The role of infection control nurse is becoming more important as our society is more concerned with the spread of illness and disease. An infection control nurse is responsible for identifying, controlling and preventing outbreaks in the healthcare arena of infection. The nurses in this field will collect data and samples as well as work with other professionals in the same field to set up a plan for prevention, implement the plan accordingly and work to educate individuals on the importance of infection control. This is done both with the community and the health care providers' assistance.

Many of the infections of concern for infection control nurse staff are HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis, nosocomial infections and scabies. The nurses in these positions tend to be in high profile positions dealing with the public in a very hands-on and one on one position. They are the liaison between the health care community and the public when it comes to dealing with issues relating to infection control. This may include setting up training sessions for hospital staff or setting up a meeting or seminar with the public or large company to discuss how to control infection in the workplace and community. This may even stem to having a course with the children at the local school about how to use excellent hygiene to ward off illness

Certifications for an infection control nurse are given by the Certification Board of Infection Control in Washington, DC. Registered nurses hopeful of earning this distinguished position will need to take appropriate courses and pass a number of exams at both the college level and the certification board level. There may also be local certification requirements on the individual state level and state nursing boards should be contacted regarding those requirements.

It is a misconception that infection control is a concern left only to those in the health care field working in hospitals and doctor offices. In fact there are a large number of individuals spreading illness every day in all other aspects of the community. One of the biggest spreader of illness is the school. Children are often carriers and spread illness easily from one to another through poor hygiene. From the children the illness and disease can easily travel home with them to family members and out into the world. The process just continues. One of the best ways to stop the spreading of illness in this manner is through the education an infection control nurse can provide to schools.

The position of infection control nurse is one of great honor that requires a great deal of hard work. The field is a good match for individuals who have a desire to work with the public and in the public eye in both the private and public facilities. Those wishing to educate the community will do well in such a position and positions can be found in hospitals and in state administrative offices for public health care.