1. Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Hand Hygiene May 2009

2. Copyright © 2008 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Hand hygiene May 2009 2 Are all germs harmful?  No! Some microorganisms are helpful, even necessary to life on earth.  A small percentage of germs can produce disease.  Some of these infections can be spread from person to person on dirty hands.

3. Copyright © 2008 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Hand hygiene May 2009 3 Why learn about hand hygiene?  Many nursing home residents have chronic conditions that make them vulnerable to infection.  Places where people live and work closely together (like nursing homes, schools) give germs an opportunity to spread.  Caregivers need to use good hand hygiene to protect: –residents. –themselves. –caregivers’ families.

4. Copyright © 2008 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Hand hygiene May 2009 4 What is hand hygiene? Two methods of hand hygiene are: –washing with soap and water –using alcohol-based hand rubs

5. Copyright © 2008 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Hand hygiene May 2009 5 Soap and water OR hand rub? Wash with SOAP and WATER: –when hands appear dirty or soiled with blood or body fluids –before eating –before feeding a resident –after using the bathroom

6. Copyright © 2008 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Hand hygiene May 2009 6 When to use alcohol-based hand rub  If hands are not visibly soiled  Use alcohol-based hand rub OR wash hands: –before and after direct contact with residents –after contact with bodily fluids if not visibly soiled –after touching items in residents’ rooms –after removing gloves

7. Copyright © 2008 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Hand hygiene May 2009 7 Help residents with good hand hygiene Give residents the opportunity to wash their hands: –before eating –after using the bathroom Assist confused or frail residents to do the same.

8. Copyright © 2008 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Hand hygiene May 2009 8 Remember: you are a role model By practicing good hand hygiene you are teaching others an important aspect of infection control