[Jolie]

There is a legitimate reason for the IC nurse's stance on hand lotions, although I don't know why she didn't just take the time to explain the policy, and work with those nurses who have sensitive hands and need a special lotion.

There was an outbreak of serious illness, including the deaths of several neonates, in a NICU in Detroit a few years back. Infection control finally traced the cause to hand lotion containers which were growing pseudomonas, I believe. Apparently, larger containers that are in use for a long time develop moisture on their inner surfaces, encouraging the growth of various micro-organisms, which are then passed on to compromised patients.

As I understand it, using small, personal sized containers which are discarded, and not re-filled will help to eliminate the problem. Also, as someone stated before, petroleum-based lotions can degrade gloves made of certain types of latex, also interfering with infection-control measures.

All this said, however, it is completely unrealistic for the IC nurse to mandate such a policy without working with those staff members who have a need for an alternative product.

[KC CHICK]

Originally posted by altomga
At my place of employment we aren't allowed to use our own hand lotions either b/c of "infection control". They say some lotions actually promote bacterial growth due to the ingredients that are in them. They supply us with this less than desirable lotion that to me makes your hands drier than before....but what do we know?

...and the extra surface area of cracked skin doesn't??
Again, I ask....what do the stats say? I would be surprised if there was a big difference in the spread of infection because 1.) the staff isn't compliant in the first place....and 2.) the extra places bacteria can hide out in skin cracks.

I agree...what do we know?

[kimberle]

We are not allowed to use our own soaps & lotions- if we have a problem with those offerred we are supposed to go through employee health and work on a resolution there. Where I work many of the organisms are resistant (I work on a long term care ventilator unit) and virulent and I'd rather follow protocol based on studies that might prevent me from not necessarily becoming ill immediately but from even becoming colonized (and thus potentially infected at another time when my immune resistance is low). Anyways, many lotions do break down latex which will then ultimately set you up for a potential latex allergy (not fun in nursing) as your body is exposed to it frequently. So, I follow the standards presented, and if I have a problem/reaction with I will go to employee health because it is a work-related injury at that point. (And then next week theory and standards of practice will change again, eh?! )

[deespoohbear]

Originally posted by sjoe
Illegal. What's she going to do--wrestle you for it? What is your union doing about this?

UNION???

[SmilingBluEyes]

Keep some Eucerin in your purse or pocket, out of sight. It is scenteless and VERY effective protection for dry hands. Meantime, you may want to initiate documentation on how MANY nurses are facing the same issues. I am with you, our lotions at work tear me up, too. They do more harm than good and as shell says, cracked, irritated skin in and of itself IS an IC issue! DOCUMENT DOCUMENT DOCUMENT and fight your case with this. BE covert in the meantime, using lotion carried in your pocket that has no scent. That's all I can suggest to you.

sjoe: news bulletin: NOT ALL HOSPITALS ARE UNIONIZED!!!! So this won't do Dees a whole lot of good.

[liberalrn]

We have that policy at our hospital and we "malcontents" bring our bootleg lotion in and hide it in our purses.....my illegal substance of choice at the moment is Eucerin cream--very good.
the pseudomonas story is something to consider, but we are talking about individual tubes here--not a multi-person large dispenser. Dunno 'bout the rest of you, but my purse and it's contents I consider clean; I am not about to even so much as touch my purse w/o a thorough handwashing......I usually go from there to charting and from there to prepping meds. Call me Typhoid Lib, but I think I'm OK!
Our ID nurse is a nut--it must be the job. I am with her all the way (except for the lotion) I just hate being treated like I'm 5 and retarded! I think they need inservices in how to tell people things!

[jnette]

Originally posted by frannybee
The only real reason not to use certain lotions is if they contain petroleum products or mineral oils, then they can degrade the latex in the gloves.

Yeh, we're not to use any lotions containing the above, either.. degrades the gloves which in turn leaves us exposed to biohazards. We keep our lotions in our pocket. Can't leave 'em on the carts in case of "inspection".

I'd like to know how long it takes for gloves to degrade. We change gloves every minute practically ! Surely they don't degrade in a matter of minutes? Dunno.

[das]

I'm beginning to think that it is all Urban Legend. The information I read was bacteria grows in many lotions and is promoted by the ingredients in them. The neonatal pseudo deaths in Detroit were re: to artifical nails. Our IC dept went crazy after that one. We use SoftGUARD hand cream and it actually is pretty good They are trying to develop a policy about scented lotions and soap. I'd like to see that enforce!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jemb]

Current employer and at least one of my former employers say not to use our own soap or lotion. The former employer was far too disorganized to enforce much of anything. The current employer, while periodically reminding us of the rule, is pretty understanding and not strict about enforcing it.

I do recall that it had something to do with lotions promoting infection, but never did know specifically how they did that. Now that you've piqued my curiosity, it's web search time.

[Jolie]

There were NICU deaths linked to artificial nails, but that occured in Oklahoma, and was not pseudomonas related, although I can't think of the bug off the top of my head. Malasthessia furfur (sp?) possibly.

Anyway, this also sounds like an OSHA issue. Your employer is legally required to provide you with the tools needed to SAFELY carry out your duties. Since dry, cracked hands are a known health hazard to nurses and their patients, I think OSHA would support your right to be provided with lotion appropriate to your skin type and sensitivities. Try floating that balloon at your place of employment.