Liam Carter
The popularity of gel manicures has raised questions about whether nurses can wear them at work. While gel manicures can provide an attractive, long-lasting option, they may not always be suitable for nursing and other healthcare professions. This is because the priority in healthcare settings is to maintain high standards of hand hygiene to ensure patient safety. In this context, it is important to consider the guidelines set by organisations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the policies of specific employers or nursing schools, which may vary.
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What You'll Learn
Infection control protocols
The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines prohibit artificial nails and extenders for all healthcare workers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines also advise against artificial nails, particularly for those caring for patients at high risk of infection. The CDC recommends keeping natural nails short, at less than a quarter of an inch in length.
Many healthcare facilities have expanded these guidelines to include a ban on nail gels, gel colours, and other manicure treatments for direct care providers. This is because manicures, especially chipped ones, can harbour bacteria and increase the risk of infection. The Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN) and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) have also made statements discouraging the use of gel polish in operating rooms due to a lack of evidence supporting its safe use.
While gel polish can provide a protective layer to natural nails, it may still be prohibited in healthcare settings due to concerns about bacterial growth, the use of UV light, and the potential difficulty in removal. Therefore, it is essential for nurses to follow their specific employer's or institution's policies regarding nail care and adhere to infection control protocols to ensure patient safety.
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Artificial nails vs gel polish on natural nails
Artificial nails, also known as acrylic nails, are created by painting a gummy paste—a mixture of polymer and monomer—onto the nail with a brush. This paste then hardens when it comes into contact with air. Acrylics are usually applied on top of natural nails using glue or adhesive and can be harmful if worn frequently. They are often used to strengthen and shape the natural nail, and nail polish is typically painted on top to add colour.
Gel polish, on the other hand, is a type of nail polish made from acrylic monomers and oligomers that bond together under UV or LED light. Unlike regular nail polish, gel polishes cannot dry naturally and need to be cured under a lamp. The main benefit of gel polish is its longevity—it lasts a minimum of two to three weeks, whereas regular polish rarely goes a week without chipping. Gel polish is also resistant to smudging and will not chip as regular polish does.
In terms of safety, the World Health Organization (WHO) prohibits artificial nails and extenders for all healthcare workers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also advises against artificial nails for healthcare workers, as they can harbour harmful bacteria. Even for natural nails, the CDC recommends keeping them shorter than 1/4 inch in length.
For nurses, the use of artificial nails or gel polish may be discouraged or prohibited due to infection control protocols. However, this does not seem to be strictly enforced, and some nurses continue to have manicures.
Overall, gel polish on natural nails is a safer option than artificial nails, as it does not cause any permanent damage to the natural nail and is less likely to harbour bacteria. It is also a more low-maintenance option, as artificial nails require more frequent fills and can be high-maintenance for those with fragile or easily breakable nails.
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Hand hygiene and patient safety
Hand hygiene is a critical aspect of patient safety, and maintaining high standards of hand hygiene is essential for nurses and other healthcare professionals. While gel nails offer an attractive option for a long-lasting manicure, there are important considerations regarding patient safety that nurses must keep in mind.
Firstly, it is essential to understand that hands are a common vector for the transmission of pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. The area under fingernails, in particular, can collect large amounts of harmful bacteria, which can lead to hospital-acquired infections. According to a study published in the "American Journal of Infection Control" in 1989, nurses with artificial nails had higher counts of gram-negative bacteria, such as Enterobacter, Serratia, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas, even after hand washing. Gram-negative bacteria are more challenging to eradicate than gram-positive bacteria, and they are responsible for hospital-acquired infections.
As a result, several organizations have guidelines in place regarding the use of artificial nails and nail polish by healthcare workers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against artificial nails for healthcare workers, especially those caring for patients at high risk of infection. The CDC also recommends keeping natural nails trimmed to less than a quarter of an inch in length. The World Health Organization (WHO) has similar guidelines, prohibiting artificial nails and extenders for all healthcare workers.
While gel polish can be applied directly to natural nails and may not increase bacterial counts, it is important to follow institutional policies. The Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN) and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) have stated that gel polish should not be worn in operating rooms due to insufficient evidence supporting its safe use.
Therefore, to ensure patient safety, nurses should prioritize hand hygiene and adhere to their specific employer's or nursing school's nail care policies. Clean, short, natural nails are generally recommended as the safest option for healthcare professionals.
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Nail care policies for nurses
Artificial Nails and Extenders
The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines prohibit artificial nails and extenders for all healthcare workers, including nurses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also advises against artificial nails, especially for nurses who care for patients at high risk of acquiring infections. Many healthcare facilities have expanded these guidelines to ban artificial nails, nail gels, and gel colors for all direct care providers.
Natural Nails
For natural nails, it is recommended to keep them short, with a length of less than 1/4 inch or less. This helps reduce the risk of collecting bacteria and fungi under the nails, which can lead to hospital-acquired infections.
Gel Manicures
While gel manicures offer a long-lasting and attractive option, their safety for nurses has been debated. Some sources suggest that gel polish can be applied directly to natural nails, and there is little evidence to suggest that it increases bacterial counts. However, the Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN) and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) have stated that gel polish should not be worn in operating rooms due to limited studies and insufficient evidence of its safe use.
Institution-Specific Policies
It is important to note that nail care policies may vary between different healthcare institutions. Nurses should always check with their specific employer or nursing school to understand their nail care guidelines. Some areas, such as surgery or chemo units, may be more stringent about the need for short, natural nails to maintain patient safety.
In conclusion, while nurses may want to enjoy the self-care benefits of manicures, patient safety must take priority. Adhering to the nail care policies set by healthcare organizations and individual institutions is crucial to ensure the well-being of patients and prevent the spread of infections.
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Pros and cons of gel nails
Gel nails are a popular choice for many, but they come with some potential drawbacks, especially for nurses.
Pros
Gel nails are long-lasting, with a high-shine, durable finish that can last up to three weeks without chipping. This makes them a great option for those seeking a long-lasting manicure. The gel formula also soaks deeper into the nail plate, strengthening the bond and resulting in a perfect manicure for an extended period. Additionally, gel nail polish was designed to mimic natural nails, allowing for a wide range of styles, from a timeless French manicure to more creative designs.
Cons
The application and removal of gel nails are more complex and time-consuming than traditional nail polish. The process requires an LED light to cure the polish, and removal often involves soaking the nails in acetone. This can be tricky, and improper removal can lead to nail damage. Furthermore, the cost of gel nails is typically higher due to the need for special equipment and the longer application process.
For nurses, the potential health risks associated with gel nails are a significant concern. Infection control protocols discourage or prohibit manicures in healthcare settings due to the risk of bacterial growth, especially in artificial nails. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise against artificial nails and gels for healthcare workers to prevent the spread of hospital-acquired infections.
Therefore, while gel nails offer aesthetic and durability benefits, they may not be the best choice for nurses due to the potential health risks and the time and cost involved.
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Frequently asked questions
No, gel nails are not safe for nurses. The World Health Organization (WHO) prohibits artificial nails and extenders for all healthcare workers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against artificial nails for healthcare workers caring for patients at high risk of acquiring infections.
Gel nails can harbour bacteria and fungi, increasing the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
Nurses can apply gel polish directly to their natural nails. However, it is important to keep them short and scrub well to remove any polish as soon as it starts chipping.
The CDC guidelines state that healthcare workers in high-risk areas must not wear artificial nails. The WHO guidelines prohibit all direct care providers from wearing artificial nails or extenders.
