[SteveRN21]

We've found dead BUGS in our boxed nonsterile gloves, along with stuff that looks like dirt. We've changed manufacturers and haven't had a problem yet, but I kind of agree with what you said, your gloves are only as clean as your hands are.

[anniesong]

In my NICU we have a three minute scrub prior to entering the unit, and frequent handwashing or use of foam, and foam or handwashing between babies. We are required to use gloves on kids who've yet to have their first bath. Other than that, unless the baby is on precautions, we are not required to wear gloves. Some nurses wear the gloves when handling breastmilk, others don't, as it is considered up to each nurse to decide if they want to wear them for that task.

[BittyBabyGrower]

Depends on the kid as to whether or not I wear gloves for handling and feeding, if they have had some bug, glove up.

[nurseiam]

I think of feeding a baby breastmilk without gloves is like playing with someones pee!!! Its a body fluid and it doesn't belong to you!!!!

In our NICU we wear gloves with all vented babies, diaper changes, IV contact and breast milk contact, gowns for holding.

[nsgshortage]

I also wear gloves when diapering and any handling of breastmilk.

I do feel the babies also need the human touch with most aspects of their care. Most of the MRSA and infection I believe comes from the outside ie. parents, friends and relatives. Blaming the "nurse" for all the infections particularly in low socioeconomic groups is so ridiculous.

We're way cleaner than 99% of their clientele.

[viccar82]

We rarely ever wear gowns. Only for contact precautions. Gloves are similar to the others: with breasmilk, diaper changes, baths, suctioning, wound dressings. There are plenty of times when we move or comfort babies when we do not wear gloves. I think you need to use standard precuations, but allow for times without the gloves. :-)

[Deidre Shiobhan]

Originally Posted by chuddy

Just updating our standards and guidelines for infection control, currently we wear gloves and aprons for all contact with the babies (even after hand washing and when comforting them), i would like to stop the use of gloves when giving comfort and bottle feeding as i feel the babies need this human touch in relation to developmetnal care - wondered what other units do and rational behind this - i have the support of my head nurse
michelle

It's not our usual practice to wear gloves when we are feeding babies unless it's an infectious case and strict contact precaution must be carried out. I find it difficult to work around with gloves and I do agree that human touch is important especially in an area that's technology overwhelmed.

[fairytattoo]

Originally Posted by viccar82

We rarely ever wear gowns. Only for contact precautions. Gloves are similar to the others: with breasmilk, diaper changes, baths, suctioning, wound dressings. There are plenty of times when we move or comfort babies when we do not wear gloves. I think you need to use standard precuations, but allow for times without the gloves. :-)

Us too.
We don't have dedicated scrubs either, we wear in our scrubs and shoes from home, do a surgical scrub at the start of our shift and use lots of hand sanitizer. We only gown for pts in isolation.

[Kimbalou]

Originally Posted by chuddy

Just updating our standards and guidelines for infection control, currently we wear gloves and aprons for all contact with the babies (even after hand washing and when comforting them), i would like to stop the use of gloves when giving comfort and bottle feeding as i feel the babies need this human touch in relation to developmetnal care - wondered what other units do and rational behind this - i have the support of my head nurse
michelle

Personally, I wear gloves with feeding, esp. with breastmilk...and mainly because you never know when they'll throw up all over the place.