What should a nursing assistant do to ensure compliance with infection control practices?

Washing hands frequently is a fundamental practice in infection control. Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections within healthcare settings. By properly washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, a nursing assistant can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting pathogens to themselves, other residents, and healthcare workers. This practice is critical before and after patient contact, after using the restroom, and after handling potentially contaminated materials.

Moreover, it is important to understand that while antibiotics can treat infections, they are not appropriate for all residents and should only be administered by licensed healthcare providers. Isolating residents with chronic conditions may not be necessary unless they are actively infected with something contagious, and delaying care could lead to worse health outcomes for residents. Therefore, emphasizing proper hand hygiene highlights proactive measures to prevent infections and protect the health of everyone in a healthcare setting.