Nurse Epidemiology Job Description

Epidemiology is the field of medical science concerned with the prevention and containment of infectious diseases and contagious illnesses. Also called infection control nurses, nurse epidemiologists are public health professionals who specialize in the field of epidemiology.

Function

The primary function of a nurse epidemiologist is preventing the spread of a disease or illness throughout a community or institution.

Features

Nurse epidemiologists study statistics to determine the likelihood of a disease or illness developing, and then implements strategies to prevent or contain an outbreak. This involves ensuring that institutions have necessary medical supplies, that health care professionals are alert for the signs and symptoms of an outbreak, and that the general public is educated about how to avoid becoming infected with a particular illness.

Employers

Nurse epidemiologists work for federal, state and local government agencies, universities, hospitals, and long-term care facilities like nursing homes or assisted living centers.

Education

Prior to entering the field, prospective nurse epidemiologists obtain registered nurse certification by earning a two-year associates, four-year bachelor's degree, or a three-year hospital training program and then passing a written examination. Most nurse epidemiologists hold master's degrees in public health or epidemiology.

Compensation

In November 2009, the average annual salary for a nurse epidemiologist was $74,000, according to Indeed.com.

References

• Sample Job Description
• Nursing Spectrum: Nurse Epidemiology
• What is epidemiology?

Resources

• Indeed.com