How to Keep a Body Free of Infection When Working With Patients
- 1). Wash your hands. Use warm soapy water to clean your hands throughout the day. Scrub underneath your fingernails to remove debris and germs. Appropriate times for hand washing include the conclusion of each patient interaction. Never let being in a hurry serve as an excuse to skip washing your hands. Use a skin moisturizer to prevent excess hand irritation and drying.
- 2). Use protective equipment. Items like gloves, masks, and gowns provide a barrier between you and infection. Wear these items as necessary to prevent exposure to your patients' blood and body fluids. For example, gloves should be worn when emptying drainage tubes or disconnecting catheters. Choose protective equipment that fits and is free from rips and tears.
- 3). Change your uniform. Wear a fresh uniform to work each day no matter the condition of the previous day’s attire. Even a uniform that’s free from visible splashes and spills can still be crawling with germs. Wash your uniforms on a consistent basis to ensure you’re not searching for a clean one minutes before work. Discard uniforms that are becoming threadbare to prevent excess exposure to infection.
- 4). Take a daily bath or shower. Rid your body of any accumulated debris and germs after your shift concludes. Pay special attention to your hair and other body areas not covered by your uniform. Consider showering in your workplace locker room to help restrict germs from entering your car.
- 5). Secure your locks. Use hair clips to keep your hair out of your eyes to avoid slips. Choose hairstyles that prevent your hair from coming into contact with the blood or body fluids of patients. This is especially true when longer hair is involved. For example, long hair can brush against open wounds if not properly secured. Wash your hair daily to remove germs and debris.
