Handwashing

Handwashing is the most effective means of preventing nosocomial infections.

Before entering the nursery for the day, all staff should remove watches, rings, and bracelets and carefully wash their hands for 2 minutes. Generous lather should be generated, and attention paid to nails and web spaces. Hands should be rinsed thoroughly under running water from fingertips to wrists and dried with a rotating motion using 2-3 paper towels.

Once in the NICU, hands should be washed for 10 seconds before and after all patient contact. Hands should also be washed before contact with any clean patient equipment or supplies. All equipment and supplies in the nursery are considered clean except: chart and charting area, sink and sink area, linen hampers and waste disposal containers, walls and doors, chairs, and telephones.

Alcohol foam or gel products may be used to clean hands in an emergency when regular handwashing is not possible.