What is the first thing a nurse aide should do before providing care to a resident?

Washing hands is a fundamental practice in infection control and is the first step a nurse aide should take before providing care to a resident. This action significantly reduces the risk of transmitting pathogens and protects both the resident and the caregiver from infections. Proper hand hygiene ensures that any contaminants are removed, thereby creating a safer environment for care.

Engaging in thorough handwashing before any interaction with residents is a critical part of maintaining health standards in healthcare settings. It is taught as a primary and essential action in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections and is a key component of standard precautions. Since proper hand hygiene is critical for patient safety and also helps in building trust with residents, it is prioritized before any procedural or personal interaction.