[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!!?!

[pagandeva2000]

Don't know the answer to that one...can you get a transfer? It is literally making you sick. Do others agree with you? Maybe a gathering of like minded people can get her or at least management to understand. Sorry to hear that you work with a skunk.

[natania]

Ugh. I can't stand strong scents. They make me sneeze. I am thinking perhaps people who do this somehow have decreased ability to smell themselves, so they pile on more scent.

[Reno1978]

Originally Posted by DebRN06

I have to go to HR for something so, so dumb!!?!

It isn't dumb. It's affecting your health, attitude, and work environment. I love my colognes...I have loads of it, but I DO NOT wear it at work.

If her perfume is "who she is" and her perfume sickens those around her, that doesn't say too much about her, does it?

[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. Please don't flame me because I'm not bashing smokers, perfume wearers, or any group of people for any matter. I'm just relaying my observations.

[ikimiwi]

I feel your pain. i get horrible migranes from fragrances. We have a no scents policy at work, but it doesn't stop some people. Once I got such a bad migrane and started vomiting and ended up having to be seen, (work in the ED). She never wore perfume again. I have a lot of problems at the movies, change seats alot. I end up smelling a lot of Vicks lol. I will ask the patients visitors to step out if they are wearng a lot of perfume, most have no problem with it, some get outraged. Unless my nose is in your neck, I should not smell you!

[NewEnglandRN]

I am extremely sensitive to perfume, too. I also completely understand about the smell of microwave popcorn (gives me a migraine.) I am amazed at how many people eat microwave popcorn at work! LOL!

[Elektra6]

OMG! I thought I was the only one who feels sick when they smell microwave popcorn! Air popped or at the movies doesn't bother me.

[MIA-RN]

What about a different tactic? Maybe go to employee health, describe your problems (bring documentation if you have it) and see what can happen from that perspective. Aren't they required to provide a reasonable work environment?
There is OSHA too...although I don't know if it qualifies as a case for them.

[LoriRN2B]

Funny you should post this, I am home this evening after my shift and miserable because of the perfume on of my patients doused herself in today. From the first time I set foot in the room I had problems. I have been home for 3 hours now and I am just now beginning to recover.

I could literally taste it all day.

Sorry for your co-worker, especially being in nursing you would think she would know better and be respectful. I know it seems petty to you, but you tried to proactively solve this issue yourself to no avail, time to move up the chain.