Noah Sinclair
Nurses are often prohibited from having gel nails due to the risk of bacteria becoming trapped underneath. A study by the 'American Journal of Infection Control' found that artificial nails, including gel nails, can harbor higher counts of gram-negative bacteria, such as Enterobacter and Serratia, which can cause hospital-acquired infections. As a result, many healthcare facilities have implemented guidelines prohibiting gel nails for nurses and other direct care providers to ensure patient safety. However, some nurses still choose to have gel nails, and the enforcement of these guidelines varies across institutions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gel nails in nursing | Not allowed in many healthcare facilities due to bacteria build-up |
| Examples | Gel overlays, gel manicures, gel colours, gel polish |
| Alternatives | Regular nail polish, nail strengtheners |
| Regulations | The World Health Organization prohibits artificial nails and extenders for all healthcare workers |
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What You'll Learn
Gel nails can harbour bacteria
While some nurses have reported wearing gel nails to work, it is generally not recommended. This is because gel nails can harbour bacteria, which can increase the risk of infection for patients.
Several studies have evaluated the bacterial burden of gel nails, standard nail polish, and natural nails on the hands of healthcare workers. These studies found that all nail products tested become more contaminated with bacteria over time, regardless of the type of nail product applied. However, standard nail polish and natural nails may be more amenable to hand hygiene than gel nails, as they can be more effectively cleaned using alcohol hand gel.
One study, in particular, found that while bacterial burden increased over time for all nail types, reductions in bacterial burden were only seen after hand hygiene for natural nails and standard nail polish, but not for gel nails. This suggests that gel nails may be more difficult to clean and disinfect effectively, which could lead to a higher risk of bacterial transmission to patients.
Another study found that while gel nails did not show an increased number of microorganisms compared to other nail products, they were more difficult to clean using alcohol hand gel. This difficulty in cleaning and disinfecting gel nails could potentially increase the risk of bacterial transmission in a healthcare setting.
Therefore, it is important for nurses and other healthcare workers to consider the potential risks associated with gel nails and prioritize the safety and well-being of their patients when making decisions about their nail care.
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Patient safety is a priority
Nails, whether natural or artificial, can harbour bacteria, especially in the tiny cracks and gaps that may form over time. This is a concern for nurses as their hands are in constant contact with patients, medical equipment, and other surfaces, providing ample opportunities for bacterial transfer and potential infections.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken a firm stance, prohibiting artificial nails and extenders for all healthcare workers. This directive is supported by research published in the "American Journal of Infection Control". The study compared the fingertip cultures of nurses with artificial nails to those with natural nails, finding significantly higher levels of gram-negative bacteria on the artificial nails, even after hand washing. These types of bacteria, including Enterobacter, Serratia, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas, are known causes of hospital-acquired infections and are more challenging to eradicate than gram-positive bacteria.
To ensure patient safety, healthcare facilities have implemented strict guidelines regarding nails. Many institutions have expanded their policies to prohibit artificial nails, nail gels, and gel colours for nurses and other direct care providers. The Joint Commission, responsible for accrediting healthcare organisations, endorses these guidelines and encourages the development and enforcement of nail care policies tailored to each facility.
While it may be inconvenient for nurses who enjoy having gel nails, the potential risk to patients' health takes precedence. As such, nurses are often required to forego gel nails and opt for natural nails to maintain the highest standards of hand hygiene and safeguard patient well-being.
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Nails can be a place for bacteria to multiply
This is because cracks can form between the nail additive and the nail bed, allowing bacteria to invade and multiply. A study in the *American Journal of Infection Control* found that, even after hand washing, artificial nails harboured higher counts of gram-negative bacteria responsible for hospital-acquired infections, such as Enterobacter, Serratia, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas. Gram-negative bacteria are more complex to kill than gram-positive bacteria, so it is especially concerning that nails could help increase their spread.
Some nurses have reported that their facilities do not enforce these guidelines, and they have not been sent home for having manicures. However, this does not change the fact that gel nails can pose a risk to patients.
To maintain the highest standards of hand hygiene and ensure patient safety, clean, short, natural nails are recommended for healthcare professionals.
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Hospitals have varying policies
The World Health Organization (WHO) prohibits artificial nails and extenders for all healthcare workers. This is because artificial nails, including gel nails, can harbor bacteria in cracks and dark gaps, even after hand washing. Studies have shown that artificial nails have higher counts of gram-negative bacteria, which are more complex to kill and can cause hospital-acquired infections. As such, many healthcare facilities have expanded their guidelines to prohibit gel nails and other artificial nail enhancements for direct care providers.
However, some nurses may still choose to have gel nails, especially with the nationwide nurse staffing crisis, as they are unlikely to be sent home due to their manicures. Additionally, modern nail technologies, such as gel polish, can provide a thick, protective layer that strengthens natural nails and may be more suitable for healthcare settings. While gel polish is cured under UV or LED light, resulting in a durable, chip-resistant finish, the use of UV light and potential difficulty in removal may still make it unsuitable for some hospitals.
It's important to always check with your specific employer or nursing school for their nail care policies, as they can vary between institutions. Some facilities may have a dress code that addresses nails, and it is crucial to adhere to these guidelines to maintain a professional appearance and ensure patient safety. Ultimately, the decision to forgo certain self-care services may be necessary to prioritize patient well-being.
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Nails can chip and break
While some nurses report having gel nails without management raising the issue, it is generally not recommended. Nails can chip and break, creating spaces for bacteria to hide and multiply. This is a particular concern in healthcare settings, where the highest standards of hand hygiene must be maintained to ensure patient safety.
A study published in the *Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology* found that artificial nails can form cracks, allowing bacteria to invade and fester. This is supported by a 1989 study in the *American Journal of Infection Control*, which compared the fingertip cultures of nurses with artificial nails to those with natural nails. The study found that, even after hand washing, the artificial nails harboured higher counts of gram-negative bacteria responsible for hospital-acquired infections.
The World Health Organization (WHO) prohibits artificial nails and extenders for all healthcare workers, and many healthcare facilities have expanded these guidelines to include nail gels and gel colours for all direct care providers. The Joint Commission, which accredits healthcare organisations, supports these guidelines and encourages facilities to develop and enforce their own nail care policies.
It is important to prioritise patient safety and maintain hand hygiene standards, even if this means forgoing certain types of manicures. Clean, short, natural nails are generally considered the safest option for healthcare professionals, and some modern nail technologies may be more suitable for healthcare settings than traditional acrylic nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Many healthcare facilities prohibit artificial nails, nail gels, and gel colours for all direct care providers to ensure patient safety. The World Health Organization also prohibits artificial nails and extenders for all healthcare workers. However, some nurses may still have them and not face repercussions due to the nursing shortage.
Gel nails can lift, harbouring bacteria. A 34-year-old study found that nurses with artificial nails had higher counts of gram-negative bacteria responsible for hospital-acquired infections.
Regular nail polish is generally fine for nurses as it lifts off and away, so it won't hold bacteria. Some modern nail technologies may also be suitable for healthcare settings, though policies vary by institution.
