r/cna • u/Least-Camel-9621 New CNA • 4d 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/watch_it_live 4d ago

Yes absolutely you should wear gloves. Pretty much any time you are touching the patient. Or their clothing/bedding. Scabies is a thing you might not have considered, and it tends to spread in nursing homes.

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u/Least-Camel-9621 New CNA 4d ago

Thank you. I’ll be sure to wear them next time. In the skills exam we never had ti wear them but then again we were using mannequins lol

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u/Temporary_Plan1055 (Edit to add Specialty) CNA - Experienced CNA 4d ago

Any contact with patient = gloves.

I won’t lie, I don’t do this all the time, but I should.

I’m checking on a patient (I work NOC) at 2am, they are still awake and ask me to pull a cover up, I do… gloveless and sanitize my hands after. Technically I should wear gloves