Inequality and PPE: Do Your Female Nurses Have What They Need?

The COVID pandemic is causing unprecedented competition for medical supplies among health care institutions. The result is price increases and widespread shortages, particularly for the personal protective equipment (PPE) that protects health care workers. The pandemic has brought other problems to the surface too. The standard-sized PPE poorly fits female health care workers, leaving them vulnerable as they treat COVID patients. Do your female nurses have the PPE they need to perform their jobs and stay safe in the process? 

Made for a Man, Not a Woman 

A major problem with PPE is its design. The majority of PPE designs have men in mind. Nurses often complain that even the smallest sizes of gloves and masks are too big. It is not uncommon for female health care workers to treat patients wearing PPE that does not properly protect them.  

Not everyone fits into a standard size. Men and women present in all shapes and sizes. Their PPE needs to conform to their dimensions to serve as an effective barrier against the virus. Furthermore, poor-fitting PPE can be a hazard. If gloves are too loose, it can be impossible for nurses to use and can slide off. If gloves are tight and uncomfortable, they can tear, exposing the nurse to harm.   

The gowns tend to come in extra-large sizes, leaving the neck and the upper part of the chest exposed. Due to the cumbersome fit, many nurses must breach the standardized method for taking the gowns on and off. Touching soiled parts of the gown also puts female health care workers at risk. The sleeves are too big, and the gaping sections often expose the wrists, further placing the nurses at risk for infection. Ideally, the design of protective clothing should be improved to reduce the risk of contamination. 

How You Can Help 

Health care workers often cite discomfort and skin irritation as the major reason not to use PPE. The key to ensuring that your female workers have the protection they need is by fitting each worker with PPE individually. During the fitting, show each worker how to wear and maintain their PPE properly. Consider having an optometrist or other specialist fit your employees for eye protection. Eyewear must cover you from the eyebrow to the cheekbone, and across from the nose to the boney area outside the face and eyes.  

Select gowns that are large enough to provide ample coverage and tie in the back. Do not use gowns that restrict movement. The sleeves should completely cover the arms, preventing skin exposure at the end of the sleeve and cuff. Make sure you have a variety of glove sizes available. Too small and the gloves will tear. Too large and the health care provider will lack dexterity in their hands. Avoid buying a few sizes in bulk, and order PPE with consideration given to differences in physical characteristics.  

Remember that PPE is not a one-size-fits-all item. When you order your staff PPE, please take into consideration their individual needs. It will keep everyone comfortable and, more importantly, safe during this pandemic.  

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