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An infection control professional works to limit the spread of disease in healthcare facilities by implementing policies, monitoring staff, developing new policies, and providing training. Requirements include a bachelor’s degree in nursing, on-the-job experience, and membership in professional organizations. They may also be called upon as a consultant for patients with dangerous infections or who are immunocompromised.
An infection control professional works with the staff of a health care facility to limit the spread of disease. This includes implementing general policies to protect patients and caregivers, as well as consulting on specific cases where specific concerns exist. Requirements to become an infection control professional can depend on the institution, but generally include at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing, with a master’s degree preferred. On-the-job experience, as well as membership in professional organizations, can also be valuable for candidates, particularly in large facilities.
On the job, an infection control professional engages in constant monitoring and surveillance to ensure that hospital personnel are following protocol. This can include ward visits, interviews with team members, and training sessions for new hires. Periodic testing of patients can also be part of the job, to identify people who may have dangerous infectious diseases. Some patients are carriers without being aware of it, making it important to test people in sensitive areas of the facility for potentially dangerous organisms.
Developing new policies to manage infection also falls within the professional responsibilities of an infection control professional. This requires keeping up with developments in the field so that the latest research and standards can be used. People can attend conferences, subscribe to trade journals, and participate in surveys to ensure they are up to date with infection control practices. As facilities implement new policies, it may be necessary to change the nature of employee training, order new supplies, and take other steps to ensure the transition goes smoothly.
Some facilities use an infection control professional to train new employees and provide refresher courses on infection management. In other cases, the professional can write the relevant section of the employee handbook. Direct training can also be provided to supervisors and other key team members. This top-down approach keeps staff up-to-date on hospital policy and healthcare standards so they can provide the best care for patients and protect against infection.
In cases where patients have dangerous infections or are immunocompromised and therefore at greater risk, the infection control professional may be called upon as a consultant. Along with other members of the care team, this team member can implement policies to handle the patient safely and effectively. This may include using isolation rooms, requiring staff to wear gowns and masks, and requiring frequent testing to monitor the patient’s immune function and levels of infection.
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