Nurses Helping Nurses
allnurses Network: Central | Jobs | Books | Newsletter
allnurses: A Nursing Community for Nurses
Home General News Blogs Articles Students Region Specialty Degrees F.A.Q.
General Nursing Discussion /

Her perfume stinks!!



Did You Know?
allnurses is the largest community for nurses on the web. We now have over 388,015 members! Join today to network with other nurses, laugh, share, and much more.
Page 1 of 6 1 23456 >

Mar 13, 2008 07:16 PM

Her perfume stinks!!

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!!?!


Share

Search Tags
None
Top

2 Readers Gave Kudos

 
Advertisement
Sponsored Links
 
Page 1 of 6 1 23456 >
Reply
57 Comments
No. 1
Old Mar 13, 2008, 07:20 PM

Default Re: Her perfume stinks!!
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.
Top
 
No. 2
from vashtee
Old Mar 13, 2008, 07:24 PM

Default Re: Her perfume stinks!!
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.
Top
 
No. 3
from Reno1978
Old Mar 13, 2008, 07:30 PM

Default Re: Her perfume stinks!!
Originally Posted by DebRN06 View Post
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?
Top

1 Reader Gave Kudos
 
No. 4
Old Mar 13, 2008, 07:30 PM

Default Re: Her perfume stinks!!
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.
Top

4 Readers Gave Kudos
 
No. 5
from ikimiwi
Old Mar 13, 2008, 07:47 PM

Angry Re: Her perfume stinks!!
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!
Top
 
No. 6
Old Mar 13, 2008, 07:55 PM

Default Re: Her perfume stinks!!
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!
Top
 
No. 7
from Elektra6
Old Mar 13, 2008, 07:56 PM

Default Re: Her perfume stinks!!
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.
Top
 
No. 8
from MIA-RN
Old Mar 13, 2008, 09:20 PM

Default Re: Her perfume stinks!!
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.
Top
 
No. 9
Old Mar 13, 2008, 09:28 PM

Default Re: Her perfume stinks!!
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.
Top
 
Page 1 of 6 1 23456 >
Reply




Thread Tools


Who's Online
125 members
1,470 guests
1,595

0

California Imposes Stricter Rules Regarding Drug Abuse In...

2

Are older nurses being forced out of the profession?

8

Australian surgeons successfully separate conjoined twins

40

Disruptive behavior by doctors, nurses persists a year...

31

Woman sues after police tackle her in ER during premature...

5

Beyond The Last Lecture -For Randy & Jai Pausch nurses...

16

WHO: Give at-risk groups anti-flu drugs early

21

Nursing, medical schools should work together, experts say

6

Army nurse honored after 100th birthday

38

Pandemic seems to be leveling off, expert says



1

Society Needs Care Too

11

Why am I doing this, anyway?

2

Nurse Heal Thyself

9

My Papa, why I am the nurse I am today.

17

I made it through

11

An angel's gaze

14

A Sister Never Forgets

16

Ruby's Marbles

37

What Do Operating Room Nurses Do?

14

My Little Old Jedi

20

I love this job......

23

"I hear voices"

19

Preventing FRUTI (Foley Related Urinary Tract Infection) in...

24

Error and Attitude

10

It's Just a Shower





Sponsored Links

Currently Reading This Page: 1 (0 members & 1 guests)

Interested in the hottest topics of the week? Subscribe to the Nurse-zine Newsletter.
Enter email address: