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Writer's pictureJustin Kung

What Type of Disposable Gloves Should Nurses Wear – Nitrile or Latex?


Proper hand protection is the first line of defense for nurses that work in risky environments. Seeking out the best gloves for nurses is a smart decision. Additionally, for those who run a medical facility that requires gloves for their entire nursing staff, providing the right type can add a layer of protection and peace of mind to their daily medical routines.

There are various forms of hand coverings out on the market today – latex, nitrile, and others, all with different levels of durability, protection, and comfort. With that in mind let’s answer the question at hand:


What are the best disposable gloves for nurses?  


Nitrile disposable gloves are considered the better choice for nurses seeking reliable hand protection. They provide the essential barrier to keep dangerous fluids from touching the skin, stop the spread of germs, have superior rip resistance, and are 100% latex-free – making them the right choice for nurses in medical settings and care facilities.


Why Nurses Need the Right Type of Disposable Gloves


Nurses can be at risk on a daily basis, which makes it critical to wear the right type of protection. Quality disposable gloves are vital for their safety, as well as for their patient’s well-being. Here are just a few reasons why a nurse should make certain the best hand protection is being used:

· Nurses often work directly with patients who have an infectious condition; it’s imperative that quality gloves are worn in these cases.

· RNs handle needles and other sharp medical equipment that can easily puncture low-quality gloves.

· It’s common for nurses to come into contact with fluids such as blood and other bodily fluids.

· Many nurses have latex allergies, as well as their patients. Because of this, it’s imperative to wear 100 percent latex-free materials.

· Gloves are changed out with each new patient, so choosing a product that's easy to put on and remove is essential.

· Medical staff typically wear hand coverings on a daily basis, all throughout the day. Comfort must be taken into account.


How to Choose Gloves Appropriate for Nurses in the Healthcare Industry

You can determine what gloves are best by taking into account the following questions:


· Are they waterproof/liquid proof?

· How chemical resistant is the product you’re considering?

· Do they puncture easily, or are they durable?

· What material are they made of?

· Do they contain powder?

· Will they allow you to feel objects and handle small items well?

· Do they hurt your hands while trying to remove them?


How Do Nitrile Gloves Stand Up to the Needs of Nursing Professionals?

The best disposable gloves for nurses in the medical field are nitrile-based. This section will cover, in detail, what makes them the right choice for nurses working in hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care facilities, and the like. Nitrile gloves are the better choice for nurses because of the following qualities:


1. Powder-Free Nitrile Gloves are best for Medical Environments

The powdered material is not advised even when non-latex hand protection is used – it should be avoided altogether. The nitrile goes through a special process that allows it to have the same benefits as if they were powdered, such as easy removal. Additionally, nitrile powder-free hand products are deemed more skin-friendly.


2. Made to Be Chemical Resistant to Keep an RNs Hands Protected

The best gloves for nurses who work with chemicals are nitrile-based. This material is proven to stand up to chemicals much better than latex can. This includes working with such things as disinfectants, antiseptics, cleaning products, even dangerous residues from medications.


3. Waterproof Hand Protection Provides a Barrier against Any Fluid a Nurse May Come in Contact With

Nitrile gloves are completely waterproof, so for those nurses who provide their patients with baths, it’s a good choice. In addition to this, because no liquid can penetrate them, they are especially fitting for nurses due to the fact that they often come into contact with blood and other bodily fluids.


4. Nitrile Gloves are Latex-Free Providing Nurses and Their Patients with an Allergy-Free Option  


5. Nitrile is a Durable Material that Holds Up to Medical Environments Where Sharp Objects are Utilized 

6. Healthcare Professionals Require the High Sense of Touch That Nitrile Provides


7. They Offer Low Friction Resistance which is needed in the Medical Industry 


Nitrile Gloves are the Top Choice for Registered Nurses Looking for the Best Hand Protection


No matter what reason you need hand protection for - reduce transmission of infections, avoid coming into contact with patient blood, attempting to keep hands chemical-free, or they are needed for patient bathing, nitrile gloves are the best suited for all these situations, and more.


WHERE CAN I FIND HIGH-QUALITY NITRILE GLOVES?


The best place to find medical-grade gloves is from us! Guardian NC4 nitrile examination gloves are registered with the FDA as a 510(k) medical device, offer exam-grade protection, and are tested for use with Chemotherapy Drugs to the American Society for Testing and Materials. They are ASTM D6319 certified and also 510-K certified by the FDA.


Advetage Solutions LLC is proud to be a trusted supplier to hospitals, state and local health agencies, and the federal government. Give us a try and experience the quality of our exam gloves for yourself. We may be reached at (424) 292-8432, or by email at sales@advetage.com


To purchase gloves right away, and online, please visit our partner (Apiary) using this link: Guardian™ NC4 Gloves


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