Hand Hygiene

As a nurse, our top priority is to ensure the safety of our patients. And one way to ensure the safety of our patients is to prevent the patient from contracting an infection through the process of hand hygiene (Potter, Perry, Stockert, & Hall, 2017, p.458). Therefore, to prevent and remove any microorganisms from being passed on to our patients, nurses and staff must understand that "Hand hygiene is not an option." (Perry, Potter, & Elkin, 2016, p. 76). Hand hygiene includes four techniques, including handwashing, antiseptic handwash, antiseptic hand rub, and surgical hand antisepsis (Perry, Potter, & Elkin, 2016, p. 76). Each hand hygiene procedure follows specific guidelines based on visible or not visible dirt on one's hands.

Nurses
76). Additionally, individuals whose hands were exposed to spore-forming organisms wash their hands with soap and water (Perry, Potter, & Elkin, 2016, p. 76). It is imperative that the following steps be followed when performing the hand hygiene procedure using regular or antimicrobial soap and water. Step one, the person must stand in front of the sink, and their hands and uniform must be kept away from the sink surface. If the individual's hands touch the sink during hand washing, the step must be repeated. Step two, turn on the water, the temperature of the water and flow must be turned on and regulated before washing hands. Step three, do not splash water against oneself, specifically against one's uniform. Step four, the temperature of the water should be warm. Step five, wet the hands and wrists completely under the running water. The hands and forearms must remain under the elbows during washing. Step six, the individual must apply three to five milliliters of soap and rub the hands together forcefully, scrubbing thoroughly. The person may use soap granules and leaflet preparations. Step seven, while performing hand hygiene it is important to use plenty of lather and friction for at least 15 seconds.