Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly reshaped the role of nurses in healthcare infection control, highlighting their critical contributions to patient safety, disease prevention, and public health resilience. As frontline healthcare providers, nurses have played an essential role in implementing infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, including the enforcement of hygiene protocols, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and patient education on infection risks. Beyond direct patient care, they have been instrumental in surveillance efforts, conducting screenings, managing isolation procedures, and mitigating the spread of infection within healthcare facilities. However, the pandemic has also exposed various challenges, including workforce shortages, increased psychological stress, PPE shortages, and ethical dilemmas related to patient prioritization and self-protection. Despite these challenges, nurses have adapted by leveraging innovative strategies such as telehealth, AI-driven infection monitoring, and advanced sterilization technologies to enhance infection control. Additionally, the crisis has emphasized the need for ongoing IPC training and professional development, equipping nurses with the skills necessary to manage future public health emergencies. Moving forward, strengthening policy frameworks, improving working conditions, and investing in nurse education will be crucial in sustaining infection control efforts beyond COVID-19. Collaborative partnerships between nurses, healthcare institutions, and public health agencies are essential in reinforcing global preparedness for emerging infectious diseases. This study evaluates the evolving role of nurses in infection control, emphasizing their resilience, adaptability, and the long-term impact of their contributions in shaping future healthcare practices. By acknowledging the lessons learned from the pandemic, policymakers and healthcare leaders can implement sustainable strategies that empower nurses to continue safeguarding public health in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.