CNA Skills # 14 : Clean and Trim the Resident's Finger Nails

1. Perform "opening procedure" (includes hand hygiene).
2. Apply gloves. (OK to remove gloves, sanitize hands, and re-glove as needed).
3. Place towel under resident's hands for comfort and hygiene.
4. Soak resident's fingernails in a basin of warm water prior to trimming. Use soap to clean them.
5. Push back cuticles gently with a washcloth and/or orange stick padded with cotton.
6. Use orange stick to clean under dirty fingernails.
7. Change water and rinse resident's hands.
8. Dry resident's hands thoroughly.
9. Use clippers to trim fingernails straight across.
10. Use nail file/emery board to smooth rough and sharp edges after trimming.
11. Offer lotion and gently massage resident's hands.
12. Dispose of linens and trash appropriately.
13. Return clippers to facility designated dirty area (or to resident's personal grooming kit).
14. Remove gloves and wash hands.
15. Perform 'closing procedure" (includes hand hygiene).