As a CNA, hand hygiene isn’t optional. It’s one of the most important things we do to protect our patients, our coworkers, and ourselves.

In healthcare, we work closely with people who may have weak immune systems. Germs spread fast through touch, surfaces, and even things you don’t realize you’ve touched. Proper handwashing prevents infections like the flu, stomach viruses, and more serious healthcare-associated infections.

Handwashing saves lives. It really does.

Now I’m going to walk you step-by-step through the correct way to wash your hands.

Step 1: Wet your hands

Turn on the water and wet your hands with clean, running water, warm or cold.

Step 2: Apply soap

Use enough soap to cover all surfaces of your hands.

Step 3: Lather and scrub for at least 20 seconds

Rub your hands together. Make sure to scrub:

• The backs of your hands

• Between your fingers

• Under your nails

• Your thumbs

• Your fingertips

• Around your wrists

If you need a timer, hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice. That’s about 20 seconds.

Step 4: Rinse thoroughly

Hold your hands under clean running water and rinse off all the soap.

Step 5: Dry your hands completely

Use a clean paper towel or air dryer. Wet hands spread germs more easily than dry hands.

Step 6: Turn off the faucet safely

If you’re in a healthcare setting, use a paper towel to turn off the faucet so you don’t recontaminate your clean hands.