Infection Prevention and Control is not a new specialty but it is one that has gained attention locally, nationally and globally, in light of the emergence of the H1N1 Influenza Pandemic. Nurses are familiar with basic Infection Control principles whether they work in acute care settings, long-term care, home health, clinics or physician’s offices. The term Infection Control has recently been changed to Infection Prevention and Control with an emphasis on prevention. It follows that nurses and other medical professionals who work closely in the specialty, are now referred to as Infection Preventionists. After all, preventing health care associated infections should be the primary concern. Controlling them implies there is already a problem.

Infection Prevention and Control in Long-term Care begins with developing a strong Infection Prevention and Control program designed to prevent transmission of infection from resident to staff, staff to patient and patient to patient. In Long-term Care the job typically, but not always, falls to the Staff Developer. Often times there is a sudden vacancy, for whatever reason, and an urgent assignment is made to a nurse who may have no measurable experience in the specialty. Before the appointee begins to feel overwhelmed, it is very important that the Infection Preventionist have the support of physicians, nursing, administration and ancillary services.

To those nurses who find themselves feeling unprepared for the new role suddenly thrust upon them, there are professional organizations such as the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. This organization provides classes, seminars, videos, podcasts, manuals, books, magazines and even certification in Infection Control. A visit to the website is well worthwhile. www.http://apic.org

The Preventionist is dedicated to facilitating information and links to resources for Nurses who have an interest in developing their skills in Infection Prevention and Control in Long-term Care.  

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