Infection Control Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s world of rising health concerns, the role of infection control nurses is of paramount importance.

As health crises emerge and evolve, the demand for skilled professionals dedicated to controlling and preventing the spread of infections within healthcare settings is on the rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an infection control nurse?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the critical role of infection control in healthcare,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive infection control nurse job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Infection Control Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Infection Control Nurses play a critical role in preventing the spread of infectious agents such as bacteria and viruses in healthcare settings.

They specialize in identifying, controlling, and preventing outbreaks of infection in healthcare communities.

Their primary responsibilities include:

• Identifying, monitoring and documenting infections acquired within healthcare facilities
• Developing and implementing infection control policies and procedures to maintain high standards of hygiene
• Providing education, training and demonstration of hygiene practices to healthcare staff
• Investigating infection outbreaks and formulating methods for immediate response and containment
• Collecting, analyzing and interpreting infection control data
• Liaising with healthcare professionals and departments to ensure the implementation of infection control practices
• Preparing and presenting reports to healthcare professionals, departments and regulatory bodies
• Conducting infection risk assessments and taking appropriate measures to prevent the spread of infection
• Staying current on relevant research, literature, and latest trends in infectious diseases and infection control

 

Infection Control Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Infection Control Nurse to join our healthcare team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying and preventing infectious diseases within our healthcare facility.

The Infection Control Nurse’s responsibilities include implementing infection control practices, developing strategies for infection prevention, and educating staff about protective protocols and procedures.

Our ideal candidate is a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) with proven experience in infection control and a strong understanding of epidemiology.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate patients with infections and implement appropriate isolation techniques
• Provide infection control education and training for all staff members
• Develop and implement infection control policies and procedures
• Conduct regular risk assessments and audits within the facility
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure the implementation of infection control practices
• Conduct investigations of outbreaks or unusual infection occurrences
• Review and analyze infection control data and make recommendations for changes
• Maintain awareness and knowledge of latest infection control trends, practices and policies

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Proven experience in a similar role within a healthcare setting
• Excellent knowledge of infection control practices and procedures
• Strong understanding of epidemiology
• Ability to educate and train others
• Good organizational and analytical skills
• Bachelor’s degree in nursing or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Infection Control Nurse
• Work Environment: Hospital or healthcare setting. The role may require some on-call hours.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Infection Control Manager or Director of Nursing.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $68,450 minimum to $98,537 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Infection Control Nurse Do?

Infection Control Nurses are specialized healthcare professionals who work primarily in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or any other healthcare facilities.

Their primary job is to prevent, identify, and control infections in healthcare settings.

They work closely with other medical staff and healthcare practitioners to develop infection prevention strategies, implement safety protocols, and monitor their effectiveness.

They are also responsible for educating the healthcare staff, patients, and their families about infection prevention and control.

They conduct training sessions, create educational materials, and provide guidance on best hygiene practices.

In case of an outbreak, Infection Control Nurses are required to respond promptly, identify the source of the infection, and implement immediate measures to control its spread.

They also monitor the infected patients closely and report their observations and findings to the healthcare team.

Apart from these, they often play a significant role in the development of healthcare policies regarding infection control.

They also conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with the infection control protocols.

Infection Control Nurses frequently use data analysis to track infection patterns and trends.

This helps in identifying potential risks and creating effective infection control strategies accordingly.

They work in collaboration with other healthcare experts, contributing significantly to patient safety and overall healthcare quality.

 

Infection Control Nurse Qualifications and Skills

Infection Control Nurses must possess specific technical skills, soft skills, and knowledge in the healthcare field to prevent and control the spread of infectious agents, including:

• Knowledge of infectious disease management and control measures to prevent the spread of diseases within the healthcare setting.
• Strong clinical skills to assess, monitor, and treat patients who may have been exposed to infectious diseases.
• Ability to educate patients, family members, and healthcare staff about infection prevention measures using excellent communication skills.
• Detail-oriented approach to accurately monitor, record, and report infection data, as well as to identify patterns and trends.
• Problem-solving skills to develop and implement effective infection control strategies.
• Interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with a team of healthcare professionals to ensure the health and safety of patients and staff.
• Ability to handle stressful situations calmly and effectively, particularly when dealing with outbreaks of infectious diseases.

 

Infection Control Nurse Experience Requirements

Infection Control Nurses typically start their career path by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and then passing the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

The next step usually involves gaining at least two years of clinical nursing experience in a healthcare setting.

This gives them a solid foundation in patient care, medical terminologies, and healthcare systems.

To specialize in infection control, nurses often need to acquire additional training and experience.

This usually involves working in departments such as Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Emergency Room (ER), or Operating Room (OR), where they can gain firsthand experience in infection control practices.

With a minimum of two years of infection prevention and control experience, nurses can then pursue the Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) credential offered by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC).

Infection Control Nurses with more than five years of experience often have advanced understanding of disease transmission and prevention, outbreak investigation, and epidemiology.

They also may have some leadership experience and can consider roles such as Infection Control Director or Manager.

 

Infection Control Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Infection Control Nurses usually begin their education with a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN).

They must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse (RN).

During their nursing education, they should focus on courses that cover microbiology, immunology, and epidemiology.

Some also choose to complete additional clinical hours in infectious disease departments to gain more experience.

Most positions require a minimum of two years of clinical nursing experience.

This experience can be obtained in areas such as intensive care units, emergency rooms, or pediatrics.

Infection Control Nurses can further their career by obtaining certification such as the Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC).

This certification is offered by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC).

To maintain this certification, nurses must retake the exam every five years or meet continuing education requirements.

Some Infection Control Nurses may choose to further their education by obtaining a master’s degree in nursing or public health.

Advanced degrees may offer more job opportunities and higher salary potential.

Ongoing training is important as new infectious diseases emerge and current ones evolve.

This training can be in the form of continuing education courses, seminars, or workshops.

 

Infection Control Nurse Salary Expectations

An Infection Control Nurse can expect to earn an average salary of $77,403 (USD) per year.

The actual income can differ based on factors such as years of experience, qualifications, and the location of the healthcare facility.

 

Infection Control Nurse Job Description FAQs

What qualifications are required to be an Infection Control Nurse?

To become an Infection Control Nurse, one must first be a Registered Nurse (RN).

Beyond that, many employers prefer candidates with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a master’s degree in nursing or public health.

Certification in infection control (CIC) is often required, which is obtained by passing an examination after gaining experience in the field.

 

What skills are essential for an Infection Control Nurse?

Infection Control Nurses should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills as they interact with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.

They should also have strong analytical and problem-solving skills to understand, analyze, and implement infection control measures.

Attention to detail is crucial in tracking and recording infection data.

Knowledge of epidemiology and public health principles is also beneficial.

 

What are the responsibilities of an Infection Control Nurse?

An Infection Control Nurse is responsible for preventing the spread of infectious agents, such as bacteria and viruses, in a healthcare setting.

They implement and monitor measures for infection control, educate healthcare personnel about infection control policies, investigate infection outbreaks, and report infection occurrences to local and national health departments.

 

What makes a good Infection Control Nurse?

A good Infection Control Nurse has a strong understanding of disease transmission and prevention.

They are detail-oriented, as accurate record-keeping is crucial in this role.

They should be able to communicate effectively with diverse populations and have the ability to educate others in a clear and understandable manner.

They also need to be able to work under pressure, as outbreaks can escalate quickly, requiring immediate response.

 

Is experience required to become an Infection Control Nurse?

Yes, typically, a certain level of clinical nursing experience is required to become an Infection Control Nurse.

This can range from 2 to 5 years, depending on the employer.

The experience helps nurses develop the clinical skills and judgment necessary for the specialized field of infection control.

After gaining this experience, nurses can then become eligible to take the certification exam in infection control.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve decoded the mystery of what it truly means to be an Infection Control Nurse.

Guess what?

It’s not just about administering medication.

It’s about safeguarding health and wellness, one patient at a time.

With our definitive Infection Control Nurse job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully prepared to take the next step.

But why halt your journey here?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for creating meticulously detailed job listings or refining your resume to its ultimate potential.

Bear in mind:

Each patient’s health is a part of the larger community wellbeing.

Let’s protect that health. Together.

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