Become an Infectious Disease Nurse

Infectious disease nurses can
make a big impact on entire
populations.

Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) who focus on infectious disease control work primarily in major health care facilities and community health organizations. In an effort to monitor and prevent the spread of drug-resistant infections, they serve as policy-makers, administrators, educators, consultants, researchers and in other roles.

According to the University of Washington, an alarming increase in the incidences of infectious diseases, such as Hepatitis C, HIV-AIDS and tuberculosis (TB), has recently occurred. And nurses with the specialized training to work with those suffering from infectious diseases such as these will find extensive nursing career opportunities where they can put their training to practice.

Infectious Disease Nursing Career Overview

Infectious disease nurses work in hospitals, nursing homes and community health services, including non-profit health care clinics, universities and others, where they treat the specific needs of a wide variety of patients. In a day's work, they might provide care for patients who suffer from the following:

• Infections that are not responding to multiple drugs
• Large, complicated wounds that require advanced clinical care
• HIV infection
• Conditions that requires special isolation requirements

Along with treating patients for their specific issues, many infectious disease nurses are also responsible for projects and analyses that impact the overall care that an infectious disease unit or treatment facility provides. Here are a few of those projects:

• Evaluating cost-effectiveness and outcomes of patient care
• Examining and facilitating solutions to economic, social, ethical and legal issues related to patient care
• Developing and implementing leadership strategies that demonstrate responsibility and improve health care
• Performing and communicating nursing research and results

Infectious Disease Nurse Education

As advanced practice nurses, clinical nurse specialists typically have earned both a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and a 2-year Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. A master's-level nursing degree program involves both course work and a significant number of hours of clinical practice to provide hands-on experience and training.

Because the nature and treatment of infectious diseases changes rapidly, infectious disease nurses must continuously expand their education and training in their specialty in order to provide proper care for their patients. Nursing schools and hospital-based programs can help you keep your knowledge and skills current and sharpen your job expertise.

While the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) does not yet offer certification for infectious disease nursing at this time, it is developing a CNS Core Exam to cover a broader scope of CNS practice for those who have an advanced degree in nursing. The organization expects to launch the new exam in September 2009.

Infectious Disease Nurse Salary

As with any clinical nursing specialty, you can expect your income to vary depending on your nursing degree level, certifications and number of years or experience, along with the type of facility where you work and your geographic location.

According to PayScale.com, annual salaries for clinical nurse specialists range from $65,000 to $75,742. Those who work in extended care or nursing homes tend to make the highest annual income of $83,000. Hospitals pay $74,418, the second highest salary for CNSs on average.

Infectious Disease Nursing Career Outlook

Because infectious disease nursing involves unique skills and training, you can build your nursing career in a diverse set of arenas, from public health works in the United States to overseas operations in underprivileged countries.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that all registered nurses can expect excellent career opportunities through 2016, with an estimated 587,000 new jobs becoming available over the next seven years. In addition to clinical practice, CNSs can take leadership and research roles in universities, hospitals and other health care settings, or work as private consultants.

Infectious disease nurses are on the front lines of treating and curing illnesses that can have an incredible impact on entire populations. The demand for their skills and expertise increases steadily as new infections arise. And their contribution to the health and welfare of so many brings immeasurable professional and personal rewards, making infectious disease nursing an exciting possibility for nurses looking to advance their careers.

Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2009
Queensland Health, 2002
University of Washington, 2008
American Nurses Credentialing Center, 2009