in microbiology, epidemiology,
statistics, sterilization and disinfection,
infectious diseases, antibiotic usage, and
clinical practice; consultative and teaching
skills |
| Education: |
RN |
| Employers: |
Hospitals,
long-term care facilities, home care, and
ambulatory care agencies |
| Certification: |
|
| Associations: |
|
| Publications: |
American
Journal of Infection Control (journal)
APIC (newsletter) |
| |
| Infection
Control in Long-Term Care Facilities
Newsletter |
| 202-296-2742 |
|
|
