CNA Fingernail Care
Nail care is an essential skill that helps people to feel and be more comfortable. As a CNA, part of your job is to ensure that you are performing nail care regularly and properly for your patients.
What Is the Purpose of Nail Care?
Proper nail care helps to reduce the risk of injury and infection for your patients. The beds of the nails can hold onto a wide array of microorganisms that can increase the risk of infection for your patient. There is also the risk of injury for patients who take blood thinners and those who are confused or unconscious because they could scratch themselves.
When you perform nail care, you are helping to keep their nails clean and trimmed to a safe level. The key is to ensure that you do it properly so that your patients get the full benefit of the process.
How to Perform Nail Care?
There are several steps to take to ensure that you properly perform CNA nail care for your patients. These include:
- Gather all of your equipment (according to the guidelines stated at your facility).
- Wash your hands and put on a clean pair of gloves.
- Use warm water to soak the feet and hands of your patient because this makes the nails softer.
- Carefully remove all dirt and debris from below the patient’s nails.
- Use a nail clipper to trim each nail using a straight across stroke. Only cut one nail at a time during this process.
- Use an emery board to gently round the edges of each nail so that there are no sharp points on their nails.
- Apply a lotion to the feet and hands if this is allowed for your patient.
- Dispose of all of your supplies in the proper container.
- Help your patient get into a comfortable position.
- Dispose o your gloves and wash your hands.
Video of Nail Care Procedure
Expert Tips & Advice for CNAs to Know About Nail Care
Before you perform nail care it is important to inspect the patient’s nails, hands, and feet for signs of infection. If you notice issues, such as discoloration or nail thickening, you should tell the nurse this so that they can determine if treatment is needed.
Always ensure that the equipment that you will use is sterile. Many facilities have disposable nail care kits that you can use so that you are only using one kit per patient to reduce the risk of things like spreading fungal nail infections.
FAQ About CNA Nail Care
Many facilities do not allow their CNAs to cut the toenails of diabetic patients. This is due to the potential for infection, injury, and associated liability. In most cases, a doctor, such as a podiatrist will perform nail care for diabetic patients.
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