[GingerSue]

for many it is a health issue - sensitivities and allergies to the scents,
so in a hospital - extra consideration please.
At the hospital that I just visited this evening they have signs posted throughout the hospital stating "no scents, etc" - and I agree with this.
I, too love my perfumes and fragrances - but I have to realize that sometimes other people don't share my taste (I like Avon's Ginger & Grapefuit - but others find it too strong. And Lavender actually makes me nauseous - I don't know why. So - there you go)
About the co-worker with the intolerable fragrance - keep giving those messages that her fragrances are unpleasant and inconsiderate to those who have sensitivities. Good luck to you.

[bigjim]

I have noticed that some people have a hard time differentiating between a cosmetic, and a marinade.

If you're not afraid of getting blackballed for it, threaten an ADA complaint.

[Angie O'Plasty, RN]

I find it interesting that people react to perfumes and scents like popcorn.

Even more interesting that the hospital bans perfumes but then uses perfumed room deodorizers and cleaning products that smell heavily of bleach and alcohol.

I have a problem with the floor wax our facility uses. I dread the wax-stripping and the polishing because I know it's going to give me a raging headache and I won't be sent home or reassigned to get away from the stuff.

It's hard to work like that.

If someone told me that they had a problem with my perfume, I would stop wearing it, of course. So far I've only received compliments. I use it because I know it smells a whole lot better on than off, especially after a few "suddenly summer" hot flashes.

[tvccrn]

Originally Posted by DebRN06

I am really sensitive to certain smells... flowery perfumes, vanilla (especially candles) and (weird) microwave popcorn. Often, they make me physically ill ...sweaty, nauseated, dizzy and headaches. There is a RN that wears (bathes) in perfume everyday. I very nicely explained to her my sensitivity and asked her if she could please refrain from wearing her perfume at work. I started with stressing I did not want her to be offended nor do I enjoy the fact that i have these sensitivities.

Anyway, she replies that she has ALWAYS worn perfume. I am the only person to EVER complian and that perfume is "WHO SHE IS" and she will NOT stop wearing it and I should stay away from HER. Which trust me, I tried before finally talking to her.

I tried a couple more unsuccessful times to explain (still nicely) to her and even mentioned how we are not even supposed to wear perfume for OUR PT'S SAKE. Again to no avail and her complete hostility. I have since brought it to the attn of my manager, who did speak to this RN numerous times...but she still does not listen. I have even talked to my director about this, she talked to "stinky" and she STILL wears it...has not even toned it down.

I am so annoyed with having to waste my energy on such a ridiculous thing. I am sick of having dizzy spells at work and leaving with a headache. At this point I really cannot stand her. She is so selfish...and I did end up telling her that. I had to tell another co-worker about her perfume once and she was so nice about it, went and tried to wash off what she could.

I can't be in the med room with her...and even after she is out, her stink remains. Even if she simply walks past me, and I cringe every time we have pts in the same room. I am sooo frustrated... but now what??? I have to go to HR for something so, so dumb!!?!

This is not "something so, so dumb". This is creating a hostile work environment for you. You have taken the proper steps thus far.....talking with her multiple times, talking with your manager.....to no avail. The next step IS to go to HR and find out your possible course of action. I can bet that if you use the term "hostile work environment" something will get done ASAP.

[scrappingfaye]

I too am very sensitive to scents....

I tell my kids "if it arrives before you do, and it is here when you leave, it is too much"

I also am very sensitive to the wax strippper and wax.... gives me a migraine and makes me feel sick.... I often have to tell the person doing the waxing... "can you please open a window??" they look at me like I have 2 heads.

I would keep talking until someone listens.... this is not just in your best interest, but your patients also.

Good luck!
Faye

[SusanKathleen]

Okay. A little different - my Mom! She is awash in her perfume, and I can't stand it. Makes me feel ill. She gets SO offended because I don't want to hug and kiss her, but then it's all over me, and stays there. I've tried to talk to her about it, but she'll never stop wearing the stuff.

I think MIA-RN has a good idea. Try that suggestion.

[namaste_71]

I'm really sensitive to strong scents as well. Makes me want to gag. Perhaps you could "accidentally" douse her with water?

On a more serious note ... She also shouldn't be wearing strong perfume around her patients. What if someone has allergies or asthma?

You could always try that approach ...

[itsa307]

I just wanted to let you know that I feel for you. I am also sensitive to scents. I worked sitting next to a women for several years who was a heavy smoker and didn't bath frequently so she covered up all her smells with a cheap perfume. She bathed in it and it made me ill. I went to my boss and a note went out and nothing helped. She was told personally and that did no good either. My only help was when she was fired for something else. Some people are just inconsiderate. I even have problems with my husbands deoderant. He can't put it on right before bed or it makes me sick. And he won't wear unscented! I hope you find relief somehow but I'm sure this is just a miserable time for you. Good Luck!

[cotjockey]

I love perfume and scented lotion and bubble bath, etc! But...before work, I use unscented soap, unscneted lotion, unscented deodorant, and not a drop of perfume. There are a lot of scents that just throw my allergies into a tailspin, so I try really hard not to make other people crazy. When I'm home or out in the general public, I wear the scented stuff, but not very much.

[vashtee]

Originally Posted by TheCommuter

I've also noticed that some cigarette smokers (not all) will splash on excessive amounts of perfume or cologne as an attempt to mask the smell of the tobacco smoke.

Although I don't like the smell of cigarette smoke on clothing, I have to admit it is merely unpleasant, but doesn't make me sneeze. For that reason, I'd rather be cooped up with a smoker than a perfume-wearer. Perfumes must contain some specific ingredient I am allergic to.