The role of the infection control nurse as a clinical nurse specialist or advanced nurse practitioner

Abstract

The specialty of infection control is examined regarding the role of the infection control nurse and the educational requirements for practitioners in this field in relation to post titles of clinical nurse specialist and advanced nurse practitioner. Whilst not fulfilling all the role constituents of a clinical nurse specialist, the infection control nurse is seen as more akin to a clinical nurse specialist than an advanced nurse practitioner.

Infection control nurse: a national survey

“…Investments are needed both to increase number of personnel and to qualify their activities and competencies. The recent introduction of university first level nursing education and the institution of specific masters represents an opportunity to develop nursing research in infective risk surveillance and nursing knowledge on infection control both in hospitals and in other health care settings (Underwood & Pirwitz 1999, Steele & Fawal 2000, Ormond‐Walshe & Burke 2001).…”