HANDWASHING
Good day everyone, I am Offy Daybereen Nicol from Group 15 and a student nurse from Davao Doctors College. Today, I will be performing
my return demonstration in Handwashing or Hand Hygiene. This procedure is really important because it is considered one of the most effective
infection prevention measures and it deters the spread of microorganisms. Before we start, we need to check for the completeness of our supply.
So, the materials that we need are liquid soap, sink with running water, paper towel, and a trash bin. Completeness and organization of our
materials, ensures our efficiency as nurses. And now that we are all set, we can now proceed with the procedure. 1 st is that we need to stand in
front of the sink with the uniform not touching the sink during the entire procedure because the sink is considered contaminated and of course if
contaminated, our uniforms may carry microorganisms from one place to another. We also need to remove our jewelries because it is
recommended and it facilitates proper cleansing. As you can see, I am not wearing any jewelry which means that we can now proceed with the
procedure. After that, we will turn on the water and make sure to adjust its force because any splashes of water from the sink to your uniform is also
considered contaminated. Then, we need to wet our hands from the wrist area to the fingers pointing towards the bottom of the sink. Remember
that our hands need to be always below our elbows. Because water should flow from the cleaner area towards the more contaminated area. And at
the same time inspect condition of cuticles, hands and forearms for abrasions, cuts, or open lesions because a nurse who has open sores may
require a work assignment with decreased risk for transmission of infectious microorganisms. Since I do not have any abnormalities or lesions in my
hands, I can continue doing the procedure. Now, we need to lather our hands thoroughly with the soap. Then, wash your hands and wrist for about
15-20 seconds with firm rubbing and circular motions because this creates a friction that helps remove microorganisms mechanically. Next,
interlace your fingers and rub the palm using the back of the hand for at least 5 times each. And for you to be informed, interlacing our fingers will
help clean the interdigital spaces and rub palm to palm with the fingers interlaced. Also, rub the back of the fingers to opposing palms with fingers
interlocked. Then, we need to rub each thumb clasped in opposite hand using rotational movements just like this. This assessment consists of a
minimum 40 seconds and a maximum of one minute. Please make sure to keep the faucet running because we will only be turning it off later. Next,
is rotational rubbing backwards and forwards with clasped fingers up from my left hand to my right palm and vice versa. I need to rub each wrist just
like this and also include this part to avoid any contamination and for cleansing. Proceed to the other wrist. Then, you need to rinse this thoroughly
and inspect for remaining dirt or soap with the use of running water. So, this running water will help us to rinse microorganisms and dirt into the
sink. Please make sure to observe proper body mechanics and do not touch the sink. Be very careful with the splashes. Check for any remaining
soap. Then, dry your hands from fingers to wrist with paper towel. Throw the wet paper towel and get another one and continue the same
procedure for the other hand. Throw it again and get a new one if needed. So, we use a paper towel because it will prevent our skin from chapping.
Lastly, we should turn off the faucet using the same paper towel then throw it inside the trash bin. And that’s it for the handwashing procedure.
Thanks for watching.
