Runny nose during shift

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Does this happen to anyone else, when I am very busy and running around during my shift, my nose gets so runny. It's gross, very unprofessional, and I'm constantly wiping my nose (then washing my hands). However when things slow down, and I'm sitting and charting- it stops! Any tips/suggestions?

Me too! Very annoying! I've seen my GP, a pulmonary doctor, and an ENT. No success. Next is an allergist!

Wow. Same here. It happens to me the first few hours into my shift (not every shift). Im thinking it is the dry hospital air from moving through different hallways to get to my unit. As soon as i get there and I'm settled, it disappears. I dont think it is the gloves cos i use non-latex gloves throughout my shift and im fine with them. Thanks for letting me know i am not "alone" lol.

Specializes in Emergency Nursing.
I'm the same way. I can be fine while I'm charting, but go to start an IV or something and my nose gets runny. I think it's just the dry hospital air along with the heat. I just carry Kleenex and use lots of hand sanitizer. For me it's just a bit of a hassle more than anything.

I thought it was just me! The ED I work in has very dry air. So I get a mild runny nose from time to time, not enough to blow my nose, just a sniffle. Without fail, everytime I bend over to start that IV it starts flowing. Gah!

I have this same problem, and it drives me nuts too! I can be out in the hall charting just fine and then the second I step into the room and move around it starts going. It is worst when I come inside from being out in the cold. I try to carry kleenex and use a bunch of hand sanitizer, but I have been thinking about seeing an allergist in the next couple months, since I have tried OTC allergy meds and nothing has helped.

+ Add a Comment