When changing a soiled dressing, the nurse aide SHOULD wash their hands:

Washing hands before, during, and after the procedure is essential in maintaining infection control and preventing the spread of pathogens. Prior to starting the procedure, handwashing removes any potential contaminants from the caregiver's hands, significantly reducing the risk of introducing bacteria into the wound.

During the procedure, if the nurse aide touches any surfaces or items that may not be clean or if they need to adjust their gloves, hand hygiene is crucial to prevent cross-contamination. Finally, washing hands after the procedure is critical to eliminate any pathogens that may have come into contact with the hands during the dressing change, ensuring the safety of both the aide and the patient.

This thorough approach to handwashing aligns with standard infection prevention protocols and is a foundational aspect of safe nursing practices, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of hygiene in healthcare settings.