Aromatherepy

[Janet Blackstock]

I am interested in hearing about other nurses experiences of using alternative therapies in particular aromatherapy, in any area of children's nursing. I would be especially interested to hear whether or not you experienced any opposition, from medical colleagues and how you overcame this.

[This message has been edited by Janet Blackstock (edited April 26, 1999).]

[JeanthePHN]

goodness some pedi nurse actually here!!!

I give shots to a lot of kids and adults and I use the""" blow the pain away""'techinque and all the other nurses think I am nuts. But the patients love it, so i keep doing it.

I dont use aroma therapy in ashot clinic but whatever works...I particularily like the smell of butter cookies!!!

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[ANDREW J]

I've not heard of this, but would love to hear more on this subject. I would do enything to help the babies. I take care of but they are allergic to everthing and its very hard to improve there quality of life.

[kmg]

are you interested in narrowing the field only to aromatherapy or using other methods as well?? what age group?? in procedures?? pain control?? i am interested in some of your thoughts on this.

[TrishD]

When I was a pediatric patient years ago, and I was having trouble voiding after surgery, someone used oil of peppermint to help me void (it worked!) Anyone else out there heard of this or used it? I did try using toothpaste as an aromatherapy agent with postpartum women to initiate their first voids after delivery. My co-workers thought I was nuts, but it worked some of the time (I suspect it just wasn't as potent as the oil of peppermint). BTW, when I was a pediatric patient, the oil of peppermint was used both in a bedpan (mixed with a little water) when I was bedridden, and in a small bottle held under the nose when I was able to sit on the toilet.