CALAMBA DOCTORS’ COLLEGE
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
APPLYING AND REMOVING STERILE GLOVES (OPEN METHOD)
Name: __________________________ Date:______________ Score: __________
PURPOSES
To enable the nurse to handle or touch sterile objects freely without contaminating them
To prevent transmission of potentially infective organisms from the nurse’s hands to clients at high risk for
infection.
ASSESSMENT
Review the client’s record and orders to determine exactly what procedure will be performed that
requires sterile gloves.
Check the client record and ask about latex allergies. Use nonlatex gloves whenever possible.
Delegation Considerations
The skill of open gloving can be delegated when personnel are trained to perform a sterile procedure.
Equipment
Sterile gloves (proper size)
IMPLEMENTATION
Preparation: Ensure the sterility of the package of gloves.
STEPS/RATIONALE 1 2 3 4
1. Prior to performing the procedure, introduce self and verify the client’s identity
using agency protocol. Explain to the client what you are going to do, why it is
necessary, and how he or she can participate.
2. Perform thorough hand hygiene.
Removes bacteria from skin surfaces and reduces transmission of infection.
3. Place the package of gloves on a clean, dry surface.
Any moisture on the surface could contaminate the gloves.
4. Remove outer glove package wrapper by carefully separating and peeling apart
sides.
Prevents inner glove package from accidentally opening and touching contaminated objects.
5. Grasp inner package and lay it on clean, flat surface just above waist level.
Open package, keeping gloves on wrappers inside surface.
Sterile object held below waist is contaminated. Inner surface of glove package is sterile.
6. Identify right and left glove. Each glove has cuff approximately 5 cm (2
inches) wide. Glove dominant hand first.
Proper identification of gloves prevents contamination by improper fit. Gloving of
dominant hand first improves dexterity.
7. With thumb and first two fingers of nondominant hand, grasp edge of cuff
of glove for dominant hand. Touch only inside surface of glove.
Inner edge of cuff lies against skin and thus is not sterile. Inner edge of cuff lies
against skin and thus is not sterile.
8. Carefully pull glove over dominant hand, leaving cuff and being sure that it
does not roll up wrist. Be sure that thumb and fingers are in proper spaces.
If outer surface of glove touches hand or wrist, it is contaminated.
9. With gloved dominant hand, slip fingers underneath cuff of second glove.
Cuff protects gloved fingers. Sterile touching sterile prevents glove contamination.
10. Carefully pull second glove over nondominant hand. Do not allow fingers and
thumb of gloved dominant hand to touch any part of exposed nondominant hand.
Keep thumb of dominant hand abducted back.
Contact of gloved hand with exposed hand results in contamination.
11. After second glove is on, interlock fingers of gloved hands and hold away from
body above waist level until beginning procedure.
Prevents accidental contamination from hand movement.
GLOVE DISPOSAL
12. Grasp outside of one cuff with other gloved hand; avoid touching wrist. Pull
halfway down palm of hand. Take thumb of half-ungloved hand and place under
cuff of other glove.
Minimizes contamination of underlying skin.
13. Pull glove off, turning it inside out. Discard in receptacle.
Outside of glove does not touch skin surface.
14. Take fingers of bare hand and tuck inside remaining glove cuff. Peel glove
off, inside out. Discard in receptacle.
EVALUATION
Conduct any follow-up indicated during your care of the client. Ensure that adequate numbers and
types of sterile supplies are available for the next health care provider.
RECORDING AND REPORTING
• It is not necessary to record or report this procedure.
Grading Rubric
4 - Consistently demonstrates knowledge of the procedure. Able to verbalize and perform with minimal or
no instructor cueing or feedback.
3 - Demonstrates knowledge of the procedure. Able to verbalize and perform with moderate instructor
cueing or feedback.
2 - Inconsistently demonstrates knowledge of the procedure. Not able to verbalize or perform, requires
maximum instructor feedback and cueing
1 - Inconsistently demonstrates knowledge of the procedure. Has no recollection of technique or procedure.
Has demonstrated unsafe patient care, below level of safety.
Remarks:
Signature over printed name
CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR STUDENT
