25 Infection Preventionist Interview Questions and Answers

An infection preventionist is a healthcare professional who is responsible for preventing and controlling the spread of infections in healthcare settings. Infection preventionists work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings to develop and implement infection control programs.

If you’re interested in becoming an infection preventionist, you’ll need to ace your job interview. During the interview, you’ll be asked a variety of questions about your experience, education, and skills. You’ll also be asked behavioral interview questions, which are designed to assess your ability to perform the duties of an infection preventionist.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample infection preventionist interview questions and answers.

1. Are you comfortable working with a wide range of patients, including those who are very young, very old or who have compromised immune systems?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to work with a variety of patients and how you might handle working with those who are more vulnerable. In your answer, try to show that you have experience working with different types of patients and can adapt to their needs.

Example: “Yes, I am comfortable working with a wide range of patients. As an Infection Preventionist, it is important to be able to adapt and adjust my approach depending on the patient’s needs. For example, when working with very young or very old patients, I understand that they may require more time and attention than other patients. I also recognize the importance of taking extra precautions when dealing with patients who have compromised immune systems, such as using personal protective equipment (PPE) and following strict hand hygiene protocols. My experience in this field has taught me how to effectively communicate with all types of patients while still providing quality care.”

2. What are some of the most important things you have learned about infection control during your time as an infection preventionist?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your experience and how you’ve grown as an infection preventionist. Use this opportunity to highlight some skills or qualities that have helped you succeed in your career, such as communication, teamwork or problem-solving.

Example: “As an infection preventionist, I have learned that the most important thing is to stay up-to-date on all of the latest practices and guidelines for infection control. This includes staying informed about new research, technologies, and best practices in order to ensure that all patients are receiving the highest quality of care possible.

I have also learned the importance of developing a comprehensive plan for preventing, detecting, and responding to infectious diseases. This involves creating policies and procedures, as well as training staff members on proper infection control protocols. It is essential to create a culture of safety within the organization so that everyone understands their role in keeping patients safe from infections.

Lastly, I have gained experience in monitoring and evaluating infection control programs to ensure they are effective and compliant with regulations. This requires regularly reviewing data, analyzing trends, and making necessary changes to improve outcomes. By doing this, I am able to identify areas of improvement and make sure that our infection control program is always up-to-date and meeting the needs of our patients.”

3. How would you handle a situation in which a patient was refusing to comply with your instructions regarding best practices for preventing infection?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with patients. In your answer, try to demonstrate that you can remain calm under pressure while also encouraging the patient to comply with your instructions.

Example: “If a patient were to refuse to comply with my instructions regarding best practices for preventing infection, I would first take the time to understand their reasoning. It is important to listen and empathize with the patient in order to build trust and respect. Once I have identified why they are refusing, I can then explain the importance of following these guidelines and how it will benefit them in the long run.

I would also emphasize that the safety of both the patient and the healthcare team is paramount and that we must work together to ensure everyone’s well-being. If necessary, I would provide additional resources or information to help the patient better understand the risks associated with not following the protocols. Finally, if the patient still refuses to cooperate, I would document the incident and follow up with the appropriate personnel.”

4. What is your process for evaluating the risk of infection for a new patient?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your ability to use critical thinking skills and apply infection prevention protocols. In your answer, describe the steps you take when evaluating a patient’s risk of infection and how you implement infection prevention strategies for that individual.

Example: “When evaluating the risk of infection for a new patient, my process begins with assessing their medical history. I review any existing records to determine if they have had prior infections or conditions that could increase their risk. I also look at any recent laboratory tests and imaging studies to identify any potential sources of infection.

Next, I assess the environment in which the patient is being treated. This includes factors such as ventilation, sanitation, and other environmental controls. I evaluate the effectiveness of these measures and make recommendations for improvement where needed.

Lastly, I consider the patient’s lifestyle habits and behaviors. This includes things like handwashing, hygiene practices, and contact with others who may be infected. By taking all of these factors into account, I can develop an effective plan to reduce the risk of infection for the patient.”

5. Provide an example of a time when you identified and resolved a risk of infection at your current or previous job.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your infection prevention experience and how you apply it in the workplace. Use examples from your previous job or include information on what you would do if faced with a similar situation at your current job.

Example: “At my current job, I identified and resolved a risk of infection when we implemented a new policy for our healthcare facility. We had recently changed the way that patient rooms were cleaned and disinfected between patients to ensure that any potential risks of infection were minimized. As part of this process, I noticed that some staff members weren’t following the new protocol correctly, which could have posed a serious risk of infection.

To address this issue, I worked with the team to develop an education program to ensure that everyone was aware of the new protocols and how to properly implement them. I also created a checklist that each staff member had to complete before leaving the room to make sure that all steps were followed. Finally, I conducted regular audits to ensure that the protocols were being followed correctly. This allowed us to identify and resolve any issues quickly and efficiently, minimizing the risk of infection in our facility.”

6. If a patient contracted an infection that you had never seen before, how would you research and respond to the situation?

This question can help interviewers understand your critical thinking skills and how you would respond to a unique situation. Use examples from previous experience in which you had to research information, analyze data or solve problems.

Example: “If a patient contracted an infection that I had never seen before, the first step would be to research the infection. I would start by consulting medical literature and resources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, which provides up-to-date information on infectious diseases. I would also consult with colleagues in the field who may have experience with this particular infection, or similar ones.

Once I had gathered enough information about the infection, I would then develop a plan of action. This could include implementing additional safety protocols and procedures, educating staff members on how to prevent the spread of the infection, and providing guidance on proper treatment methods. Finally, I would monitor the situation closely to ensure that the infection was contained and that all necessary steps were taken to protect patients and staff.”

7. What would you do if you suspected that a member of your staff was unknowingly transmitting an infection to patients?

This question can help interviewers assess your leadership skills and ability to make tough decisions. In your answer, try to show that you are willing to take responsibility for your actions and hold others accountable when necessary.

Example: “If I suspected that a member of my staff was unknowingly transmitting an infection to patients, I would take immediate action. First, I would investigate the situation thoroughly and determine if there is any evidence or data to support my suspicions. This could include reviewing patient records, interviewing other staff members, and observing the staff member in question.

Once I have gathered enough information to make an informed decision, I would then develop a plan of action to address the issue. This could involve additional training for the staff member on proper infection control protocols, providing them with additional resources to help prevent further transmission, or even disciplinary action depending on the severity of the situation.

I understand how important it is to protect the safety of our patients and ensure that they receive quality care. As an Infection Preventionist, I am committed to taking all necessary steps to identify potential risks and mitigate any issues before they become a problem.”

8. How well do you perform under pressure?

This question can help interviewers assess your ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Use examples from previous experiences where you had to perform well under pressure, such as working with a tight deadline or managing multiple tasks at once.

Example: “I believe I perform very well under pressure. In my current role as an Infection Preventionist, I have had to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations and remain calm while doing so. For example, when a patient was admitted with a highly contagious infection, I had to quickly assess the situation and develop a plan of action that would ensure the safety of all patients and staff. I was able to do this efficiently and effectively by utilizing my knowledge of infection prevention protocols and staying focused on the task at hand.”

9. Do you enjoy working with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement infection prevention strategies?

This question can help interviewers understand how you interact with others and your ability to collaborate. Your answer should show that you enjoy working in a team environment and are willing to share ideas and opinions with other professionals.

Example: “Absolutely! I believe that collaboration is essential when it comes to infection prevention. Working with other healthcare professionals allows us to share best practices and develop strategies that are tailored to the specific needs of our patients and facility. I have experience in leading interdisciplinary teams to create evidence-based protocols and policies, as well as educating staff on proper implementation. I also enjoy working with administrators and stakeholders to ensure that our strategies are cost effective and sustainable.”

10. When performing risk assessments, are you comfortable using mathematical equations and interpreting the results?

Infection preventionists use mathematical equations to calculate the risk of infection for patients and staff. They also need to understand how to interpret these results, so interviewers may ask this question to see if you have experience with these processes. If you do, share an example of a time when you used math to perform a risk assessment.

Example: “Absolutely. As an Infection Preventionist, I understand the importance of performing risk assessments and using mathematical equations to interpret the results. I have extensive experience in this area and am comfortable with a variety of methods for assessing risk.

I have used mathematical equations such as probability theory, Bayesian analysis, and Markov chains to evaluate risks associated with infection control measures. I am also familiar with calculating the likelihood of outbreaks based on data collected from various sources. In addition, I have experience interpreting the results of these calculations to determine the best course of action.”

11. We want to be known for having the lowest infection rates in the area. How would you go about achieving this goal?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of infection prevention and how you can help a healthcare facility achieve its goals. Use examples from previous experience that helped you meet or exceed goals in the past.

Example: “I understand the importance of having low infection rates in any healthcare setting, and I am confident that my experience as an Infection Preventionist can help achieve this goal. My approach would involve a comprehensive plan to reduce infections through surveillance, education, and prevention strategies.

Firstly, I would develop a system for monitoring and tracking infection rates so that we have accurate data on which to base decisions. This would include establishing criteria for reporting and investigating potential outbreaks, as well as developing protocols for collecting and analyzing data.

Next, I would focus on educating staff and patients about proper hygiene practices and other preventive measures such as hand washing, wearing protective equipment, and avoiding contact with those who are ill. I would also ensure that all medical equipment is properly sterilized and disinfected before use.

Lastly, I would work closely with the facility’s leadership team to create policies and procedures that support our goals of reducing infection rates. This could include implementing new standards for cleanliness and sanitation, or creating incentives for staff to follow best practices.”

12. Describe your experience with using computer software to perform data analysis.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your computer skills and how you use them in the workplace. Use your answer to describe which software you’re familiar with and what you’ve used it for, such as analyzing data or creating reports.

Example: “I have extensive experience in using computer software to perform data analysis. I am proficient with a variety of programs such as Microsoft Excel, Access, and SPSS. In my current role as an Infection Preventionist, I use these tools to analyze infection rates and trends within the hospital setting. For example, I recently used Excel to create a dashboard that tracked patient outcomes over time. This enabled me to quickly identify any potential issues or areas for improvement.

In addition, I have also used SPSS to conduct statistical analyses on various datasets. This has allowed me to gain deeper insights into our infection prevention efforts and make more informed decisions about how best to address any identified risks.”

13. What makes you the best candidate for this infection preventionist position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you can contribute to their organization. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role. Focus on highlighting your relevant education, certifications and work experience.

Example: “I believe I am the best candidate for this infection preventionist position because of my extensive experience in the field. I have been working as an Infection Preventionist for over 10 years, and during that time I have gained a deep understanding of the principles and practices associated with preventing and controlling infections. My knowledge of current regulations and guidelines related to infection control has enabled me to develop effective strategies for minimizing the spread of infectious diseases.

In addition to my professional experience, I also possess strong interpersonal skills which are essential for successful collaboration with other healthcare professionals. I am able to work effectively with physicians, nurses, and other staff members to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection. Finally, I am highly organized and detail-oriented, allowing me to stay on top of any changes or updates to infection prevention protocols.”

14. Which infection prevention certifications do you currently hold?

Employers may ask this question to learn about your experience and expertise in infection prevention. They might also want to know if you plan to pursue any certifications in the future. When answering, list all of the certifications you have earned. If you don’t have any yet, explain what steps you are taking to earn them.

Example: “I currently hold a Certified Infection Preventionist (CIP) certification through the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). This certification is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates my expertise in infection prevention, control, and epidemiology. I have also completed additional training courses related to infection prevention such as hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and outbreak management.”

15. What do you think is the most important aspect of infection prevention?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of infection prevention and how you prioritize tasks. Your answer should show that you understand what is most important in this role, such as patient safety or compliance with regulations.

Example: “I believe the most important aspect of infection prevention is risk assessment. Risk assessment involves identifying potential sources of infection, assessing the level of risk associated with those sources, and implementing strategies to reduce or eliminate that risk. This includes monitoring for changes in environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, which can increase the risk of infection; evaluating the effectiveness of existing control measures; and developing new policies and procedures to prevent infections from occurring. By proactively assessing risks, we can take steps to ensure a safe environment for all patients, staff, and visitors.

In addition to risk assessment, I also think it’s important to have an effective communication plan in place. It’s essential that everyone involved in the care of patients understands the importance of infection prevention and how to properly implement the necessary protocols. This includes educating staff on proper hand hygiene techniques, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, and other infection prevention practices. Having clear guidelines and expectations in place helps to ensure that everyone is working together to create a safe and healthy environment.”

16. How often do you perform risk assessments?

Infection preventionists are responsible for assessing the risks of infection in their facilities. This question helps interviewers understand your experience with risk assessments and how often you perform them. Use examples from your previous experience to highlight your skills and abilities.

Example: “I believe that performing regular risk assessments is an essential part of my role as an Infection Preventionist. I understand the importance of staying up to date on any potential risks and take proactive steps to mitigate them.

In my current role, I perform a comprehensive risk assessment every three months. This includes evaluating all areas of infection control and prevention, such as hand hygiene practices, environmental cleaning protocols, and PPE usage. I also review patient records for any possible infections or outbreaks, and assess the effectiveness of our existing policies and procedures. Finally, I consult with other healthcare professionals in order to identify any additional risks that may exist.”

17. There is a new outbreak of an infection you’ve never seen before. How do you respond?

This question is a great way to test your ability to think critically and creatively. It also shows the interviewer how you would respond in an emergency situation. In your answer, be sure to show that you can prioritize tasks and work well under pressure.

Example: “When faced with a new outbreak of an infection, my first priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of all patients, staff, and visitors. To do this, I would take immediate steps to contain the spread of the infection by implementing appropriate isolation protocols for those affected and any close contacts.

I would then work closely with public health authorities to identify the source of the infection and determine how it can be prevented from spreading further. This includes gathering information about the symptoms, risk factors, and other relevant data in order to develop an effective response plan. By understanding the cause of the outbreak, we can create targeted strategies to prevent its reoccurrence.

Additionally, I would use evidence-based guidelines to educate healthcare personnel on proper infection control practices and recommend changes to policies and procedures as needed. Finally, I would monitor the situation closely and report any changes to the appropriate stakeholders.”

18. What strategies do you use to keep up with the latest developments in infection prevention?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you stay current with your field and what resources you use to learn about new developments. Use this opportunity to share any professional development courses or conferences you’ve attended in the past, as well as any online resources you regularly read or subscribe to.

Example: “I am an avid reader of the latest research and news in infection prevention. I stay up to date on the latest developments by subscribing to professional journals, attending conferences and seminars, and participating in online forums and discussion groups. I also keep a close eye on any new guidelines or regulations that are released from governing bodies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In addition, I make sure to network with other professionals in my field. This allows me to learn about their experiences and strategies they use to stay current. Finally, I strive to stay ahead of the curve by proactively researching emerging trends and technologies related to infection prevention. By doing this, I can anticipate potential issues before they become problems and develop solutions accordingly.”

19. How do you educate patients and their families about best practices for preventing infections?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your communication skills and ability to educate others. Use examples from previous experience in which you’ve effectively communicated infection prevention information to patients or their families.

Example: “I believe that educating patients and their families about best practices for preventing infections is one of the most important aspects of my job as an Infection Preventionist. I have developed a comprehensive approach to patient education that includes both verbal instruction and written materials.

When I meet with patients and their families, I start by explaining the importance of infection prevention and how they can help protect themselves and others from getting sick. I also provide them with detailed information on proper hand hygiene techniques, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, and other preventive measures such as avoiding contact with people who are ill.

In addition to verbal instructions, I also provide written materials to reinforce what was discussed during our meeting. These materials include brochures, posters, and fact sheets that contain additional information about infection prevention and control. I also make sure to answer any questions or concerns that patients or their families may have regarding infection prevention.”

20. Tell us about a time when you had to make a difficult decision regarding an infection control issue.

This question can help interviewers learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you react to challenging situations. Use examples from previous experiences where you had to make a decision that was not easy but still helped the situation.

Example: “I recently encountered a difficult decision regarding an infection control issue at my current job. A patient was admitted to the hospital with a highly contagious virus and needed to be placed in isolation. However, due to limited resources, there were not enough rooms available for all of the patients who required isolation.

In this situation, I had to make a difficult decision about which patient should be given priority when it came to isolating them. After careful consideration, I determined that the patient with the most severe symptoms should be isolated first as they posed the highest risk of spreading the virus to other patients. To ensure the safety of everyone involved, I also implemented additional measures such as increased hand hygiene protocols and improved ventilation systems.”

21. Describe your experience creating and implementing policies related to infection control.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with policies and procedures. Use your answer to highlight your ability to create infection control policies, as well as the skills you use to implement them in a healthcare facility.

Example: “I have extensive experience creating and implementing policies related to infection control. In my current role as an Infection Preventionist, I have developed a comprehensive set of protocols for preventing the spread of infectious diseases in our facility. These protocols include hand hygiene guidelines, cleaning and disinfecting procedures, contact tracing protocols, and PPE requirements.

I have also created educational materials for staff and patients on proper infection prevention techniques and how to identify symptoms of infectious diseases. I have worked closely with other departments to ensure that all policies are being followed and regularly review them to make sure they remain up-to-date. Finally, I have trained new staff members on these policies and provided ongoing education to existing staff.”

22. In what ways have you worked to improve communication between healthcare professionals and patients on matters of infection prevention?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your interpersonal skills and how you use them to benefit the patients you serve. Use examples from past experiences where you helped educate patients on infection prevention or worked with healthcare professionals to develop new ways of communicating important information to patients.

Example: “I have worked to improve communication between healthcare professionals and patients on matters of infection prevention in a variety of ways. I believe that effective communication is key for successful infection prevention, so I strive to ensure that everyone involved is well-informed about the necessary protocols.

To start, I make sure that all healthcare staff are up-to-date on the latest guidelines and regulations regarding infection prevention. This includes providing educational materials and hosting regular training sessions to review these policies. I also work with hospital administrators to create clear and concise signage throughout the facility to remind both staff and patients of proper hand hygiene techniques and other infection control measures.

Additionally, I have implemented patient education programs to help increase awareness of infection prevention. These programs include one-on-one conversations with patients as well as group presentations to educate them on how to reduce their risk of infection. I also provide resources such as brochures and videos to reinforce the information presented.”

23. Are you able to take initiative and develop new protocols without direction from others?

This question can help interviewers understand how you approach your work and whether you’re able to independently complete tasks. Use examples from previous experience in which you’ve developed new protocols or procedures without being told to do so by a supervisor.

Example: “Absolutely. As an Infection Preventionist, I understand the importance of taking initiative and developing new protocols to ensure patient safety. In my current role, I have been able to identify areas where existing protocols need to be improved or updated, and then develop a plan for implementation. For example, I recently identified that our hand hygiene compliance rates were below the recommended standards, so I developed a comprehensive training program for staff on proper hand hygiene technique. This resulted in a significant increase in compliance rates.

I am also well-versed in researching best practices from other healthcare organizations and using them to create new protocols. I believe this is essential to staying up-to-date with the latest infection prevention strategies. My experience has taught me how to assess risk factors and develop protocols that are tailored to the specific needs of each organization.”

24. How do you handle situations where staff members are not following established infection prevention protocols?

This question can help interviewers assess your leadership skills and ability to motivate others. Use examples from previous experience where you helped staff members understand the importance of infection prevention protocols or how you helped them implement these protocols in their work.

Example: “When it comes to ensuring staff members are following established infection prevention protocols, I take a proactive approach. First and foremost, I ensure that all staff members have been properly trained on the protocols in place. This includes providing them with clear instructions and expectations as well as any necessary resources they may need.

If there is an issue where staff members are not following protocols, I address it immediately. I will talk to the individual or team involved and explain why their actions are unacceptable and how they can correct their behavior. If needed, I also provide additional training or guidance to help them understand the importance of adhering to protocols. Finally, if the situation continues to be an issue, I am not afraid to take disciplinary action when appropriate.”

25. How would you ensure that all staff members understand and follow the organization’s infection prevention policies?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your ability to lead and motivate others. Your answer should demonstrate that you can communicate effectively with staff members, provide training when necessary and hold people accountable for following infection prevention policies.

Example: “I believe that the first step to ensuring all staff members understand and follow the organization’s infection prevention policies is to provide them with comprehensive training. I would ensure that all staff have access to up-to-date information on the latest infection control practices, as well as any changes in policy or procedure. I would also make sure that they are aware of their individual responsibilities when it comes to preventing infections.

In addition to providing training, I would create a culture of accountability within the organization by regularly monitoring compliance with the infection prevention policies. This could include conducting regular audits, spot checks, and surveys to assess how well staff are following the policies. I would also use feedback from these assessments to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to address any gaps. Finally, I would encourage open communication between staff and management so that any concerns can be addressed quickly and effectively.”