Fundamentals (RD)
“Hand Washing”
STEPS
1. Checks for completeness of supply.
2. Stands in front of the sink with the uniform not
touching the sink.
3. Removes Jewelry.
4. Turns on water and adjust its force.
5. Wets the hands from wrist area with fingers
pointing toward the bottom of the sink.
6. With the bar or liquid soap, lathers hands
thoroughly.
7. Rinses the bar soap and returns it to the soap
dish.
8. Washes hands for about 30 seconds with firm
rubbing and circular motions following the
correct sequence.
9. Use brush or fingernails of the other hand to
clean under fingernails of the other hand.
10. Rinses thoroughly and inspects for remaining
dirt or soap.
11. Turns off the faucet with use of paper towel.
RATIONALE WHAT TO DO?
 The sink is considered contaminated;
uniforms may carry organisms from place-
place.
 Removal of jewelry facilitates proper cleaning
of the hands and arms. ( microorganisms can
lodge in the settings of jewelry and under
rings)
 Water splashed from the contaminated sink
will contaminate your uniform. (Warm water
removes less of the protective oil of the skin
than hot water).
 The water should flow from least
contaminated area to the most contaminated
area; hands are more contaminated than
forearms.
 Rinsing the soap removes the lather that may
contain microorganism.
 Friction caused by firm rubbing and circular
motions.
 Length of hand washing is determined by the
degree of contamination.
 Organisms can lodge and remain under the
nails
 Running water rinses organisms and dirt into
the sink
 This prevents the nurse from picking up
microorganisms from the faucet handles.
 12. Dries hands and wrists with hand towel.  Drying the skin will prevent chapping.
Clean the hand in rotational motion. (chapping produces lesions)

“5 Moments for Hand Hygiene” Equipment’s

1. Before patient contact * liquid or bar soap

2. Before clean/aseptic procedure * towel (paper or cloth)
3. After body fluid exposure risk * trash can
4. After patient contact * sink with running water
5. After contact with patient surroundings. * lotion (optional)