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Project Firstline

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INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL TRAINING

FOR NURSES. BY NURSES.

Training Courses

Explore a free, comprehensive online course curriculum to expand your knowledge on IPC guidelines, COVID-19 precautions, and best practices.

On-The-Go Resources

Gain practical tips with short, user-friendly videos from CDC, APIC, WHO, and more. Topics include The Ins and Outs of PPE, Tips to Reduce Transmission, and an introduction to Project Firstline.

Learn More

Project Firstline is ANA’s collaborative effort with the CDC to bring together a broad range of health care and public health experts to provide IPC training.

What Does an Infection Control Nurse Do?

An Infection Control Nurse (ICN), also known as an Infection Prevention Nurse, helps identify and prevemt the spread of infectious bacteria and viruses in health care settings. An ICN’s knowledge of the risks of various infectious pathogens is crucial when dealing with both contained infections and broader outbreaks. ICNs are excellent problem solvers, innovative thinkers, and strive to improve modern health care solutions. Infection Control Nurses…

  • ANALYZE

    infection data, facts and trends, and share your findings with other health care professionals.

  • EDUCATE

    colleagues and patients on how to control and prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases. They create and share sanitation plans to be implemented in a variety of health care facilities. If an infectious disease poses a threat outside such facilities, ICNs work with community leaders to educate the broader public on how to ensure their health and safety.

  • INSTRUCT

    and reinforce infection control practices to fellow and future ICNs, and other medical professionals. In this capacity, ICNs act as a liaison between practicing medical officials and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

  • RESEARCH

    with scientists and doctors to study and identify bacteria of infectious diseases and find new ways to treat or eliminate harmful illnesses.

  • INNOVATE

    through problem solving and analysis. ICNs have the ability to positively impact everything from new handwashing practices to improved PPE and procedures, always finding safer ways to practice nursing and protect their patients.

How to Become an Infection Control Nurse?

An Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the standard minimum requirement for ICNs, but many employers prefer prospective hires to hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN). Prior to entering a specialized field, ICNs must first spend at least one year working as a registered nurse to build a solid foundation. To become certified as an ICN, one must successfully pass a certification exam administered by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).

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