Having good sanitation habits is the best way to avoid infections and an array of diseases. However, putting into practise good hand hygiene has been documented as the single most effective means of avoiding cross infections. Oakley (2008) refers to the NMC code of conduct which states that every medical practitioner must at all times emphasize on hand washing as a means of minimizing risks of infection to all their patients and clients. Billings et al (2009) state that hand hygiene is a responsibility of every person. In addition, they recommend that medical practitioners should encourage their patients to become part of their healthcare process by ensuring that they live a hygienic lifestyle. This paper shall in detail outline the instructions that should be followed to ensure that each person coming into a hospital gets the know-how as pertaining to hand washing. It should be noted that unless we all practice good hygiene, it will be very difficult to formulate the appropriate response to the increasing incidents of germs infections as well as the difficulty in ensuring that hospital staff wash their hands effectively and at the appropriate times.
DeYoung (2009) defines hand washing as the process of cleansing the hands using water and soap towards achieving sanitation. The main reason behind hand washing is to get rid of germs (pathogens, bacteria and viruses) that can lead to infections and personal harm. This habit is very important to all people especially those working in the food and medical sectors. The following are the steps that should be followed to ensure that your hands are effectively cleaned at all times.
- Ensure that you have a running water source and soap. In a medical setting, warm water is recommended as well as the use of antibacterial gel or liquid soap.
- Wet your hands with the warm running water and apply your preferred soap. This suspends all the germs and oily microorganisms within your hands and makes it easier to wash them away.
- Rub your hands together vigorously to make a soapy lather. This should be done away from the running water for approximately 20 seconds. Make sure that you wash the front and back of your hands thoroughly up to the wrist level. Also ensure that you clean between your fingers and under the nails.
- Put your hands under the warm running water and rub them gently to rinse off all the soap. Ensure that the water flows into the sink and does not trickle down to your elbows.
- Repeat the first four stages once again. This guarantees that the germs that may be left are cleaned off.
- Keep your hands from spraying water all over the place because it may be carrying some unwanted micro-organisms.
- Using a clean and dry towel, ensure that you dry off your hands thoroughly. Close the running water using a paper towel and dispose it in the appropriate manner.
Always ensure that you avoid these mistakes when hand washing.
- Do not use the same damp cloth to wash or dry off the hands of many people.
- Do not use stagnated (basin) water to wash or rinse your hands.
- Do not use a common hand towel in medical or food preparation settings. Disposable towels are highly recommended in these settings.
References
Billings, D. M & Halstead, J. D. (2009). Teaching in Nursing: A Guide for Faculty. (3rd Ed.). St Louis, Missouri: Saunders.
DeYoung, S. (2009). Teaching Strategies for Nurse Educators. (2nd Ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Oakley, K. (2008). Occupational Health Nursing. (3rd Ed). USA: John Wiley and Sons.