Should Healthcare & Service Providers Maintain Short Nails?

Natural well-kept nails are making a comeback in fashion and for everyday working people in various employment sectors. However, there are particular industries that may require or suggest that employees maintain and wear short and natural nails in order to prevent cross contamination and the spread of germs and bacterial infections. The healthcare industry is one industry that may enforce or prefer that employees only wear short and natural nails for the most obvious of reasons. Healthcare workers often come in contact with body fluids, blood and other bodily matter that can get trapped under the fingernails. Did you know that the CDC (center for disease control) also has guidelines on nail length and recommends that employees consider wearing a nail length of one-quarter-inch long if caring for patients at high risk for acquiring infections?

People who work in daycares, restaurants and similar jobs are what we consider service-based occupations. Wearing short nails may be the proper choice when working in such industries. Daycare workers often have to change baby diapers and handle other tasks involving children. Keeping the nails short also helps to eliminate accidentally scratching babies and kids when handling them in daycare and school-like environments. 

Restaurants and Bar workers deal with food and beverages and proper food sanitation is a major deal along with proper hand washing. Waitresses work in restaurants and having clean, short well-manicured nails look professional and decreases the chances of food debris getting caught underneath the nails. Cooks prepare meals from start to finish for customers and often deal with raw meat, vegetables and poultry. People working in this line of work should really pay close attention to how their nails are kept to avoid cross-contamination.

Ultimately, how a person wears their nails is a personal choice and preference; but consideration should be taken depending on workplace environment and lifestyle.  Natural nails compared to artificial nails are easier to maintain and require less up-keep to maintain. The cost factor for a natural nail service is typically less expensive if you decide to get your nails done by a professional at your local salon or spa. 

Resource Links: Nail Hygiene | CDC

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