Hand Care in the Health Workplace – Free Micro-Course
Learn how to protect your skin, prevent infections, and keep your hands in top condition while working in healthcare.
This course covers essential fingernail hygiene, skin protection strategies, the correct use of hand creams, and workplace guidelines for jewellery, nail polish, and artificial nails.
If you want a certificate of completion for compliance or CPD purposes, please enrol in the course.
Enrol in the Free Hand Care Micro-Course
Why This Course Matters
In healthcare, hand care is about more than comfort. It is a critical infection prevention measure that keeps staff, patients, and visitors safe. Poor hand care practices can lead to skin irritation, dermatitis, and the spread of harmful microorganisms.
This course also includes the Hand Care in the Health Workplace Practice Policy, making it a valuable resource for clinics seeking to maintain compliance.
What You’ll Learn
By completing this course, you will be able to:
- Maintain short, clean nails to reduce infection risk.
- Keep skin intact and healthy despite frequent handwashing.
- Use hand creams effectively without compromising glove integrity.
- Follow workplace rules on jewellery, nail polish, and artificial nails.
- Apply the “bare below the elbow” policy during patient care.
Course Delivery
- Format: 100% online – study anytime, on any device.
- Certification: Certificate of Completion provided immediately after finishing the course.
- Access: No payment required. A login is required to track progress and issue your certificate.
Enrol Now to Get Your Certificate
Course Modules Overview
Module 1 – Fingernail Hygiene
- Keep nails short and smooth to prevent bacteria build-up.
- Avoid nail brushes; use a nail pick if necessary.
- Practical tip: Inspect nails before each shift and clean under them if needed.
Module 2 – Skin Integrity
- Protect skin from hot water, harsh soaps, and over-washing.
- Dry thoroughly after washing.
- Cover cuts and abrasions with water-resistant dressings.
Module 3 – Use of Hand Cream
- Choose aqueous-based creams compatible with workplace products.
- Apply 2–4 times daily (before work, during breaks, after shifts).
- Avoid oil-based creams before gloving.
Module 4 – Jewellery, Nail Polish, and Artificial Nails
- Remove rings, bracelets, and watches during clinical work.
- Short nails with intact nail polish are acceptable – but remove polish if chipped.
- No artificial nails or extensions in patient care settings.
Included Resource – Practice Policy: Hand Care in the Health Workplace
This course comes with a downloadable practice policy you can adapt for your workplace. It covers:
- General hand care requirements
- Nail and skin integrity rules
- Approved hand creams
- Jewellery and nail polish restrictions
- Reporting procedures for skin conditions
- Roles and responsibilities for compliance
Who Should Take This Course?
This micro-course is designed for:
- GPs and medical specialists
- Nurses and allied health staff
- Reception and administrative staff in healthcare
- Students and contractors working in clinics or hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I take the course without wanting a certificate?
Yes. You can read the course material without enrolling. However, if you want a certificate for compliance or CPD records, you must enrol.
Q: Is this course CPD-accredited?
It can be logged as self-recorded CPD. A certificate is provided as evidence.
Q: How long does it take?
Most learners finish in under one hour.
Q: Is the practice policy included?
Yes. You will receive the Hand Care in the Health Workplace Policy as part of the course.
Take the Next Step
Good hand care protects you, your colleagues, and your patients. Start learning today.