Will nursing wreck my hands?

Published

Hi!

This may seem like a strange question, but as I am waiting to find out if I made it into nursing school I am wondering if nursing is hard on your hands? Does all the hand washing and glove wearing wreck them? In the winter my cuticles can sometimes crack and bleed, and I just wash my hands the usual amount (before and after cooking, after restroom), so I wondered if that is an issue for anyone, and if so, what you do about it. Has anyone dropped out of nursing because their hands couldn't hack it?

Are you worried that you'll never play the piano again? Seriously though, just keep lotion around.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I would like to thank all the PPs for not ONCE mentioning how UNFAIR it is that we can't have pretty acrylic and polished nails like all their friends. Did the students not find this thread yet? LOL

But it's my best excuse for never having acrylics and polish!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

People with dry skin would be well advised to keep a jar of moisturizer with them. I would worry more about ruining your back or losing your mind before your hands. I could qualify for a disability with my back, sometimes it takes me 45 minutes to get out of bed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Are you worried that you'll never play the piano again? Seriously though, just keep lotion around.

You got me! I am a piano teacher at this point, and when the eczema gets bad it grosses me out. I just figured it would be that much worse if I was washing my hands constantly.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
People with dry skin would be well advised to keep a jar of moisturizer with them. I would worry more about ruining your back or losing your mind before your hands. I could qualify for a disability with my back, sometimes it takes me 45 minutes to get out of bed.

That sounds terrible! I know I am naive about this, but don't they have systems to help you move people? Is it the repositioning that does a number on your back?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pushing a rock ....

For me, it was the grossly obese who have no motivation, do nothing for themselves and constantly whine about not getting enough attention to their 'needs'... I admit, my cheerleader skills have been stretched pretty thin at times...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Especially in winter, my hands crack and bleed if I do not treat them several times a day with lotion. A few brands I recommend.

1. Hawaiian Moon. This is medical grade aloe Vera and it is amazingly great. I put it on twice a day.

2. Aveeno Hand Cream. I use this when I can find it. Aveeno is natural and can give you great coverage. Use it PRN. A

3. Big Fat Yummy Hand Cream by Perfectly Posh. It's affordable, and some of the most amazing, all natural stuff out there. Just watch patients with sensitive noses, as these are scented. I recommend using this after a shift b

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Gold bond makes a hand sanitizer...can buy on Amazon and it is great.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes, nursing WILL ruin your hands, feet, back, knees etc

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes, nursing is hard on your hands, back, kidneys, heart, knees, social life, family life. On the other hand, it's a very rewarding profession.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

OR nurses, who wash their hands in harsh detergents more than anyone, swear by Cural. I have been using that and Aveeno for years. No cracks nor any dryness

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nursing will be hard on your hand but just take care of them, plenty of creams and wear gloves.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion