Best Schools for Infection Control Nurses in 2024

Essential Education to Become an Infection Control Nurse

Embarking on a career as an Infection Control Nurse is a noble and crucial role in healthcare, especially in times when the world is grappling with pandemics and various infectious diseases. Your journey begins with a solid foundation in education, designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this specialized field. Here's what you need to know about the essential education required to become an Infection Control Nurse.

Start with a Nursing Degree

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): The first step is obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited nursing program. This four-year degree provides a comprehensive education in nursing, covering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Alternatively, you can start with an Associate Degree in Nursing, which typically takes two to three years to complete. While a BSN is increasingly becoming the preferred qualification, an ADN can also serve as a stepping stone into the field of nursing.

Obtain Licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN)

• Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam: After completing your nursing degree, the next essential step is passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This exam tests your knowledge and skills to ensure you're prepared for entry-level nursing practice.

Gain Clinical Experience

• Work Experience in a Healthcare Setting: Before specializing in infection control, gaining experience working as a Registered Nurse in a healthcare setting is crucial. This experience will provide you with a solid understanding of patient care, hospital operations, and general health safety practices.

Specialize through Further Education and Certification

• Infection Control Certification: While not always mandatory, obtaining certification in infection control can significantly enhance your qualifications. The Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) offers the Certified in Infection Control (CIC) credential, which is recognized and respected in the field.

• Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest practices, guidelines, and regulations in infection prevention and control by pursuing continuing education opportunities. These may include workshops, seminars, and advanced courses related to epidemiology, microbiology, public health, and infection prevention strategies.

Focus Areas for Infection Control Nurses

To excel as an Infection Control Nurse, focus on developing expertise in the following areas:

• Epidemiology and Disease Transmission: Understand how diseases spread within healthcare settings and the community.

• Microbiology: Gain knowledge about pathogens that cause infections, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

• Public Health Principles: Learn about public health strategies and interventions that prevent disease spread.

• Infection Prevention Techniques: Master the techniques and practices that reduce the risk of infection transmission, including sterilization, disinfection, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Regulatory Compliance: Familiarize yourself with healthcare regulations and standards related to infection control, such as those set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Becoming an Infection Control Nurse requires dedication to education and ongoing learning. By following this educational pathway and focusing on the key areas of study mentioned above, you'll be well-prepared to make a significant impact on patient safety and public health.

Infection Control Nurse Education Resources

Professional Associations

Joining a professional association can provide you with invaluable resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education credits. Here are some of the top associations for Infection Control Nurses:

• Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)
• Infection Prevention Society (IPS)
• American Nurses Association (ANA)

These associations often host conferences, workshops, and webinars that are crucial for staying updated on the latest practices in infection control.

Industry Publications

Staying informed about the latest research and trends in infection control is essential. These publications are great resources:

• American Journal of Infection Control
• Journal of Infection Prevention
• Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology

Subscribing to these publications will keep you informed about the latest findings and best practices in your field.

Online Courses and Certifications

To further your education and expertise, consider these online learning platforms offering courses and certifications in infection control:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Training
• Coursera offers courses from universities and colleges on infection control.
• The Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC) provides certification that is recognized as a standard of achievement in infection control.

Networking Opportunities

Networking with other professionals can offer insights and opportunities not found elsewhere:

• LinkedIn has numerous groups dedicated to infection control nurses. Joining these groups can help you connect with peers.
• Local APIC chapters often hold meetings and events, providing a great way to meet professionals in your area.

Career.Guide

For a comprehensive guide on becoming an Infection Control Nurse, including steps to enter the profession, necessary skills, and potential career paths, visit:

• Career.Guide

Here, you'll find detailed articles, career advice, and more to help you navigate your path in infection control nursing.

Infection Control Nurse Education FAQs

What educational background is required to become an Infection Control Nurse?

To kick off your career as an Infection Control Nurse, you'll need a solid foundation in nursing. Here's what's typically required:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): While you can start your nursing career with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is highly recommended for those looking to specialize in infection control. This degree provides a comprehensive understanding of nursing practices and prepares you for advanced roles.
• Registered Nurse (RN) License: After completing your nursing program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN examination to obtain your RN license, allowing you to practice nursing professionally.

Are there any specific certifications needed?

Yes, obtaining certification can enhance your qualifications and opportunities in the field of infection control. Consider pursuing the following:

• Certification in Infection Control (CIC): Offered by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC), the CIC certification is a gold standard for infection control professionals. It requires passing an exam that covers various aspects of infection prevention and control.

What kind of additional training or education is beneficial?

Beyond the basics, there are several ways to further develop your expertise in infection control:

• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in Infection Control: Regularly participating in continuing education courses related to infection control keeps you up-to-date with the latest practices and guidelines.
• Advanced Degrees: Pursuing an advanced degree such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on infection prevention and control can open doors to leadership positions and deepen your knowledge.
• Workshops and Seminars: Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on infection control to stay informed about new research findings and networking with other professionals in the field.

How important is hands-on experience?

Hands-on experience is crucial for developing the skills necessary to excel as an Infection Control Nurse. Here are some ways to gain relevant experience:

• Clinical Rotations: During your nursing program, aim for rotations in departments that focus on infectious diseases, public health, or epidemiology.
• Volunteer Work: Volunteering at health clinics or public health organizations can provide practical experience and exposure to infection control practices.
• Entry-Level Nursing Positions: Starting in positions where you can observe and participate in infection control measures helps build a strong foundation for your career.

Can I specialize further within the field of infection control?

Absolutely! Infection control is a broad field, and there are opportunities to specialize further based on your interests and career goals. Some areas of specialization include:

• Antibiotic Stewardship: Focusing on the appropriate use of antibiotics to combat antibiotic resistance.
• Epidemiology: Studying disease outbreaks and developing strategies to prevent future occurrences.
• Pediatric or Geriatric Infection Control: Specializing in infection control practices tailored to specific age groups, such as children or the elderly.

By equipping yourself with the right education, certifications, and hands-on experience, you'll be well-prepared to make a significant impact as an Infection Control Nurse. Remember, continuous learning and staying abreast of advancements in the field are key to success in this dynamic and critically important nursing specialty.