by The plight of the over-washed under-cleaned hand
Caregivers value clean hands in their mission to help heal the vulnerable patients and residents they serve. Nurse Assistants may free their hands of microbes 50 -100+ times per day with well over half during their 8 hour shift. Stripping hands of pathogens with soap simultaneously strips the skin of oils which must be protected to avoid the stinging pain associated with very dry skin.
Soap-damaged skin is very sensitive to applications of alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR). Many think it’s the alcohol that is the culprit in drying the skin where in reality it is the soap.
Healthy hands are easier to clean and a 24 hour plan keeps them that way. The key is good choices in picking the protocol and products to match.
Handwashes by the clock:
1.The Rise & Shine. Standard routines of showering, bathing and handwashing are commonly not a source of seriously dry hands. Here our advice is to keep doing what you normally do.
2.The Shift-Starter. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water following The Core Handwash 20 second regimen. Dry with a soft absorbent single-use paper towel. Apply a well formulated moisturizing hand sanitizer/antiseptic according to label instructions.
3. The Rub Runner. This option is for frequent use, for the busiest multi-taskers on the floor. It is the fastest method but complete hand coverage is required.
4, The RubScrub™. Based on higher risk touches or when serving a higher risk patient, the caregiver might want to do a bit extra, but without soap and water. A double dose of hand sanitizer assisted by subbing action increases performance. This application is not force-dried.
5. SaniTwice®. This is an extension of the conditions covered in #4. The RubScub is completed but while still wet, hands are wiped vigorously with a paper towel. This removal of hand contamination is then followed by second application of hand sanitizer, ABHR. SaniTwice has been found to be “ equivalent or superior to a soap-water hand washing …” according to research published in the Journal of Food Protection. The complete report is available on request. Please contact us.
6. The Shift-Ender. This intervention uses The Core Handwash as a base, followed by treatment with a hand moisturizer. This is also recommended for use preceding the lunch break.
7. The Homer. On arrival home, wash hands using The Core Handwash protocol. Establish this habit for everyone in the household. On entering all go to the nearest handsink and wash. Have pump hand sanitizer available for use between handwashes. Healthier homes reduce absenteeism and protect patients.
8. Restoration Heaven. Following the last handwash of the day, apply a generous application of the best hand cream you can find. Wear gloves for heavier restorations.
This 24-hour view of hand care assures patient protection by encouraging frequent and comfortable handwashing by all caregivers.
