Hand Hygiene

Handwashing is one of the number one ways to prevent the spread of infection. Here are the basics steps to how to effectively wash your hands...yes, a no brainer, but what if your clinical instructor wants you to demonstrate proper handwashing? These instructions can be found here. 

How To: Hand Washing 101

Step One: Using warm or lukewarm running water lather your hands with soap. Cold water is not as effective and hot water should be avoided because it is drying to the skin. The soap does not need to be antibacterial to be effective.

Step Two: Rub your hands together to make a lather. If you you have dirt under your nails, use this opportunity to clean under them. Rub your palms together and intertwine your fingers to make sure you get between them. Don't forget the back of your hands!

Step Three: Keep rubbing your hands together! For a proper hand washing this step should take no less than 20 seconds. Not sure when you're done? Try singing your ABC's twice, and you should be fine.

Step Four: Rinse your hands well. Ideally, start by rinsing your wrists and letting the water run off of your finger tips. Then rinse the rest of your hands as necessary.

Step Five: Dry your hands well, using a clean paper towel or allowing your hands to air dry. Nurses and doctors are trained to turn the faucet off with a paper towel. Why? Because you turned it on with dirty hands, so you may not want to touch it with your freshly cleaned hands."