The Importance of Hand Washing

As working my way through practicum class, it has made me realize how important hand washing is in both the hospital setting and the home setting. Hands spread approximately 80 percent of frequent infections. For instance the cold and flu. In the hospital you are around many types of germs and it is important to wash your hand to protect yourself from getting sick as well as preventing the transmission of germs from patient to patient. Hand washing is the easiest form of protecting yourself from getting sick. Therefore make sure to wash your hands with soap and water or with hand antiseptic frequently throughout your daily tasks.

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2008). Staying Healthy is in Your Hands. Retrieved on November 21, 2008, from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/chn-rcs/handwash-eng.php

Here is a link to the CNO Infection Control Guidlines

http://www.cno.org/docs/prac/41002_infection.pdf