Infection or disease may be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or prions and can result in a wide variety of infections, for example, urinary tract, wound, respiratory, blood, bone and skin infections.
Not all infections are transmissible but some, such as C. difficile, influenza and norovirus have the potential to spread from one patient to another, causing outbreaks of infection with serious implications for health care organisations, facilities or nursing homes. Understanding how infections occur and how different microorganisms act and spread is crucial to their prevention in all settings, not just health and social care.
The RCN is actively involved in infection prevention issues and practice to support improvements in nursing practice and patient outcomes across the UK. Activity takes place on a national, regional and local level, ranging from representation at national forums, meetings, stakeholder events and site visits to members' workplaces.
Our work in the field of AMR is diverse and compliments our IPC activity. By focusing specifically on the nursing role in preventing the development or spread of infection, and our commitment as part of the inter-professional contribution to antimicrobial stewardship, the RCN is a key leader and influencer nationally and internationally in this area.
More information on specific AMR activity can be found in the current work section.
For information on specific RCN work please go to current work and view our latest news. You are also welcome to join our two IPC networks.
We believe that the nursing team should be involved in the procurement of clinical supplies. Find out more about Small Changes, Big Differences.
Find out more
Information on what sepsis is and how to recognise the signs of sepsis early and raise the alarm to enable prompt identification and treatment
Discover moreThis is a rapidly evolving situation which we are monitoring carefully, the advice is being updated as new information is received. It is essential to use the links provided and make sure you are looking at the most current advice. Please do not print off information as it is changing regularly.
Please see: Clinical guidance for managing COVID-19 for all the relevant information and links.
Further resources
For travel advice, please see:
Find out more about the RCN's introductory module to infection prevention and control.
Find out more about the updated guidance (Dec 2016)
