Many healthcare facilities have followed the direction of the CDC by stating nurses can not have artificial nails. The study the CDC bases this on is a study done in 2002. It states there is increased spread of bacteria to patients with artificial nails. I am having a difficult time finding any other evidence based studies. Logically also, if nurses are properly using gloves, hand washing before patient contact and after patient contact, how are artificial nails increasing spread of bacteria? And why do natural nails not increase spread of bacteria?

Does anyone have any evidence, research, or opinions that could help in this understanding.