Travel-Friendly Tips to Stay Clean and Sanitized on Buses, Trains, and Public Transport
Fordham Institute Inc. • September 12, 2024
Whether you're commuting as a student or worker, staying clean and sanitized on public transportation is essential to maintaining your health. Buses, trains, and other shared spaces can be breeding grounds for germs, especially during busy hours. To help you stay safe while traveling, here are some travel-friendly tips to keep clean and sanitized while on the go.
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1. Carry Hand Sanitizer and Disinfectant Wipes ๐งด๐งป
Public transportation often means touching shared surfaces, like railings, seats, and doors. To minimize your risk of picking up germs, make sure to carry hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and disinfectant wipes for quick clean-ups.
- How to do it: Keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your pocket or bag for easy access after touching surfaces. Use disinfectant wipes to clean armrests, tray tables, or any area you’ll be in contact with before sitting down.
2. Wear a Mask in Crowded Spaces ๐ท
Although mask mandates may have been lifted in some areas, wearing a mask in crowded public spaces, especially on buses and trains, can still provide an added layer of protection from airborne germs.
- How to do it: Keep a mask in your bag or pocket and wear it when social distancing isn’t possible, particularly during peak travel hours or flu season. Opt for a comfortable, breathable mask to make wearing it for long periods easier.
3. Avoid Touching Your Face ๐ซ๐คฒ
One of the easiest ways to transfer germs from surfaces to your body is by touching your face. Germs on your hands can quickly enter your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth, so try to avoid touching your face during your commute.
- How to do it: Stay mindful of your hand movements and, if you need to adjust your glasses, hair, or mask, use the back of your hand or a clean tissue. Always sanitize your hands before eating or touching your face.
4. Opt for Contactless Payments ๐๐ณ
Many public transport systems now offer contactless payment methods, such as using mobile apps or tap-and-go cards. By reducing the need to handle physical money or tickets, you can minimize the number of surfaces you touch.
- How to do it: Whenever possible, use your phone or contactless cards for bus or train fares. Many transit apps also allow you to purchase tickets in advance, so you don’t have to touch kiosks or ticket machines.
5. Keep Your Belongings Clean ๐๐งผ
Your bags, phone, and other personal items can collect germs when placed on public surfaces. Wiping down your belongings after travel can help reduce the spread of bacteria to your hands and home.
- How to do it: Use disinfectant wipes or a sanitizing spray to clean your phone, headphones, and bag handles after each commute. Consider placing a small towel or disposable napkin under your bag on seats to prevent direct contact with potentially dirty surfaces.
6. Wash Your Hands After Traveling ๐๏ธ๐งผ
Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to remove germs. While hand sanitizer is helpful during your trip, washing your hands thoroughly as soon as you reach your destination ensures that any lingering germs are washed away.
- How to do it: As soon as you arrive at your destination, make it a habit to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. If you're unable to do so right away, use hand sanitizer until you can.
Staying clean and sanitized while traveling on public transport is essential for protecting your health, especially when you’re navigating crowded buses and trains as a student or worker. By practicing these simple hygiene habits, you can significantly reduce your exposure to germs and keep yourself and those around you safe. Remember to stay mindful, prepared, and clean during your commute!
One of the most rewarding aspects of working in healthcare is that learning never truly ends. Whether you're just beginning your education or have years of experience, there's always an opportunity to strengthen your skills and continue growing. Great healthcare professionals understand that success isn't just about what you know—it's also about how you communicate, solve problems, and care for others. Here are five important skills that can help healthcare professionals thrive throughout their careers. 1. Strong Communication Communication is one of the most valuable skills in healthcare. Healthcare professionals communicate with patients, families, coworkers, and supervisors every day. Clear and respectful communication helps: Build trust with patients Improve teamwork Reduce misunderstandings Create a positive care environment Listening carefully is just as important as speaking clearly. When patients feel heard, they often feel more comfortable and supported. 2. Compassion and Empathy Technical skills are essential, but compassion is what brings quality care to life. Showing patience, kindness, and understanding can help patients feel respected during times when they may be feeling vulnerable. Simple gestures—such as offering reassurance, listening attentively, or speaking with kindness—can make a meaningful difference in someone's day. Compassion is a skill that continues to grow with experience. 3. Adaptability No two days in healthcare are exactly alike. Schedules may change. Patients have different needs. Unexpected situations can arise. Being adaptable allows healthcare professionals to remain calm, think clearly, and respond professionally to new challenges. Learning to embrace change is an important part of long-term success. 4. Teamwork Healthcare is built on collaboration. CNAs, HHAs, nurses, therapists, physicians, and many other professionals work together to provide quality care. Strong teamwork means: Supporting one another Communicating openly Respecting different roles Working toward shared goals Putting patients first When healthcare teams work well together, everyone benefits. 5. A Commitment to Lifelong Learning The most successful healthcare professionals never stop learning. Every experience provides an opportunity to grow. Whether it's developing new skills, learning from experienced coworkers, or continuing your education, maintaining a mindset of curiosity can help you succeed throughout your career. Growth doesn't end when training is complete—it continues every day. Why These Skills Matter Developing these five skills can help you become a more confident and effective healthcare professional. They also help create positive experiences for patients, strengthen workplace relationships, and support long-term career success. While knowledge and training provide the foundation, these personal and professional qualities help healthcare professionals truly excel. Final Thoughts Success in healthcare is built through continuous learning and personal growth. By strengthening your communication, compassion, adaptability, teamwork, and commitment to learning, you're preparing yourself not only for your first day on the job but for a rewarding career that can continue to grow for years to come. Every day offers a new opportunity to become an even better healthcare professional. ๐ก Student Success Tip Focus on improving one skill at a time. Small, consistent improvements can build confidence and help you become a stronger student and future healthcare professional. ๐ค A Question to Think About Which of these five skills do you feel is your greatest strength, and which one would you like to continue developing? Personal growth begins with self-awareness, and every step you take toward improvement brings you closer to your goals. Start Building Your Healthcare Career Every successful healthcare professional begins with a willingness to learn. At Fordham Institute , our Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) and Home Health Aide (HHA) training programs are designed to help students build both the technical knowledge and personal skills needed for success in today's healthcare field. Our next CNA Day Class begins August 11 . Contact us today to learn more about enrollment and reserve your seat. ๐ (718) 480-1804
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Have you been thinking about starting a career in healthcare? Maybe you've been waiting for the right time to take that first step. If so, your opportunity is almost here. Fordham Institute's next Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Day Class begins August 11 , giving students the chance to gain valuable healthcare knowledge, develop hands-on skills, and begin working toward a rewarding career. Every journey begins somewhere—and yours could begin this August. 1. Why Become a Certified Nurse Aide? Certified Nurse Aides play an important role in healthcare by providing compassionate, hands-on care to patients in a variety of settings. CNAs help support patients with daily care while working alongside nurses and other healthcare professionals to promote comfort, dignity, and well-being. For many people, becoming a CNA is more than starting a new job—it's the beginning of a meaningful career centered around helping others. 2. Why Choose a Day Class? A daytime schedule allows students to fully focus on learning while building a strong foundation in healthcare. Our day program combines classroom instruction with practical training to help students develop the skills and confidence needed for success. Many students appreciate the structured daytime schedule as they prepare for their future careers. 3. What You'll Learn Throughout the CNA program, students receive training in essential healthcare topics, including: Patient care techniques Infection prevention and safety Measuring vital signs Communication and professionalism Personal care assistance Working as part of a healthcare team These skills help prepare students for the responsibilities of working in today's healthcare field. 4. Learn in a Supportive Environment Starting something new can feel exciting and a little overwhelming. At Fordham Institute, our instructors are committed to creating a positive learning environment where students can ask questions, build confidence, and develop their skills through guided instruction and hands-on practice. Every student begins as a learner, and we're here to support that journey. 5. A Career That Makes a Difference Healthcare professionals have the opportunity to make a positive impact every day. Whether it's offering reassurance to a patient, helping someone through their daily routine, or being part of a healthcare team that improves lives, every day brings new opportunities to make a difference. For many CNAs, that's one of the most rewarding parts of the profession. 6. Imagine Where You Could Be By the End of the Year Picture yourself a few months from now. You could have: Completed your CNA training Built valuable healthcare skills Gained confidence through hands-on learning Taken an important step toward a rewarding career Opened the door to future opportunities in healthcare Every accomplishment starts with the decision to begin. 7. Reserve Your Seat Today Opportunities don't wait forever. If becoming a Certified Nurse Aide has been on your mind, now is a great time to take the next step. Our CNA Day Class begins August 11 , and we encourage prospective students to contact us to learn more about enrollment, program details, and how to get started. We'd love to help you begin your healthcare journey. Final Thoughts Starting a new career is a big decision, but every successful journey begins with one step. If you've been looking for an opportunity to build new skills, gain confidence, and prepare for a rewarding future in healthcare, our upcoming CNA Day Class could be exactly what you've been waiting for. Your future starts with the choices you make today. ๐ก Student Success Tip Success begins with showing up ready to learn. Stay curious, ask questions, and remember that every lesson you complete brings you one step closer to achieving your goals. ๐ค A Question to Think About Where could one decision made today take you six months from now? The first step toward a new career often begins with believing that your future can be different. Enroll in Our CNA Day Class Beginning August 11 Take the next step toward a rewarding career in healthcare by enrolling in Fordham Institute's Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Day Class , beginning August 11 . Our experienced instructors are here to help you build the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence needed to succeed in today's healthcare field. Contact us today to learn more about enrollment and reserve your seat. ๐ (718) 480-1804