nails

diane227, LPN, RN · Mar 9, 2009

I have acrylic nails and have had them forever. I don't actually understand what all the fuss is about. I wash my hands when I go into a room and immediately put on gloves. As I leave, I dispose of gloves and wash my hands again. I never touch a patient or anything in the room without gloves. I don't use any alcoholic hand cleaners because they make my hands feel dirty. I am not sure how my nails would contribute to any infection considering my routine for cleaning and using gloves. Any ideas?

animal1993 · Mar 22, 2009

Hi Diane!

Sorry it took so long to answer your question! Proper hand hygiene definitely makes a huge difference when it comes to contributing to any kind of infection, and as I said in my previous post, I don't think the enhancements themselves are the problem. However, as acrylic ages it tends to become more brittle (out toward the end of the nail) and has a tendency to crack, chip, peel, etc. Also, no matter how well acrylic is applied, with repeated exposure to water (handwashing) it usually begins to lift a little back by the cuticle. This would allow bacteria, etc. to become trapped under the acrylic and therefore be spread to other surfaces/patients. Remember: we don't wear gloves EVERY time we come in contact with a patient. Hope that helps!

NoviceRN10 · Mar 22, 2009

Nothing skeeves me out more than a nurse with unkempt nails! I am surprised at how some nurses keep them. I think tips and enhancements are probably germ farms.

truern · Mar 22, 2009

I guess it is the same as ceasing nurses to have identity badges hanging from lanyards as it has been proven to increase one's risk to develop nosocomial infection.

I haven't heard about this. Would you elaborate, please??

truern · Mar 22, 2009

http://aushealthit.blogspot.com/2008/01/infection-control-international-problem.html

http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/188_01_070108/kot10481_fm.pdf

However, this less alarmist researcher states:

http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/2007/1865746.htm

"It's very unlikely these [lanyards and badges] would transmit bugs to people. Theoretically there is the potential for transmission but in practical terms these bug numbers are relatively low," he says.

"But it's interesting and reinforces that, just as you wouldn't wear a shirt for weeks without washing it, lanyards and badges should be washed or changed as they can harbour some contamination."