Hand Hygiene

Hand Hygiene We are surrounded by pathogens. Preventing the spread of disease causing microorganism in health care facilities is crucial. You have to protect yourself, staff and your patients by washing your hands frequently. The article "hand hygiene: It does make a difference," written by Maryellen Guinan and Maryanne McGuckin, discusses the importance of handwashing and the steps of properly washing your hands. Handwashing is a skill that is especially important in health care facilities.

Some examples of when hand washing should be used is whenever coming into contact with patients, after contact with intact skin, before donning sterile gloves to insert a central intravascular tube, or any other situation that exposes you to body secretions. The proper way to wash your hands is to first wet your hands to allow for better distribution of the soap. It is important to use warm water and lather the soap for a minimum of 20 seconds, make sure to use friction and wash your hands horoughly.

A much quicker alternative to washing your hands is to use antibacterial sanitizers. When using alcohol-based hand rubs apply them to the palm of your hand and keep rubbing until your hand becomes dry. Wash your hands or using sanitizers whenever possible will help keep the health care worker and residents safe from illness This article emphasizes the importance of keeping your hands sanitized.

The main concern as a healthcare worker is to keep patients safe and provide them with he best care they could possibly receive. Taking 20 seconds to thoroughly wash your hands you are not only protecting yourself but you keeping everyone you come into contact with safe. Antibacterial sanitizers are a great alternative to washing your hands when you may not have the adequate time to thoroughly wash your hands. Keeping your hands clean can make a big difference and can lead to a healthy and safer environment.