charge nurse tried to make me go to work with allergic reaction

[thanx2mj]

So today I accidentally ate something that had sulfites in it, and I am allergic to them. Luckily, I'm not so bad off that I immediately go into shock, but I had to take a ton of antihistamines, far more than usual, with the blessing of my allergy doctor, to stay out of the hospital. As of right now, I still don't feel well and am displaying mild allergy symptoms.

I called in to work, today was to be my first day by myself as a CNA. While on the phone the charge nurse belittled my decision to stay home because of my allergies and the heartburn that was accompanying them. I was not thrilled that she wanted me to list so many symptoms and even less than thrilled when she belittled my decision and acted put out that I was not coming in.

My previous allergy doctor (I just moved, he is in another state now) ordered me to NOT work when displaying out of control allergy symptoms--even more so when I accidentally consume sulfites or naproxen. My last two employers would not let me work at all with an allergic reaction, no matter how mild (one was a hospital, the other a law firm). They did not want to deal with the liability or the potential of me being taken out on a stretcher to an ER.

I told several family and friends about this and their recommendation was to go to HR to ask how much should be disclosed to my immediate supervisor, since the charge nurse was so rude about it and expected me to come to work while barely able to function.

I am wondering...would going to HR be a good idea, or should I just go to my supervisor? I carry an epi pen in my purse at all times and am supposed to wear a medic alert bracelet that states I am allergic to sulfites and naproxen. I've also been hospitalized twice in the last 6 months for my allergies, so my allergies are no laughing matter, and I really did not appreciate being belittled over them.

I also disclosed to HR that I have serious, potentially life-threatening allergies upon hire. So it is not like HR is unaware.

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

My instructors have stressed that an allergic reaction is one that causes anaphylaxis, everything else (like an upset stomach) is an adverse reaction or side effect, not a true allergy.

Is this what you guys have been taught/believe/practice as well?

No. We were taught that an allergy could be indicated by itching, rash, hives, SOB, anaphylaxis. I have been out of school a long time, though.

[Samantha79]

I was trying to say it in a polite PC way. Basically my thought was - an upset stomach does not an allergy make

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

My instructors have stressed that an allergic reaction is one that causes anaphylaxis, everything else (like an upset stomach) is an adverse reaction or side effect, not a true allergy.

Is this what you guys have been taught/believe/practice as well?

No, that is absolute nonsense. Anaphylaxis is the extreme manifestation, not the only manifestation, of a true allergy.

Upset stomach would be more of an adverse effect, but the first part of that sentence is incorrect.

This is a pretty good explanation of various allergic reactions:

http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Allergies

[nursemike, ASN, RN]

You shouldn't tell people. They have no need to know and you might get your stories crossed. Sorry, I know you didn't ask. Jusy my . good luck beating that PD thing.

I'm surrounded by eco-hippies. Long before the unfortunate disaster in Japan, most of my co-workers were still obsessing over the Three Mile Island accident. Can't hardly have a conversation without hearing about TMI. And usually wasn't even discussing nukes. Sheesh.