Infection Control Nurse Job Description

According to the Association for Professionals in Infection Control (APIC), infection control nurses isolate sources of infection, educate people to reduce the spread of infection and devise strategies to prevent future outbreaks.

Requirements

• According to Nursing Spectrum, an infection control nurse needs a valid RN license. She also needs expertise in microbiology, epidemiology, antibiotic use and clinical practice.

Types

• According to APIC, an infection control nurse can provide direct patient care or serve as a consultant for nurses, physicians and other health care professionals. She might be an educator or a researcher in infection prevention and control.

Functions

• The job description for an infection control nurse might call for expertise in a specific clinical area or with a designated age group. It might also require a focus on public health issues such as bioterrorism or epidemics such as influenza.

Considerations

• Many health care organizations prefer an infection control nurse with a credential known as CIC (certification in infection control) that can be earned through demonstrated experience and knowledge.

Salary

• According to Nurse Universe, an infection control nurse can expect to earn a base salary of $59,040 as of October 2009. This figure can rise to $59,102 with bonuses and total $80,996 with benefits.