Brush Up On Your Handwashing Technique
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You know how to wash your hands, but could you improve your technique for optimal cleanliness? Proper handwashing is an essential skill that every nurse should master. Washing your hands isn’t only about how long you scrub, but also the areas you clean and the methods you use.
Elaine L. Larson, PhD, RN, FAAN, CIC, an infectious disease expert who has published more than 200 papers on hand hygiene, recommends following this technique:
Depending on the number of patients and the intensity of care, you might have to clean your hands up to 100 times during a 12-hour shift. No matter how many times you do, you can’t slack on technique. Always use enough soap, scrub the germiest parts of your hands, and lather for at least 20 seconds.
How are you doin in the challenge? Share with us in the challenge update thread here, in our private Facebook group, or on Twitter, or Instagram (tag us with #healthynurse!).
Find this helpful? Use the social media links on the left side of your page to share this with a nurse and invite them to join Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation!
Missed day 3? Catch up here. Join us on day 5.
Elaine L. Larson, PhD, RN, FAAN, CIC, an infectious disease expert who has published more than 200 papers on hand hygiene, recommends following this technique:
- Wet your hands with running water and apply enough soap to cover your hands' surface.
- Rub your hands together to form a lather, making sure that you cover all surfaces, including the back of your hands, wrists, fingertips, between your fingers, and around your nails.
- Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds. Focus on your fingertips and nail beds.
- Rinse your hands thoroughly under running water, making sure you remove all soap.
- Dry your hands with a clean towel or an air dryer. Use the towel to turn off the tap to avoid contamination.
Depending on the number of patients and the intensity of care, you might have to clean your hands up to 100 times during a 12-hour shift. No matter how many times you do, you can’t slack on technique. Always use enough soap, scrub the germiest parts of your hands, and lather for at least 20 seconds.
How are you doin in the challenge? Share with us in the challenge update thread here, in our private Facebook group, or on Twitter, or Instagram (tag us with #healthynurse!).
Find this helpful? Use the social media links on the left side of your page to share this with a nurse and invite them to join Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation!
Missed day 3? Catch up here. Join us on day 5.
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Challenge Tips
06/23/2023 10:41am CDT
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