Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Infection Control Practitioner – 2025

Are you preparing for an interview for an infection control practitioner role? This guide provides a comprehensive list of questions and answers to help you demonstrate your knowledge and experience in preventing and controlling the spread of infections. From your understanding of infection control protocols to your ability to handle emergency situations, these questions cover all the essential aspects of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your experience working in infection control.
  I have been working as an infection control practitioner for the past 5 years. During this time, I have been responsible for developing and implementing infection control protocols, conducting risk assessments, and educating staff on best practices to prevent and control infections. I have also worked closely with healthcare providers to identify and contain outbreaks, as well as monitor and report infection rates.
• 2. Why do you want to work in infection control?
  I am passionate about protecting the health and safety of individuals and communities. The role of an infection control practitioner allows me to use my knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on preventing and controlling the spread of infections.
• 3. How do you stay updated on the latest infection control protocols and practices?
  I regularly attend conferences and workshops on infection control, subscribe to industry publications, and participate in online forums. I also make sure to stay updated on any updates or changes in guidelines from organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
• 4. How do you handle conflicts or resistance when implementing infection control measures?
  I understand that change can be met with resistance, especially in a healthcare setting. In such situations, I take the time to explain the importance of the measures and listen to any concerns or suggestions from staff. I also provide evidence-based information to support my decisions and work collaboratively towards finding a solution that works for everyone.
• 5. What do you think are the biggest challenges in infection control today?
  With the emergence of new infectious diseases and drug-resistant bacteria, it is crucial to stay ahead of the curve and continuously adapt our infection control measures. It is also a challenge to ensure compliance with protocols among healthcare workers and patients.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. Explain the process of conducting an infection control risk assessment.
  A risk assessment involves identifying potential sources of infection, determining the likelihood of transmission, and implementing control measures to prevent or minimize the risk of infection. This includes assessing patient care activities, environmental factors, and employee activities, as well as reviewing infection rates, medical records, and current infection control protocols.
• 7. How do you determine the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for a specific situation?
  The selection of PPE is based on the type of exposure and potential risks involved. I assess the type and level of contact with bodily fluids, the pathogen and mode of transmission, as well as the task being performed. I also adhere to the recommendations of the CDC and use the hierarchy of controls to guide my decision.
• 8. How do you handle an outbreak within a healthcare facility?
  In the event of an outbreak, I first assess the situation and gather all relevant information. Then, I work closely with healthcare providers to implement control measures, such as isolation protocols and respiratory precautions. I also coordinate with the local health department to monitor the situation and provide appropriate treatment to affected individuals.
• 9. How do you ensure compliance with infection control protocols among healthcare workers?
  I regularly conduct training and education sessions to remind staff of the importance of infection control protocols and the potential consequences of not adhering to them. I also provide feedback and offer resources to support staff in implementing the protocols effectively. Additionally, I ensure that all necessary supplies and equipment are readily available for staff to use.
• 10. How do you handle an emergency situation involving a highly infectious and contagious disease?
  In the event of an emergency, I follow the facility's emergency preparedness plan and work closely with local health authorities. I assess the risks and provide appropriate guidance to prevent further spread of the disease. I also ensure that staff have the necessary equipment and training to handle the situation safely and effectively.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Can you give an example of a time when you had to handle a difficult situation while implementing infection control measures?
  In my previous role, we had a suspected outbreak of a highly contagious virus among patients in our intensive care unit (ICU). I had to work quickly and collaboratively with the ICU team to contain the spread of the infection and ensure all necessary precautions were taken. I also had to communicate effectively with patients and their families to address their concerns and provide them with the best support and care.
• 12. How do you handle conflicts or difficult conversations with coworkers or superiors?
  I believe in open and honest communication, and I always approach conflicts with a calm and respectful attitude. I actively listen to others' perspectives and try to find a solution that works for everyone. If necessary, I will escalate the issue to a higher authority, but always with the best interest of the team and patients in mind.
• 13. Can you tell us about a time when you developed and implemented a new infection control protocol?
  In my current role, I noticed a lack of consistent hand hygiene practices among staff, which was leading to increased infection rates. I took the initiative to develop a new protocol that included regular hand hygiene audits and provided education and training on proper hand hygiene techniques. I was able to successfully implement and sustain the new protocol, resulting in a decrease in infection rates.
• 14. How do you stay organized and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced healthcare environment?
  I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance and make sure to keep a to-do list to stay organized. I also use tools like calendars and reminder apps to ensure that I don't miss any important tasks or deadlines. I am also flexible and able to adapt to unexpected situations and changes in priorities.
• 15. Tell us about a time when you had to seek out resources or information to solve a problem.
  In my previous role, I was responsible for reducing the high rate of urinary tract infections (UTIs) among patients in the post-surgical unit. I conducted research and reached out to other infection control practitioners for guidance. After implementing evidence-based measures, we saw a significant decrease in UTI rates.

Situational Questions

• 16. How would you handle a situation where you suspect a patient may have an infectious disease, but they refuse to follow isolation protocols?
  I would first try to understand why the patient is refusing to follow the protocols and address their concerns. If necessary, I would involve the patient's healthcare provider and provide them with education on the risks of not following the protocols. Ultimately, the safety of the patient and others must be the top priority, so I would need to enforce the protocols if necessary.
• 17. How would you handle a situation where a healthcare worker consistently fails to follow infection control protocols?
  I would first address the issue with the staff member privately and provide them with education and resources to improve their compliance. If the behavior continues, I would escalate the issue to their supervisor or the infection control committee for further action.
• 18. How would you handle a situation where the facility's supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) is limited during a pandemic or outbreak?
  I would first assess the risks and the facility's current inventory of PPE. If necessary, I would look into alternative sources or work with local health authorities to obtain more supplies. If the shortage is severe, I would prioritize the use of PPE for high-risk situations and limit the number of staff that require the equipment.
• 19. How would you handle a situation where a healthcare worker refuses to receive the annual flu vaccine?
  I would first try to understand the reasons for their refusal and address any concerns or misconceptions they may have. If necessary, I would involve the employee's supervisor and provide education on the importance of the flu vaccine for protecting themselves, their patients, and their colleagues. If they still refuse, I would adhere to the facility's policies on unvaccinated staff, which may include wearing a mask and limiting patient contact during flu season.
• 20. How would you handle a situation where a patient's family member is upset about the facility's visitation restrictions due to a contagious infection?
  I would first empathize with the family member and explain that the restrictions are in place to protect the health and safety of all patients and staff. I would also provide alternative ways for them to stay in touch with their loved one, such as video calls or phone calls. If necessary, I would involve the patient's healthcare team to provide them with additional support and address any concerns they may have.