Hospital infection prevention is a shared responsibility, and nurses are central to applying safe practices throughout patient care.

From hand hygiene and protective equipment to aseptic procedures, environmental hygiene, and patient education, consistent nursing practices help limit the spread of infectious microorganisms.

Healthcare-associated infections can develop during healthcare delivery and affect patients, healthcare workers, or visitors. A systematic approach to infection prevention helps maintain a safer care environment and supports high-quality patient care.

Perform Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is a fundamental part of infection prevention. Nurses should clean their hands at key moments, including before patient contact, before clean or aseptic procedures, after exposure to body fluids, after patient contact, and after contact with the patient's surroundings.

Alcohol-based hand rub is generally appropriate when hands are not visibly soiled. Soap and water should be used when hands are visibly dirty and in specific circumstances where handwashing is recommended.

Effective hand hygiene requires complete coverage of the hands and attention to the recommended technique and duration.

Select and Use PPE Appropriately

Personal protective equipment (PPE) provides a barrier against potentially infectious material. Depending on the anticipated exposure, it may include gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection.

Nurses should assess the task and select PPE accordingly. Correct donning and removal are essential because improper removal can transfer microorganisms to the hands, clothing, or surrounding surfaces.

PPE should complement, rather than replace, hand hygiene and other infection-prevention measures.

Apply Standard Precautions

Standard precautions form the foundation of infection prevention and apply to every patient, regardless of known or suspected infection.

“Standard Precautions are the basic practices that apply to all patient care, regardless of the patient’s suspected or confirmed infectious state.” — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

They include hand hygiene, risk-based PPE use, respiratory hygiene, safe injection practices, and appropriate handling of contaminated equipment and materials.

Applying standard precautions consistently supports safe care and reduces reliance on assumptions about a patient's infection status.

Apply Transmission-Based Precautions When Required

Some infections require additional measures based on how the infectious agent spreads. These may include contact, droplet, or airborne precautions in addition to standard precautions.

Nurses help implement these measures by following facility protocols, using the required PPE, communicating precautions clearly, and following guidance regarding patient placement, movement, and exposure.

Maintain Clean Equipment and Care Areas

Medical equipment and frequently touched surfaces can become contaminated during patient care. Cleaning and disinfection should follow facility procedures and the manufacturer's instructions for each item.

Reusable equipment should be processed appropriately between patients when required. Patient-care areas should also be kept orderly and maintained according to established environmental hygiene procedures.

Maintain Safe Medication Practices

Medication preparation and administration require careful attention to aseptic technique. Nurses should use designated clean preparation areas and take measures to prevent contamination of medications, syringes, and other supplies.

Injection equipment must never be reused between patients. Single-dose containers should be used according to established safety requirements, while multidose containers should be handled according to facility procedures.

Safe medication practices help protect patients from contamination associated with medication preparation and administration.

Maintain Aseptic Technique During Procedures

Wound care, vascular access, urinary devices, injections, and other invasive procedures require appropriate aseptic technique.

Nurses should prepare necessary equipment, maintain required barriers, avoid touching critical components, and follow established clinical procedures. Careful technique minimizes opportunities for microorganisms to enter vulnerable sites during patient care.

Identify Changes That Require Assessment

Nurses regularly observe patients and can identify changes that may require further clinical assessment.

Potential indicators include fever, new respiratory symptoms, changes around a medical device, unusual wound findings, or an unexpected change in overall condition. Relevant findings should be assessed, documented, and communicated according to clinical protocols.

Prompt recognition supports appropriate evaluation and timely management.

Handle Sharps, Linen, and Waste Properly

Sharps, used linen, and healthcare waste require appropriate handling to maintain a safe care environment.

Sharps should be placed immediately into designated puncture-resistant containers. Used linen should be handled carefully to minimize agitation and contamination of nearby surfaces. Healthcare waste should be separated and disposed of according to facility procedures and applicable requirements.

Educate Patients and Families

Patients and families can support infection prevention by practicing hand hygiene, following required precautions, covering coughs and sneezes appropriately, and avoiding unnecessary contact with medical equipment or dressings.

Nurses should explain safety measures in clear, accessible language and encourage patients and families to ask questions when they are unsure about a precaution.

Effective education promotes understanding and supports cooperation with the care plan.

Consistent Practice Supports Safer Care

Hospital infection prevention depends on reliable practices across every stage of patient care. Nurses contribute by maintaining hand hygiene, selecting PPE appropriately, applying standard and transmission-based precautions, using aseptic technique, maintaining safe medication practices, supporting environmental hygiene, recognizing changes that require assessment, and educating patients and families.

Integrating these measures into routine nursing practice helps create a safer healthcare environment and supports quality care for patients, families, and healthcare workers.