New Nurse Completely Surprised!!!

[LPNlisaD]

Hello All,

New to allnurses, and just wanted to get some opinions. I am a new nurse (LPN), started my first week at a long term care facility. I have observed many nurses not wearing gloves while doing patient care. The nurses and aides were not wearing gloves when taking residents to the bathroom, and when drawing blood, and fingersticks. Just wondering if this was the norm where any of you work??

[flnursemichelle]

I am of the opinion that gloves are to protect the patient from you too. If you have something you don't know about, infection on your fingertips or something, you could pass it to the patient. Your bugs are different from their bugs and you don't want them to get sicker when their immune system is low. Just my opinion... :)

[kool-aide, RN]

I ALWAYS WEAR GLOVES!!!!!!!!!! I wouln't continue to work in healthcare If I couldn't wear gloves.

[Valarie7979]

I have not read all of the posts, so forgive me if I am repeating someone.

As a past Dir of Nursing in a few SNF's in several states, I would like to point out this: As a new nursing employee you are in a position to "see" with fresh eyes the things that are actually happening on the floor. The DON often does not see this for a variety of reasons, but usually because of time constraints and mostly because employees act differently when the DON is present.

I would suggest that (1) you check your facilities policies and procedures on "universal precautions" or whatever the current terminology is now. I am sure you will find a list of when you should be wearing gloves. This is federally and state mandated---all nursing homes/SNF's must have procedures about this, and they must inservice this procedure at least annually.

Then (2) go to the DON, or designated Infection Control Director, and voice your observations in a non-critical manner. Your managers will appreciate the input and may do some checking up on their own.

This is not only important for the patient's safety, but also for each employee's safety. In addition, it will keep infections from spreading within the facility (prevention is far easier than control after the fact)---and, it will help when everyone "automatically" knows what to do during annual survey inspections.

Good job--Keep noticing things. And always check your facility's P&P manual, it is a wealth of information. As a DON, I would have greatly appreciated you voicing your concern to me.