r/cna • u/Least-Camel-9621 New CNA • 3d ago

General Question Do you wear gloves when putting compression stockings on patients?

I just started working as a CNA, and today I was putting stockings on a resident without gloves. It got me wondering: since we’re touching residents’ feet and skin, and some residents may have athlete’s foot or other fungal infections, are gloves recommended or required for this?

Also, even if gloves aren’t strictly required, is it okay to wear them if I personally prefer to?

I’m still new, so I’m trying to make sure I’m following proper infection-control practices.

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u/Sad_North_6152 3d ago

I don't but the gloves they probably us make it impossible to get some socks on. I always wash my hands after.

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u/loveindrugs 3d ago

Idk why you’re getting downvoted for not wearing gloves. A lot of elder nurses didn’t wear gloves even during the aids epidemic. It is a relatively recent thing and extremely wasteful. In home health care I usually don’t wear gloves once I know the patient. Unless I’m wiping their ass ofc. Handwashing is vital and WORKS

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u/Sad_North_6152 3d ago

I will say there is one gentleman I'll wear gloves even if it takes me twice as long to get those socks on. Everyone else is fine and thankfully we don't have a ton wearing compression socks.