This assignment presents a reflective analysis of a nursing student's experience in a medical-surgical ward, focusing on a critical incident involving a diabetic foot ulcer and a lapse in hand hygiene. Utilizing the Gibbs reflective cycle, the student describes the situation, their feelings of embarrassment and guilt, and evaluates the negative consequences of improper hand hygiene, including wound infection. The analysis delves into the transmission of healthcare-associated infections, emphasizing the importance of the five moments of hand hygiene as outlined by the WHO. The student concludes by expressing a commitment to improving hand hygiene skills and knowledge to ensure patient safety and prevent future adverse outcomes. The assignment also includes references to relevant literature supporting the importance of hand hygiene in healthcare settings.