4CNAs The Online Magazine
for Certified Nursing Assistants
The world may think you are only one person--But to one person, you may be their world.
Author Unknown.
Personal Hygiene For a CNA By Sandra Stevens
As a certified nursing assistant it is important to have strict maintenance of personal hygiene. Germs can lead to disease and thus defeat the duty of care a CNA has to provide to their patient.
When you first train to become a CNA personal hygiene is a very thorough chapter you will have studied. I shall recap the most important points as these are important when working at any healthcare facility.
Washing hands after each procedure is extremely important. Every facility has its own guidelines but most of the time you will be required to clean your hands with medicated soap so that it becomes germ free. You should also clean your hands when you use the restroom or when entering the health care centre.
Your hair needs to be well groomed as well. It should not be a distraction at anytime. Long hair can come in the way of performing an activity and can be unhygienic for the patient. If you have long hair it is best to keep them tied up while at work. You should wear clean uniforms to work every day. A spare uniform should be in your locker in case of an emergency. When working as a CNA you come across ill patients as well as potential germs in the air. Clean clothes ensure you do not carry unnecessary bacteria on you.
Clean and short nails is also important. You wouldn't want to accidentally scratch your patient. It would defeat the whole purpose of caring for a patient. Long nails store more dirt and bacteria and can again be a source of diseases. It may also come in the way of performing certain intricate procedures. Smoking is also a big NO when working as a CNA. If you do smoke you should do it long before you have to be at work. Any lingering smell can be potentially disturbing to the patient.
Keeping your teeth looking white and your mouth odor in check is a good way to ensure a pleasant outlook for your patients. You might want to grab some mints before work and chew them while on the job. This will keep your mouth smelling fresh when interacting with Doctors and patients. Most of the hygiene tips discussed above are common sense and you will have gone through them during your Red Cross CNA Classes. It is all part of ensuring the best possible experience for a patient while in your care.