An Infection Control Nurse (ICN) is responsible for preventing and managing healthcare-associated infections within a healthcare facility. They develop and implement infection control policies, monitor staff and patient practices, and educate healthcare professionals and the public on infection prevention strategies.
Key Responsibilities:
Developing and Implementing Policies:
ICNs create and update infection control protocols, including hand hygiene, isolation procedures, and environmental cleaning standards.
Monitoring and Surveillance:
They track infection rates, identify trends, and investigate potential outbreaks to determine the source and implement control measures.
Education and Training:
ICNs educate healthcare staff, patients, and visitors on proper infection control practices, such as hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and safe injection practices.
Outbreak Management:
They work to contain and manage infectious disease outbreaks, coordinating with other healthcare professionals and public health agencies.
Collaboration:
ICNs collaborate with various healthcare teams, including physicians, nurses, and environmental services, to ensure consistent infection control practices.
Data Analysis:
They collect, analyze, and interpret data related to infections to identify areas for improvement and measure the effectiveness of interventions.
Staying Current:
ICNs stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in infection control, attending conferences, and participating in continuing education.
Keyskills: medication adherence adaptability leadership infection control patient safety hazardous waste management patient assessment medication administration bloodborne pathogens