Hand Washing In Nursing Practice

"Researchers in London estimate that if everyone routinely washed their hands , a million deaths a year could be prevented... (CDC, 2013)" Studies have shown that hand washing may be the single most important act to help stop the spread of infection. Hand hygiene is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. A lot of diseases are spread by not washing hands with soap and water. sometimes clean running water may not be available, so use soap and the available water or hand sanitizer. Though sand sanitizers may help they may not eliminate all germs and may not be effective when there is visible dirt. Hands should be washed before and after procedures, preparing food, eating, caring for the sick, using the restroom, changing diapers , blowing the nose, coughing and
People should be taught the right way to wash hands, after touching animal waste or handling pets. By simply hand washing the government can save not only lives but money, that can go to improve people 's lives. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) provides healthcare workers and patients with a variety of resources including guidelines for providers , patient empowerment materials , latest technology advances and educational tools (CDC, 2002). The findings have changed my nursing practice in that if I have to be a good advocate for my patients I have to educate them on life saving habits. During admissions to the hospital patients are encouraged to wash their hands and to report if or refuse care if they notice a healthcare worker not wash their hands. the staff cannot reason with the patients , we have teams of investigators who watch staff go in and out of patients rooms . Sometimes they take pictures in "got you in a good act," it is only the hands that are taken so people are conscious of this health habit that saves lives. The WHO