Gel Nails

Editorial Team / Admin · Mar 5, 2015

There isn't really any consensus, as depicted in this thread: https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/anyone-heard-any-976791.html

However, the employer has the prerogative of setting dress code policies, and in order to remain employed there (sometimes certain policies may not be enforced by some managers, but then there's a change in management..), following policy is best.

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · Mar 5, 2015

I personally use gel polish because it doesn't chip ( at least mine don't ). My job is fine with gel polish. Just no chipped polish or acrylics.

mrsboots87 · Mar 6, 2015

My nursing instructor explained that when gel polish gets old, it can start to lift. Then germs can flourish under when the gel is lifting, because gel usually wont chip. Nails polish usually just chips off as it gets old so no place for bacteria to harbor. If you maintain the gel and get it redone on time, then lifting isnt an issue anyway. And I dont know what truth there is to the harboring of bacteria, but its just the rationale behind why my program wont allow gel polish on the nails. However, I buy a decent polish that when applied with a good top coat, looks just like gel and doesnt chip. I had to bring the bottle to prove it was basic nail polish, but gel and regular polish can appear the same so I dont know how you employer is going to be able to differentiate.

Bezoars · Mar 6, 2015

Here is my question about all of these nail polish issues.... aren't we not supposed to touch the patient without gloves on anyway? I have always wondered why nails are feared be so unsanitary if we are using proper protocol. Anyone have a good answer to this?

macawake, MSN · Mar 6, 2015

Here is my question about all of these nail polish issues.... aren't we not supposed to touch the patient without gloves on anyway? I have always wondered why nails are feared be so unsanitary if we are using proper protocol. Anyone have a good answer to this?

I'm not sure if I understand your question. Are you saying that it doesn't matter if our hands aren't as clean as possible since we cover them with gloves anyway?

I certainly touch my patients without gloved hands on occasion. I'd look silly putting on gloves before shaking their hand. Having no rings and no nail polish that can chip in my opinion increases the chance of soap and water and hand sanitizer actually doing the intended thing.

Non sterile gloves protect us more than our patients. If my hands are as clean as possible and don't have germs trapped in my chipped nail polish, I'll avoid contaminating the outside of the glove as I take it out of the box.

ixchel · Mar 6, 2015

I'm not sure if I understand your question. Are you saying that it doesn't matter if our hands aren't as clean as possible since we cover them with gloves anyway?
I certainly touch my patients without gloved hands on occasion. I'd look silly putting on gloves before shaking their hand. Having no rings and no nail polish that can chip in my opinion increases the chance of soap and water and hand sanitizer actually doing the intended thing.
Non sterile gloves protect us more than our patients. If my hands are as clean as possible and don't have germs trapped in my chipped nail polish, I'll avoid contaminating the outside of the glove as I take it out of the box.

This is my opinion, exactly. Even with the best of efforts, gross things get on my hands. I don't even want to imagine what some things we're exposed to will do to a finger nail once it's been trapped beyond soap's reach during a shift and then sealed in by the next gel fill. So gross. So, so gross.

Bezoars · Mar 6, 2015

I guess what I'm saying is that my hands are as clean as possible... always. I'm actually a bit of a germ-a-phobe. I actually wash my hands with real soap and water and try not to use that alcohol foam as much. I do wear nail polish and yes, I shake people's hands without gloves on, but I do that at church and the grocery store and the like. If I have a patient who is in neutrapenic precautions or who has something harsh likd C-diff... I'm gowning and gloving and all before I even enter their room. I am using the proper ppe in all of those situations. For everyone else, if I am doing anything with that patient other then shaking their hand in the hallway or touching their clothed shoulder with a word of encouragement... I am WEARING GLOVES. EVERY TIME. Therefore, I have always wondered why the nail thing has always been such a hotbed issue. If you are doing what you are supposed to be doing with patient care, your patients won't be coming in contact with your nails and you with their bacteria. I certainly don't dig in their wounds or change butts without gloves on... or any other procedure that would put me in direct contact with their bacteria.

FlyingScot, RN · Mar 6, 2015

This is my opinion, exactly. Even with the best of efforts, gross things get on my hands. I don't even want to imagine what some things we're exposed to will do to a finger nail once it's been trapped beyond soap's reach during a shift and then sealed in by the next gel fill. So gross. So, so gross.

Gel polished nails do not get "filled". You are confusing the gel polish with gel overlay nails (also called Pink and White nails). Gel polish is completely removed and hands are washed prior to new polish being applied.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Mar 6, 2015

I guess what I'm saying is that my hands are as clean as possible... always. I'm actually a bit of a germ-a-phobe. I actually wash my hands with real soap and water and try not to use that alcohol foam as much. I do wear nail polish and yes, I shake people's hands without gloves on, but I do that at church and the grocery store and the like. If I have a patient who is in neutrapenic precautions or who has something harsh likd C-diff... I'm gowning and gloving and all before I even enter their room. I am using the proper ppe in all of those situations. For everyone else, if I am doing anything with that patient other then shaking their hand in the hallway or touching their clothed shoulder with a word of encouragement... I am WEARING GLOVES. EVERY TIME. Therefore, I have always wondered why the nail thing has always been such a hotbed issue. If you are doing what you are supposed to be doing with patient care, your patients won't be coming in contact with your nails and you with their bacteria. I certainly don't dig in their wounds or change butts without gloves on... or any other procedure that would put me in direct contact with their bacteria.

There's another thread on the topic of whether to glove for every possible patient interraction, and by the responses it's obviously something we can't all agree on. I, personally, do NOT glove for every interraction: I take vitals, shake hands, tie gowns, etc etc etc without ever putting on a glove. There are others who won't ever touch a patient without gloving; for me that's insulting to the patient, for others, it's respectful. I had an instructor who would have a fit if she saw you helping a patient with things that did not require gloving but you had on gloves anyway; she felt it was an insult to dignity. I happen to agree. Others here have said that touching patients WITHOUT gloving seemed offensive.

Guess the upshot is do what you think is right!

ixchel · Mar 6, 2015

Gel polished nails do not get "filled". You are confusing the gel polish with gel overlay nails (also called Pink and White nails). Gel polish is completely removed and hands are washed prior to new polish being applied.

Ahhhh I did not know this! Gonna have to go learn more, I think.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Mar 6, 2015

Previous discussion: how do nurses wear nail polish?

Infection control issues documented in post #43:

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/how-do-nurses-702184-page4.html#post6432770