Become an Infectious Disease Nurse

What you'll do: 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.

Degree you'll need to practice: 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.

Certification: The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) does not offer certification for infectious disease nursing at this time.

Average annual salary: $87,801

Cities where jobs are often found: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas and Houston

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.

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
PayScale.com, 2010}