Soni Group of Hospitals

Healthcare-associated infections, also known as Nosocomial Infections, are a significant problem within healthcare settings, and one that medical professionals work tirelessly to mitigate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 1 in 20 hospitalized patients will contract HAI each year. In recent years a greater focus has been placed on the threat of so-called ‘superbugs’ like MRSA and penicillin-resistant tuberculosis. This has contributed to the demand for a larger, more specialized group of medical professionals dedicated to establishing and policing infection-control protocols in both health care settings and in the community. Infection Control Nurses (ICNs) are an important part of this movement, as they specialize in recognizing, isolating, and preventing healthcare-associated infections that impact patient outcomes and the safety of healthcare professionals.

The role of the Infection Control Nurse Includes the following:

• Recognizing and isolating outbreaks of infectious diseases in healthcare settings and in the community
• Creating strategies and action-plans for the prevention of outbreaks
• Collecting and analyzing data on the incidence of HAIs and the success or failure of various prevention strategies
• The investigation of possible outbreaks and the marshalling of proper resources in response in the event of a confirmed outbreak
• Serving as an infectious disease consultant for both healthcare providers and members of the community
• Serving as an advocate and educator for members of the community infected with HIV/AIDS, TB, nosocomial infections, etc. and their families

As a sub-specialization for Clinical Nurse Specialists and one occasionally held by nurse practitioners, fundamental knowledge of infection control techniques and protocol is learned on the job and through graduate level CNS and NP programs specific to a particular patient population focus. Advanced practice registered nurses interested in holding a formal infection control sub-specialization denoted by certification often pursue post-graduate certificate programs specific to infection control.

These programs will cover core subjects such as Infectious Diseases and Infection Control in Health Care Settings, as well as options that include advanced study of the following:

• Microbiology
• Bio-Statistics
• Epidemiology
• Urban and Social Health Issues
• History of Infectious diseases
• Public Health

As this is a unique course and there is a huge demand of such experts, one can seek good career in this domain. The career graph starts from Infection Control Nurses and ends up to Administrator Controller to the nurses who administer direct patient care. ICNs are most commonly found practicing in Medical and Surgical Hospitals, Outpatient Care Centers, Personal Care Services, Colleges and Professional Schools.