After removing gloves during patient care, the nurse should perform hand hygiene. What is the correct duration for alcohol-based hand rub?

Alcohol-based hand rub technique: Apply adequate amount (follow product instructions) to cover all hand surfaces; rub palm to palm; right palm over left dorsum with interlaced fingers; palm to palm with fingers interlaced; backs of fingers to opposing palms; rotational rubbing of thumbs; rotational rubbing of fingertips in opposite palm; continue until hands are COMPLETELY DRY — this ensures adequate contact time (typically 20-30 seconds).

Soap and water technique: Wet hands; apply soap; scrub minimum 20 seconds (the 'Happy Birthday' song twice); rinse; dry with single-use paper towel; use towel to turn off faucet.

When to use soap and water: When hands are visibly soiled; before eating; after using the restroom; after caring for C. diff patients (alcohol is ineffective against spores); after norovirus exposure. ABHR is preferred for most routine hand hygiene because it's more effective, faster, and causes less skin damage.