Handwashing in nursing is critical for patient safety Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are a serious issue in hospitals and other healthcare institutions. When you are a practical nurse, the last thing you want to do is to spread a patient’s infection to yourself, to other patients, or to loved ones at home. What are the things an LPN needs to know about infection prevention? When you are in nursing school to become an LPN, you will learn about Standard Precautions that are designed to help prevent the transmission of diseases. These precautions cover everything from protective equipment (like masks, gowns, and gloves) to needlestick protocols to waste disposal. This article looks at one key tool in the fight against infection, and that is proper hand hygiene. Washing your hands may sound…