What gloves should nurses wear?
Summary – Nitrile is recommended for nurses because of its superior comfort, protection and durability when compared to latex and vinyl alternatives.
Nurses deserve the best disposable gloves that protect themselves, their patients, and their families from infectious diseases and other hazards.
Long-term care facilities, staff, and residents benefit from enhanced barrier precautions (EBP), including gowns, gloves, eyewear, and face masks, during high-contact resident care activities.
Standard precautions by the CDC recommend wearing gloves when there is any possibility of contact with bodily fluids.
What disposable glove material is best for nurses?
Nitrile and latex gloves are preferred during the COVID-19 pandemic due to their strength and durability.1
Latex gloves provide moderate protection with a comfortable feel and fit while allowing good touch sensitivity and tactile feedback.2 Vinyl gloves offer a similar degree of protection to latex but are not as durable.2 Both vinyl and latex allow for precision tasks to be completed.
The main reason nitrile gloves are best is that nitrile gloves are chemical and puncture-resistant while providing chemical resistance and rugged durability.2
What are the downsides of nitrile gloves for nurses?
Many adverse skin reactions, including irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and contact urticaria, have been reported using all types of gloves.3 Nitrile gloves can cause skin irritation in rare cases (< 1%) which is why the CDC recommends nitrile gloves for use in healthcare settings.⁴
Nitrile is the best material for nurses because of its durability, tensile strength, and comfort. Most prefer nitrile as their best latex-free glove material when choosing a glove material.
Some nurses prefer latex gloves due to their natural fit and feel. Latex is a rubber processed from tree sap, making it a sustainable material, but it can cause irritation in approximately 5% of health care workers.⁵
What are the benefits of latex gloves for nurses?
Latex gloves offer moderate barrier protection with superior comfort and feel. Nurses can still perform tasks requiring precise tactile feedback when using latex.
Latex is a natural material and a sustainable choice. As of February 2022, latex gloves can be found for half the cost of nitrile. If you intend to use the gloves are examinations or quick tasks requiring frequent glove changes, it makes sense to try latex or vinyl and save money.
What are the downsides of latex gloves for nurses?
Latex rubber can cause minor irritation or contact dermatitis in some cases. Nurses who are required to wear latex gloves may find their hands sweaty after an extended shift, so we recommend nylon glove liners to prevent discomfort.
What are the benefits of vinyl gloves for nurses?
Vinyl gloves offer moderate protection and good tactile feedback but are not comparable in comfort to nitrile or latex.
What are the downsides of vinyl gloves for nurses?
When most choose between vinyl or nitrile, the choice is obvious. Nitrile offers superior barrier protection, comfort, and durability compared to vinyl.
Most choose vinyl gloves because of how competitively priced the gloves are. If you need gloves that will be disposed of quickly, use vinyl.
Where can I buy nurse gloves?
Harmony Lab & Safety Supplies is your disposable gloves and medical supplies source. Improve job satisfaction and decrease turnover with the highest quality nurse gloves on the market. Suitable medical gloves offer the best balance of cost, protection, and comfort.
If you’re unsure what nurse gloves you need, contact us by phone, email, or live chat.