Today, administrators launched a handwashing campaign, part of which includes having patient care staff wear giant buttons that say, "Ask me if I washed my hands!" Patients are encouraged to ask this of their nurse/CNA/etc. every time s/he walks into their room. Every time.
I find this incredibly insulting both to my intelligence and to my professional practice as an RN. I cannot imagine what patients must be thinking: does it imply that we don't know enough to wash our hands? What else do they need to be checking up on, if we can't be trusted to have washed our hands after patient contact?
I understand that the aim is to decrease the spread of microorganisms. We all learned that in Nursing Fundamentals. I've listened to all the inservices on handwashing, antimicrobial foam and gel, and standard precautions ad nauseum. But this is way over the top. I don't ask my mechanic if he remembered to put all the parts back in my car and I don't ask my accountant if she used a calculator to figure out my taxes. I don't think I should be asked over and over if I'm doing my job, either.
We've had a hard enough time trying to be recognized as professionals without this nonsense. If I wanted to wear giant silly buttons at work I'd be waiting tables at TGI Fridays.
I told one of the administrators I'd consider wearing one if all the docs had to wear them, too. It's been a long time since I've seen some of them lather up before performing a bare-handed dressing change.
I wore one for a couple of days before it "fell off." Tried explaining to patients that we really don't wash hands in the traditional sense, but use the sanitizer located in every room. The button seemed to make the explanation necessary and then several looked at me in disbelief! I should clarify that we still do wash hand when visibly soiled and periodically throughout the day, but usually use sanitizer when entering a room and leaving.
If nurses have to wear the signs then every single healthcare worker should as well. From the nurse, CNA, MD, respiratory therapist ect... Let's take it up anotch anybody who enters hospital doors should wash their hands which would include administrators as well.
That is a very absurd idea and I would not wear the button. I would suddenly have amnesia when it would come to wearing it.. What? Where? What button? Oh! That button. I can't find it. I left it home. Oh! the pin itches.All of the answers with a dumbfounded smirk on my face. I'd have soo many excuses they'd think I was senile.
Timothy you rock!!! I especially liked the "ask me if we're short staffed this shift" idea. That has to be at least as dangerous to patients as our hands.
If I had to wear that pin I would give my 2 week notice that day...while I fulfill my two week notice, I'd wear a pin just beneath it saying "ask me how much longer I'll be employed here".
I would, however, gladly wear a pin saying "Ask your Doctor if he washed his hands".
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ZASHAGALKA, RN
3,322 Posts
DO THIS, DON'T DO THAT - CAN'T YOU READ THE SIGN?
~faith,
Timothy.