Good Housekeeping Practices in Nursing

Nurses are required to maintain good housekeeping practices in order to ensure a safe and healthy environment for patients and hospital or clinic employees. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, good housekeeping efforts include maintaining areas and equipment so that they remain orderly and sanitary.

Walk-Working Surfaces

• Walking and working surfaces must remain dry, clean and uncluttered, according to OSHA. Slipping, tripping and falling accidents can occur in medical facilities, especially when floors are left wet, slippery or full of debris. Nurses must never leave spills or leaks unattended to, and if medication or medical devices fall onto the floor, they must be picked up immediately.

Garbage

• Nurses should make daily rounds to empty garbage cans from exam rooms, waiting rooms and bathrooms. Allowing garbage to pile up causes foul odors and becomes unsanitary.

Sanitization

• Exam tables should be wiped down at the end of the day, as well as chairs, door handles, waiting room tables and toys. Bathrooms should always be cleaned and sanitized with anti-bacterial cleaning agents.

Sterilization

• To keep medical equipment in clean condition, nurses must sterilize the equipment after every use. Sterilization ensures that germs and bacteria are killed before the tools are used on the next patient.