Before starting my current role, I didn’t think much about a facility’s culture when applying for jobs. I focused on the company’s mission and values—not its culture. Looking back, that was likely due to not fully understanding how crucial culture is, especially in the field of infection prevention.
Now, I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to understand a facility’s culture before joining. In my current infection preventionist (IP) role, I realized the value of culture only after I started working—observing how the hospital operates, what its priorities are, and how it handles challenges.
Fortunately, I ended up in a great work environment, even though I hadn’t consciously prioritized culture when I accepted the role. Not everyone gets that lucky.
As an Infection Preventionist, you probably won’t have full insight into a facility’s culture while applying—unless you have an internal contact who can give you the inside scoop. Without that, you’re left hoping you’ll land in a supportive environment that aligns with your professional goals.
Why a Facility’s Culture Matters in Infection Prevention
1. Team Members Feel Empowered to Speak Up
In a healthy work culture, staff are encouraged to speak up when they see a safety risk or practice gap. This is incredibly valuable for an IP. Incident reporting systems work best when people feel safe using them. If the culture is punitive, team members may hesitate to report concerns, limiting your ability to identify trends or opportunities for improvement.
2. The Right Culture Encourages Continuous Improvement
Infection prevention is all about ongoing quality improvement. A culture that values feedback, data, and collaboration makes your job more effective. You can implement meaningful changes without encountering excessive resistance or indifference.
3. Pushback Is Limited—and Constructive
As I mentioned in another blog, pushback is part of the job as an IP. But in a positive culture, pushback isn’t about being difficult—it usually reflects a knowledge gap or a need for clarification. In these cases, team members are more receptive to education and evidence-based recommendations.
4. A Supportive Culture Fuels Positive Work
It’s a relief to go to work every day knowing you won’t be stuck in daily conflicts. While I’ve had intense conversations with staff who disagreed with my recommendations—even when those recommendations were essential for patient safety—I don’t face that tension daily. A facility with a good culture doesn’t eliminate disagreements, but it prevents burnout and builds mutual respect.
How to Identify a Facility’s Culture Before Accepting a Role
1. Do Your Research
Don’t leave this to chance. Investigate whether the workplace culture will support your infection prevention work—or make it more difficult. Remember, IPs interact with nearly every department. You’ll want to work in a place where people welcome your guidance and offer constructive feedback.
2. Look for Employee Feedback
While it can be hard to access honest employee reviews, there are ways to learn more. Tap into your professional network or reach out to current or former employees via platforms like LinkedIn. A brief conversation could reveal important insights into the day-to-day work environment.
3. Pay Close Attention During the Interview Process
Use the interview as a chance to assess culture. Ask questions like:
- How does leadership support staff-led initiatives?
- What is the organization’s approach to professional development?
- How does the facility promote work-life balance?
Be intentional—responses to these questions can give you a window into how the organization operates beyond the job description.
Final Thoughts
Culture is not just a “nice to have”—it’s a cornerstone of your success as an Infection Preventionist. The right culture empowers collaboration, encourages transparency, and supports your mission to protect patients and staff. If you’re considering a new role, take the extra time to research and ask the right questions. It might save you from a lot of stress—and make a big difference in your impact.
