Manual of Policies and Procedures for Wade Nursing Registry

Rules for Hand Washing

  • Wash your hands
    1. when you arrive in the clients home
    2. before and after you give "hands on" care or have personal contact with a client or his/her personal items
    3. during care if you are interrupted for any reason
    4. between task and procedures
    5. after using the toilet
    6. when you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose
    7. before and after meals
    8. before and after handling food
    9. if your hands become contaminated with body fluids
    10. before you leave the client's home
    11. before and after using gloves
  • For a 30 to 60 second hand wash, sing the song "Yankee Doodle" twice
  • Keep nails short, and remove jewelry
  • Rings and long fingernails may harbor pathogenic organisms