Infectious Disease Nurse Practitioner: Career Guide
An infectious disease nurse practitioner (ID NP) specializes in — you guessed it — infections and communicable diseases. These advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are experts in the spread and treatment of communicable diseases like COVID-19, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDs, as well as infections like skin infections, abscesses, meningitis, and much more. Plus, they can work in a variety of settings and population areas.
As the world has grown more closely connected, the risk of pandemics has increased. Infectious diseases affect millions each year, and many are endemic, meaning that they are very prevalent in the population. Here are some common infectious diseases:
- Influenza
- Measles
- Tuberculosis
- Malaria
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea
- Foodborne illnesses, such as Salmonella and E. Coli
- Healthcare-associated infections, such as Clostridium Difficile (C. Diff)
What Is an Infectious Disease NP?
ID NPs evaluate patients with symptoms of communicable disease, diagnose illness, design treatment plans, and evaluate outcomes. They can work in acute care hospitals, outpatient care, specialty clinics, and more. Depending on the state, they may need supervision from a physician, but in areas with full practice authority, they can work independently.
Check out specific job duties associated with this role:
- Conduct thorough patient assessments, including psychosocial and history.
- Order labs such as blood and urine tests, stool samples, and nasal swabs.
- Give patient education and counseling on infectious disease precautions and care plans.
- Order antibiotics, immunosuppressive medications, and patient services.
- Provide follow-up exams and care after treatment.
- Collaborate with other team members, such as physicians, case managers, home health nurses, public health nurses, and others.
- Implement precautions, such as contact, droplet, and airborne, to prevent the spread of disease.
Essential Qualities of an Infectious Disease NP
Other than strong clinical decision-making, these are some strengths that are required for this role.
- Sensitivity: Patients with communicable diseases like STIs may face stigma and shame. Infectious disease NPs need to be sensitive to this throughout diagnosis and treatment.
- Curiosity: Contact tracing involves investigating where a patient may have contracted an illness to further prevent its spread. You’ll need to be willing to ask potentially uncomfortable questions using nonjudgmental curiosity.
- Communication: NPs in this role coordinate care with public health officials, nurses, facility staff, primary care providers, and other professionals. Good communication skills are a must in any clinical nursing career.
Pros and Cons of Becoming an Infectious Disease NP
What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of this career path?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Broader NP scope of practice means more potential to make an impact on patients’ livesAbility to work in a range of clinical settings, schedules, and specialty areasOptions for subspecialty work in specific diseases, pediatrics, research, academia, and more | Greater risk of disease due to patient exposureCases can be difficult to prevent and manage due to social determinants of health, such as poverty and housing issuesLimited formal education tracks — most ID NPs obtain an education as generalists and gain specialty knowledge on the job |
Infectious Disease Nurse Practitioner Salary and Job Outlook
On average, NPs in infectious disease earn about $106,000 per year. Salary varies widely by location, work setting, schedule, seniority, and much more. Learn more about NP salaries, and check out NP roles in the states with the highest salaries for NPs:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the NP field will be one of the fastest-growing careers in the nation, with a 46% increase in jobs expected in the next several years. If you’re looking for a role with high salary potential and stability, becoming an ID NP could be a great option.
How to Become an Infectious Disease NP: 5 Steps
Becoming an NP takes at least six years, and likely more. The requirements for this role involve a combination of academic education and real-world experience. Check out the steps to get started.
Step 1: Become an RN
First, you’ll need to complete a prelicensure nursing program. RNs need either a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). If you’re planning on becoming an NP, the BSN is more broadly accepted by NP programs. ADN graduates may obtain a bridge program for their NP schooling, but these are more lengthy and less common.
Once you graduate from either program, you’ll need to pass the National Council Licensure Exam for RNs (NCLEX-RN). This tests your knowledge of basic nursing judgement and assesses whether you’re ready to practice as a beginner nurse. You’ll also need to complete a state license application to be able to practice in your area.
Step 2: Gain Experience
Many NP schools require at least a year of RN experience, if not more. Practicing as an RN will help you learn time management, critical thinking, and prioritization skills. Many new grad nurses start their careers in residency programs, which usually include some classroom learning alongside an extended unit orientation.
Where should you look for jobs if you’re interested in a career as an ID NP? Check out some of these specialties:
- Med-surg
- Oncology
- Cardiac nursing
- Respiratory nursing
- Emergency department (ED or ER)
- Infection control
- Intensive care unit (ICU)
Step 3: Attend NP School
Once you’ve gained your footing as an RN, it’s time to investigate and apply for NP schools. There is not one specific infectious disease nurse practitioner school track; instead, ID NPs are typically trained as generalists and gain their specialty skills on the job. Here are a few of the potential tracks for this type of nurse practitioner specialty:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (AGPCNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Additionally, there are two levels of degrees you might pursue — either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP). Learn more about comparing MSN vs. DNP degrees.
Step 4: Become Certified and Licensed
Once you complete your advanced practice degree, it’s time for another round of licensure requirements before you can work as an NP. Most states require that NPs maintain their RN license, pass a national certification exam corresponding to their degree, and complete a licensure application through the state board of nursing. Learn more about NP credentials.
Step 5: Start Your First NP Role and Grow Your Career
Ready for your first role as a nurse practitioner? If you’re committed to ID, consider an infectious disease nurse practitioner fellowship after school. Fellowships can help formalize your specialty training, providing mentorship and structure in the first 12 to 18 months of work.
While there is not currently an infectious disease nurse practitioner certification, the following professional development opportunities are worth considering:
- Become a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners’ Infectious Disease and HIV Community.
- Join the Infectious Disease Nurse Practitioner Society of America (IDNPSA).
- Become Certified in Infection Control (CIC) from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC).
Infectious Disease NP FAQ
Is infectious disease a hard specialty?
Any nursing role has the potential to be challenging. How difficult you find this job depends on your temperament and skills. If you’re fascinated by disease and identify as a people person, you might be well-suited to this career path.
What’s the difference between an infectious disease nurse and an infectious disease NP?
Most of the differences between these roles are due to the NPs broader scope of practice. Nurse practitioners tend to do more high-level care management, whereas an ID RN may focus on medication administration, enforcing contact protocols, and basic education.
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