Essential Oil Diffusers

BluebellRN, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2019

16 minutes ago, LibraSunCNM said:
Just curious, why does the PTO want diffusers in classrooms? Seems like a strange issue to fixate on.

That's why I'm thinking this is being spearheaded by a PTO mom who sells oils. The diffusers in each classroom was sandwiched right in the middle of this whole list of educational things they are planning to purchase. Everything else on the list sounds normal.

jess11RN · Apr 10, 2019

8 minutes ago, BluebellRN said:
That's why I'm thinking this is being spearheaded by a PTO mom who sells oils. The diffusers in each classroom was sandwiched right in the middle of this whole list of educational things they are planning to purchase. Everything else on the list sounds normal.

How is the principal even entertaining the thought?! That's crazy!

ruby_jane, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2019

36 minutes ago, LibraSunCNM said:
Just curious, why does the PTO want diffusers in classrooms? Seems like a strange issue to fixate on.

Pretty sure at the bottom of this is a mom who sells Scentsy.

**LibraSunCNM, BSN, MSN, CNM** · Apr 10, 2019

15 minutes ago, BluebellRN said:
That's why I'm thinking this is being spearheaded by a PTO mom who sells oils. The diffusers in each classroom was sandwiched right in the middle of this whole list of educational things they are planning to purchase. Everything else on the list sounds normal.

Ah, I see. If that's the case, I wouldn't be surprised in the least. Those EO pyramid schemes and the people who join them make me homicidal. As a parent, I'd kick up a HUGE fuss about that being included in the budget (and I do like to diffuse EOs---but in my home, on my own dime, with oils from reputable companies!).

CampyCamp, RN · Apr 10, 2019

I'm going to read all these!

1- Personal anecdote. We have two at home. My daughter loves them. If they help even as a placebo and don't make anything worse that's great. We both have ADHD, anxiety, and migraines. I have depression as well. However... I had to epi pen myself due to a previously undiagnosed fragrance oil to *artificial* scent over a year ago. (thank goodness I held onto that pack of expired pens from camp) I've had similar reactions in dollar stores or other places with artificial scents and have learned to avoid, withdraw, and treat with benadryl. I thought I was good with many natural botanical scents (although definitely many people do) but we got a blend that sounded perfect for us and minutes into diffusing, I felt the familiar mouth and tongue itching

2- If something has the power to "work" in the body as a healing compound, it also automatically has the power to cause ill effects. That could be allergies or side effects. Several kids complain of headaches and earaches every day. Would we give every child a yummy bubblegum flavored tylenol chew and call it candy every morning so they they are all at their best? Can you imagine the poopie hitting the fan if a school did that? So why would we do this?

CampyCamp, RN · Apr 10, 2019

46 minutes ago, ruby_jane said:
Pretty sure at the bottom of this is a mom who sells Scentsy.

I'd be absolutely enraged as a parent if this was coming from a conflict of interest like this. What if she isn't the ONLY parent in the district who sells a scented product? How is that fair? Is it even legal? I think, if this would go through, she would either have to donate rather than sell or the school can buy through an approved vendor. Can a mother who sells Creative memories corner the market on selling paper to the art teacher at a markup compared to educational catalogs? Shall the cafeteria start buying Pampered Chef?

(Also, Scentsy is the brand of wax melt that nearly killed me so maybe I'm a bit biased, lol.)

NutmeggeRN, BSN · Apr 10, 2019

1 hour ago, jess11RN said:
How is the principal even entertaining the thought?! That's crazy!

Because the PTA is in income source for special or necessary items not covered by the budget!

Emergent, RN · Apr 10, 2019

2 hours ago, LibraSunCNM said:
Just curious, why does the PTO want diffusers in classrooms? Seems like a strange issue to fixate on.

Probably one of the parents is an essential oil marketer. She has a bunch of people under her whom she has brainwashed. Maybe the principal is a big customer.

It's almost a cult imo.

BluebellRN, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2019

I'm not of fan of mlm's at all, they're very predatory. And I'm really hoping my principal hasn't been sucked in.

It does make it tough because it's a fine balance with the PTO. Teachers rely on those extra supplies; I even get spending money for supplies from them for the things that aren't nurse stock.

jess11RN · Apr 10, 2019

1 hour ago, NutmeggeRN said:
Because the PTA is in income source for special or necessary items not covered by the budget!

No, I understand that. But what I don't understand is why the principal is even entertaining the thought of the oils and diffusers. If that was approached in my district (either my working or my kids' districts), it would be shut down right away. Actually, when I was on my kids' PTO board, we were told where our money would go by administration, not the PTO telling them.

ruby_jane, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2019

Although right now I would kill for a diffuser in the clinic because a Pre-K had profuse and profound diarrhea and my clinic now smells like Lysol and poop.

EnoughWithTheIce · Apr 10, 2019

Hopefully, the principal has enough common sense to shut this down!!! However, some schools /districts cater to making parents happy so you never know. I know, I used to work at a school like that, the PTA moms ruled the school. Nothing they did for the staff was ever free. They always expected something in return and admin usually caved.

If this does happen - I would forward any complaints straight to the principal and remove myself from it. Secondly, I would be reporting each and every incident that you have to deal with as a result of these diffusers to him/her immediately.