When should a nurse aide perform hand hygiene?

Hand hygiene is crucial in a healthcare setting to prevent the spread of infections. Performing hand hygiene before and after direct resident care is vital because this practice helps to protect both the nurse aide and the residents from potential pathogens. By washing hands before interacting with a resident, the aide reduces the risk of transmitting germs to the resident. Similarly, washing hands after providing care minimizes the chances of spreading any pathogens that may have been on the resident's skin or surfaces back to oneself or to other patients.

Hand hygiene should be a routine practice, not limited to specific situations like using the restroom, the end of a shift, or during meal times. Each of these scenarios does warrant hand hygiene, but only focusing on them neglects the continuous risk of infection during various interactions with residents throughout the day. This consistent approach to hand hygiene fosters a safer environment for both caregivers and residents, significantly contributing to overall health quality in healthcare settings.