Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Health Screening • Case Management • Interdisciplinary Team

Hand Hygiene

Term from Patient Care industry explained for recruiters

Hand Hygiene is a fundamental healthcare practice that involves keeping hands clean to prevent the spread of infections in medical settings. It includes proper hand washing techniques, use of sanitizers, and following specific protocols before and after patient contact. This is one of the most basic yet crucial skills in healthcare, required across all medical facilities from hospitals to nursing homes. It's similar to infection control procedures but specifically focuses on hand cleanliness. When you see this term in resumes, it indicates the candidate understands and follows essential safety protocols in healthcare settings.

Examples in Resumes

Implemented Hand Hygiene protocols that improved compliance rates by 45%

Trained new staff on Hand Hygiene and infection control procedures

Led monthly Hand Hygiene audits and safety workshops

Achieved 100% compliance with Hand Washing protocols in pediatric unit

Typical job title: "Healthcare Workers"

Also try searching for:

Nurse Patient Care Technician Medical Assistant Healthcare Assistant Infection Control Specialist Clinical Staff Hospital Worker

Where to Find Healthcare Workers

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop and implement a hand hygiene compliance program?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that include creating policies, training staff, monitoring compliance, collecting data, and making improvements based on findings. They should mention working with different departments and leadership.

Q: How would you handle resistance to hand hygiene protocols from senior staff members?

Expected Answer: Should discuss professional communication, using data to show importance, leading by example, and working with management to ensure compliance while maintaining good working relationships.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the key moments for hand hygiene in patient care?

Expected Answer: Should mention the WHO's 5 moments: before patient contact, before clean procedures, after body fluid exposure, after patient contact, and after touching patient surroundings.

Q: How do you ensure proper hand hygiene when you're very busy with multiple patients?

Expected Answer: Should discuss time management, keeping supplies accessible, never skipping steps despite time pressure, and maintaining standards even during busy periods.

Junior Level Questions

Q: Describe the proper steps for hand washing in a healthcare setting.

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe basic steps: wet hands, apply soap, scrub all surfaces including between fingers for at least 20 seconds, rinse, and dry with paper towel.

Q: When would you use hand sanitizer versus soap and water?

Expected Answer: Should know that sanitizer is good for most situations but soap and water must be used when hands are visibly dirty or after caring for patients with certain infections.