REFLECTION: HANDWASHING

Handwashing is an essential practice that we, as future medical allied professionals, should
abide by. As aspiring Medical Laboratory Scientists, we were tasked to provide a return demo
based on what our mentor discussed in class. I was nervous to partake in the task, afraid that I
might make a mistake in explaining the rationale and the possibility of me skipping a step. In a
natural setting, like in our home, handwashing is simply rubbing your hands with a bar of soap
and rinsing them. However, handwashing in a medicinal environment is to follow the steps
strictly to avoid contamination, especially since hospitals are prone to diseases.
The first thing I did was explain to my mentor to wash my hands properly. I must first ensure
that I am bare below the elbow so that I won't contact any part of the faucet or sink. Then I
opened the faucet using a paper towel to ensure that I won't touch the faucet. I wet my hands
under running water before applying enough soap, and I explained that anti-bacterial soap is
preferable since it kills bacteria. Then, I put the soap on my hands and begin to clean the back
of my hands, brushing the palm of one hand over the back of the other with my fingers crossed
and doing the same with the other hand. Although I forgot to explain that you should rub your
hands together for 10 to 15 seconds, perhaps my nerves got the better of me. I then clean the
dirty and frequently overlooked interdigital space. I do this by stroking my fingers together
while they are interlaced. I then interconnect my fingers on the other hand and rub them
together once again. I do this to disinfect the back of my fingers from contamination. I move my
right hand around my left thumb and then repeat the process with my right hand. Additionally,
it is essential to use a nail brush to clean both hands' nails. After washing your hands, carefully
rinse them under running water, making sure to remove all sqwertyoap. To finish off my hand
washing, I closed the faucet using paper towels to prevent my hands from getting
contaminated. Finally, I dry my hands with a paper towel and discard them in the trash bin.
All of the procedures were done for us to be safe from contamination. I began to understand
the importance of hygiene, especially handwashing even further than before. Healthcare
professionals are responsible for treating the patients, so they are inclined to be hygienic when
tending to them. It was a tough yet accomplished moment as an OJT student. It served as the
first step in my journey to becoming a professional. I am sure to encounter more stressful tasks
that will make me ponder whether I am making the right choice for a course, but it also served
as a reminder that I am not doing this merely to pass the academes but to become someone
who will eventually help the people in the country. I made mistakes, but I am still a beginner,
and there is still room for improvement.