I’ve worked with hundreds of nurses who feel completely lost when crafting their resumes. The thing I hear most often?
“I don’t know how to highlight my skills. Does anyone even care about my certifications?”
Sound familiar?
Trust me, you’re not alone. Writing a resume—especially for a specialized role like an Infection Control Nurse—can feel overwhelming. You might be staring at the blank screen thinking, “Where do I even begin? How do I show employers I have what they need?”
Take a deep breath. I promise, by the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to include, how to frame your experience, and how to highlight the right skills—even if you’re just starting out or switching roles.
Why Your Resume for Infection Control Nurse Matters More Than Ever
Infection control nurses are heroes behind the scenes. You’re the first line of defense protecting patients and staff from outbreaks. Hospitals and clinics desperately need your expertise, now more than ever.
But you can’t make that impact if your resume doesn’t clearly show your skills and passion.
What to Include in Your Infection Control Nurse Resume
Professional Summary (Your Quick Pitch)
This is your resume’s “hello.” It should quickly tell hiring managers exactly why you’re a perfect fit.
Example:
“Dedicated Infection Control RN with 4+ years of experience specializing in infection surveillance and prevention. CIC-certified and passionate about patient safety. Known for leadership in outbreak management and reducing infection rates by 30% at XYZ Hospital.”
Pro Tip: If you’re new, emphasize clinical rotations, volunteer work, or educational projects related to infection control.
Licenses & Certifications (They Matter!)
Infection control is specialized. Show your credentials clearly:
- Registered Nurse (RN), State License
- Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
Yes, your CIC is golden—list it prominently!
Clinical Experience (Your Main Course)
Describe your roles in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Clearly explain your duties and your accomplishments:
Example:
Infection Control Nurse, XYZ Hospital, 2020–Present
- Led hospital-wide COVID-19 response team, reducing transmission rates by 40%.
- Conducted regular training sessions for 200+ staff members on infection prevention.
- Implemented new protocols, decreasing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) by 25%.
If you’re newer to this role, mention relevant clinical rotations, internships, or volunteer experiences.
Infection Control Projects & Initiatives
Highlight major projects clearly:
- Coordinated “Clean Hands Campaign,” increasing staff compliance to 95%.
- Developed and implemented outbreak response drills.
Key Skills (Yes, They’re Important!)
Clearly list your strongest infection control-related skills:
- Infection Surveillance
- Outbreak Investigation
- Epidemiological Tracking
- Patient Safety Protocols
- Training & Education
- Quality Improvement
Employers scan resumes quickly. Make sure your key skills stand out.

Education (Brief but Relevant)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), XYZ University, Graduated: May 2018
How to Highlight Infection Control Experience (Even if You Think You Don’t Have Much)
I once coached a nurse named Maria. She panicked: “I only have bedside nursing experience. Who will hire me in infection control?”
But guess what? Maria had more relevant skills than she realized. Together, we highlighted her experience:
- Assisting in infection prevention audits.
- Educating families on hygiene practices.
- Identifying early signs of infections.
She landed her dream infection control role within a month!
You likely have more infection control experience than you realize. Think about times you helped prevent infections, even indirectly. Those details count.
What If You Don’t Have a CIC Certification Yet?
Honestly, certifications like CIC help, but they’re not the end-all. Employers value nurses who show initiative and genuine passion. If you don’t have your CIC yet, simply mention it’s “In Progress” or “Planning to obtain.”
What Format Should Your Infection Control Nurse Resume Follow?
Stick to reverse chronological format—employers prefer it. It’s clear, organized, and highlights your recent experiences first.
Real-Life Example: Jenna’s Resume Transformation
When Jenna approached me, she felt stuck. She worked as a bedside nurse for 5 years but dreamed of infection control.
We restructured her resume:
- Clearly highlighted her infection control-related projects.
- Emphasized transferable skills like training staff and maintaining hygiene standards.
- Included her volunteer role conducting health education sessions.
Two months later, Jenna emailed me—she’d secured a role at a major hospital in their infection control department.
Resources You Should Check Out:
- Association for Professionals in Infection Control (APIC)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on infection control
More Helpful Guides:
- Surgical Nurse Resume Tips for Beginners
- Geriatric Nurse Resume: Must-Have Sections
- How to Add Certifications to a Nursing Resume
FAQs (Quick Answers You Need)
Q: Can I apply for infection control roles without certification?
A: Yes! Emphasize relevant experience, education, and show your commitment to obtaining certification.
Q: Where should I list infection prevention projects on my nursing resume?
A: Highlight them under Clinical Experience or a separate “Projects & Initiatives” section.
Q: Should I include certifications like CIC on my infection control resume?
A: Absolutely! Certifications greatly enhance your credibility.
Final Words
Listen, I know resume writing can feel like climbing a mountain barefoot. But you already have what it takes. You just need to highlight it clearly.
Remember Maria and Jenna? They felt overwhelmed, too, but their passion and persistence paid off—and yours will, too.
Ready to take the next step?
Try our free nurse resume Builder . It’s clean, professional, and designed specifically for nurses like you.
You’ve got this.