Muslim nurses in the UK are now excused from washing their hands before participating in surgical operations.
As all nurses know washing hands is incredibly important in fighting germs and preventing the spread of diseases and infections.
As an OR nurse I am appalled at this new exception. All surgical nurses are aware that prior to assisting in surgery nurses are required to scrub their hands and arms all the way to the elbow with a bacteriocidal solution. We are then required to use sterile technique, taking care not to touch anything non-sterile and donning sterile gowns and gloves. This is to protect our patients from infection and diseases when they are extremely vulnerable.
Nurses’ number one priority is to be the patient’s advocate and this new law does not represent advocacy of patients in any way. Instead, if puts patients in danger, which should be grounds for disciplinary action against the nurse, not political correctness and changing laws that go against scientific proof of the benefits of hand washing, to suit Muslim surgical nurses.
According to Muslim nurses in the UK, they are disobeying the law of Islamic Sharia and washing hands “compromises their modesty.” So, instead, they are willing to compromise the safety of their patients.
The Department of Health in the United Kingdom responded to concerns about the practice by saying “the guidance is intended to balance infection control measures with cultural beliefs.”
Is this what we are facing in the United States. Risking patients lives and safety for the sake of Sharia law? Scary thought, to say the least.
Surely if washing your hands violates your religion, then perhaps you should choose a different career.
Maybe we should give patients the final word. Inform them prior to surgery that a Muslim nurse who refuses to wash her hands will be assisting it the surgery. I wonder how many patients would go ahead with the procedure if they knew this?