As a nursing assistant, you will need to be vigilant at all times about taking certain precautions to prevent the spread of infection. Standard precautions include the following:

Wearing gloves. In the of duty, you will come into contact with blood, bodily fluids, and secretions, broken skin (abrasions, acne, cuts, stitches, or staples), or mucous membranes (linings of the mouth, nose, eyes, vagina, rectum, and penis). You may be involved in mouth care, bathroom assistance, perineal care, or helping with a bedpan, urinal, or other containers for bodily fluids.

Wash your hands frequently. You will wash your hands before putting on gloves and immediately after removing them. Be careful not to touch clean objects with used gloves.

Remove gloves immediately after finishing a procedure.

Immediately wash all skin surfaces that have been contaminated with blood and bodily fluids.

Wear a disposable gown if you may come into contact with blood or other fluids.

Wear a mask and protective goggles if you may have come into contact with splashing or spraying blood or bodily fluids.

Wear gloves and use caution when handling razor blades, needles, or other sharp objects.

Never attempt to cap needles or other sharp objects. Instead, dispose of them in an approved container.

Avoid nicks and cuts. Always be careful when shaving residents.

Carefully bag all contaminated supplies. Dispose of them according to your facility’s policy.

Clearly label all bodily fluids that are being saved for a specimen with the resident’s name and a biohazard label. Keep them in a container with a lid.

Dispose of contaminated wastes according to your facility’s policy.