[newlpn08]

I'm in nursing school, 3rd semester, and we were told by our instructors NOT to wear perfume to clinicals, or when we worked in the hospital. One of our students did not listen, and one of the MD's complained to our instructor. The student was sent home, and had to make up the clinical later.

[CHATSDALE]

i agree with those who believe that heath care workers should not wear perfume to work
however, i have seen nurses who tried to apply this to patients as well
there was this one lady that had been so sick and she finally felt well enough to sit up and put on her makeup and a lacy bed jacket with some perfume, nurse felt it was her option to forbid it
she was in a private room and shouldn't have been railed into

[rnmomtobe2010]

I don't really think that they realize that too much perfume/cologne make the body odor worse. That stuff mixed with sweat is a mean combination. UGH!!!

[lvnandmomx3]

We were told in nursing school that we could not wear purfume because pt's may have allergies that can lead to anything from a skin irritation to full blown respiratory comlications, IMO other staffs should be considered also. Over bearing smell invade others personal space not just the one that is wearing it, if they walk down a hall the scent follows them. I hope you can get this resolved.

[GoLytely]

I'm very sensitive to smells, too. I'm also very sensitive to noise. This makes life harder for sure, so I understand your dilemma.

Sorry for what you're going through.

[multicollinearity]

The mention of respiratory symptoms related to microwavable popcorn made me think of this research:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0313103107.htm

[pattycakeRN]

I also think it is nasssty when people come back in from smoking (smoke-free facility be damned!) and spray on all kinds of body splash junk, leaving me coughing and sneezing.

Here's an idea: don't go smoke? Huh? Just a suggestion.

[DebRN06]

Originally Posted by zamboni

Obviously she was over the top nutso, but that experience did make me wonder how folks with such sensitivities and allergies can work in healthcare. Not to make light or anything, but the whole environment is full of strong smells, and full of people (not just coworkers) that will have varying degrees of scents that can't be controlled. It must be miserable.

I thank God the sensitivities I have are as minor as they are. I do not often have issues. I worked in salons/spas before becoming a nurse. I never had a problem. I was around all sorts of wonerfully, beautiful smells...so much nicer than the hospital smells. I miss my old job...the calm, happy people...the perks of free facials and massages (haven't had either since )...of topic, sorry.
I stay away from what I know will bother me...I don't go in breakroom if someone has recently made popcorn, I can't go in to Bath&Body and family has had to open the windows to air out the house if they had vanilla candles burning. It is (thankfully) rare for perfumes to physically bother me (that is until she tranfered to my unit), but when they do it's no fun!! It is always those very flowery, overwhelming ones.

We DO have a policy at work...NO perfume. My manager did send a general email reminding everyone. I had even asked her to wear just a DIFFERENT perfume, but she won't. Although I really don't think it is appropriate in a hospital. I am going to put my concerns in writing and go to HR. We'll see what happens.

Oh, I found this and thought it was interesting. http://www.suite101.com/external_lin...com/spect.html

Thank you for all the responses.

[Penny8611]

Originally Posted by motorcycle mama

I'm very sensitive to smells, too. I'm also very sensitive to noise. This makes life harder for sure, so I understand your dilemma.

Don't know if this applies to your situation or not, but this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Highly-Sensiti...5631027&sr=8-2

...was very helpful to me. Too much noise and scent can really, really get to me. I identified quite strongly with a lot of what is outlined in this book.

Just FYI! :-)

[vashtee]

Originally Posted by zamboni

that experience did make me wonder how folks with such sensitivities and allergies can work in healthcare. Not to make light or anything, but the whole environment is full of strong smells, and full of people (not just coworkers) that will have varying degrees of scents that can't be controlled. It must be miserable.

I can take strong smells; they don't cause me to sneeze. Perfume does.