Infection Control Nurse Interview Questions

Can you describe a situation when you encountered resistance from healthcare staff regarding infection control practices? How did you handle it?

SENIOR LEVEL

Sample answer to the question:

Yes, I have encountered resistance from healthcare staff regarding infection control practices in the past. One situation that comes to mind is when I implemented a new hand hygiene policy at a hospital I was working at. Some staff members were resistant to the change and felt that it was unnecessary. To handle this, I organized a series of educational sessions to explain the importance of proper hand hygiene and the potential consequences of not following the policy. I also addressed any questions or concerns that the staff had and provided them with the necessary resources, such as hand sanitizers and posters, to reinforce the message. Over time, I was able to win over the majority of the staff and saw a significant improvement in hand hygiene compliance.

Here is a more solid answer:

Yes, I have encountered resistance from healthcare staff regarding infection control practices in the past. One particular situation that stands out is when I was working as an infection control nurse at a large hospital. We were implementing a new protocol for monitoring and managing central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). Some nurses were resistant to the changes because they felt it would increase their workload. To address this, I organized department meetings to discuss the rationale behind the new protocol and the potential impact it could have on patient safety. I also highlighted the evidence-based practices and success stories from other hospitals that had implemented similar protocols. Additionally, I offered one-on-one training sessions to address any specific concerns or questions from the nurses. By taking the time to listen to their feedback and provide support, I was able to gain their trust and commitment to the new protocol. As a result, we saw a significant reduction in CLABSIs within the hospital.

Why is this a more solid answer?

The solid answer provides more specific details about the situation and the candidate's actions. It demonstrates the candidate's knowledge of infection control practices, communication and leadership skills, ability to educate and train staff effectively, and problem-solving skills. However, it could still benefit from including more information about the candidate's role in analyzing data and providing evidence-based recommendations.

An example of a exceptional answer:

Yes, I have encountered resistance from healthcare staff regarding infection control practices in the past. One notable example was when I was working as the infection control nurse at a long-term care facility. We were implementing a new protocol for preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Some of the nursing staff were resistant to the changes because they believed it would disrupt their workflow and increase their workload. To address this, I organized regular staff meetings to discuss the rationale and benefits of the new protocol. I shared data from previous outbreaks that highlighted the potential harm caused by HAIs and emphasized the importance of preventing them. I also provided individualized training sessions to address any specific concerns or questions from the nursing staff. In addition, I collaborated with the facility's leadership to implement incentives, such as recognition programs and rewards, to motivate and engage the staff in infection control practices. Through consistent communication, education, and support, I was able to alleviate the resistance and create a culture of infection prevention and control within the facility.

Why is this an exceptional answer?

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a more comprehensive and detailed account of the situation and the candidate's actions. It demonstrates the candidate's expertise in infection control practices, communication and leadership skills, ability to educate and train staff effectively, and problem-solving skills. The answer includes specific examples of data analysis and collaboration with leadership, which aligns with the job description's requirements. It also highlights the candidate's ability to create a positive and supportive work environment. However, the answer could still be improved by incorporating more information about the candidate's proficiency in using infection surveillance software and their organizational skills and attention to detail.

How to prepare for this question:

Familiarize yourself with the current best practices and guidelines for infection control in healthcare settings.

Reflect on past experiences where you encountered resistance related to infection control practices and think about how you handled them.

Practice explaining the rationale behind infection control protocols and the potential impact on patient and staff safety.

Brush up on your data analysis skills and be prepared to provide evidence-based recommendations to support your infection control practices.

Think of ways you can effectively educate and train healthcare staff on infection control practices, considering different learning styles and preferences.

Consider how you would approach resistance from healthcare staff and come up with strategies to address their concerns and build consensus.

Review your previous experiences in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and develop policies and procedures in line with evidence-based practices.

Think about your organizational skills and attention to detail, and how you can apply them to maintain infection control standards in healthcare facilities.

Stay up to date with the latest advancements in infection control and epidemiology to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development.

What are interviewers evaluating with this question?