Past Studies on Nurses’ Long Nails Linked To NICU Baby Deaths

While most nurses and healthcare professionals of today are well-informed on the importance of proper hand hygiene, that hasn’t always been the case. A recent article discussing a NICU baby who passed away due to bacteria from a nurse’s long nails has prompted important conversations and stark reminders. According to the author of the article, the story is based on real-life events and Google searches around nurse nails and NICU deaths have increased 140% this week alone. So, let’s look at past studies that investigated the correlation between long nails and NICU infections and deaths. 

Artificial or natural nails that extend more than 1⁄4 inch beyond the fingertip can harbor more bacteria and pathogens than short nails, according to health experts. The additional surface area and spaces under longer nails create an ideal environment for the growth of dangerous microbes like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other staph bacteria. These pathogens can easily spread to patients through touch or improperly washed hands.

Recent Article Highlights NICU Patient Death Associated With Long Nails

An article recently published on KevinMD has sparked conversations online about long nails and artificial nails in the nursing profession and especially in the NICU. The author of the article discusses a case where a NICU baby contracted E.Coli and passed away. The infection was linked to a nurse’s long nails.

This article has sparked discussions online about the story and proper hand hygiene. 

A study published in the journal Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found a possible connection between long or artificial fingernails on nurses and an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) that lasted 5 months. The outbreak infected 10 infants, though fortunately none died. Swabs of the hands and fingernails of NICU nurses showed that those with long or artificial nails were more likely to test positive for P. aeruginosa, especially under the nails. The study suggests that long nails may harbor more bacteria and be harder to clean, demonstrating how even small factors can contribute to healthcare-associated infections.

When nurses trimmed or removed their long nails, the number of new Pseudomonas cases dropped, according to the study. Proper hand hygiene and nail care are critical for infection control, especially for healthcare workers in high-risk settings like NICUs.

Long or artificial fingernails on medical staff may make it more difficult to properly clean hands and nails, allowing more opportunities for bacteria like P. aeruginosa to grow and spread to patients. P. aeruginosa is a common cause of healthcare-associated infections and can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable patients like infants.

Another study found a correlation between long fingernails on nurses and lethal infections in 16 newborn babies. According to the report, 16 infants died in 1997 and 1998 in an Oklahoma City hospital intensive care unit, and the deaths were linked to pathogens found under the long fingernails of two nurses.

Dr. Michael Crutcher, the state epidemiologist involved in crafting the report, expressed, “We sensed the connection was sufficiently robust to warrant reporting. However, there was no definitive means to ascertain this as the transmission mechanism.”

Prevention: Proper Hygiene and Nail Care Standards

To prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings, the CDC recommends,

• Frequent hand washing, 

• Properly disinfecting hands, 

• Short natural nails for all staff. 

Most hospitals require,

•  Nursing staff to keep nails trimmed to 1⁄4 inch or less beyond the fingertip. 

• Artificial nails are prohibited. 

• These strict hygiene and grooming standards help minimize the risks of bacteria and pathogens accumulating and spreading to patients.

Hand Hygiene Vigilance

The studies highlight the need for continued vigilance with hand hygiene best practices in healthcare settings. By following proper hand hygiene and nail care guidelines, healthcare workers can limit the spread of dangerous pathogens and protect the vulnerable patients under their care.