Essential Oils in the ICU

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Hello all :)

We want to start using essential oils in our ICU for increased patient and family satisfaction for all those pleasant odors that float around. Wondering if anyone has implemented this or if there are any resources you could share.

Thanks ahead of time!!!

BreAnn

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

With a Google search, found several articles and places that are implementing this (one is Northern Nevada Medical Center in Reno, NV).

Check it out.

:)

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I just started nursing school BUT I use them in my daily life and love them!

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As someone who has sensitivity to smells, have you had input from others with these sensitivities? Interesting ideas and I will google the facility noted above.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Thank you for the reply :)

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Are there any particular sites, brands, books that you particularly like? Thanks :)

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Specializes in Critical Care.

We have thought about that as well as a lot of our Veterans have PTSD so a certain scent could trigger a memory; there is a lot to consider!

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Don't do it.

Do any of you remember the first week of nursing school and they instructed us to NOT WEAR PERFUME? What happened to that?

1). There are NO double-blind scientific studies to PROVE that essential oils work.

2). There is absolutely NO regulation of essential oils to provide safe levels. Is 4 drops enough? Is 6 drops toxic? No one knows.

3). Not everyone can tolerate having the air saturated with this crap. I'm highly allergic and the bandwagon laden down with these oils is

making me SICK.

4). ESSENTIAL OILS ARE NOT APPROVED BY THE FDA FOR THE TREATMENT OF ANYTHING. PERIOD.

5). USE THEM AT HOME. THEN STAY THERE.

6). Popularity and anectodal statements do not and will never replace science based evidence. Small studies don't qualify either.

(I think I'm losing my mind over this issue).

1
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My state board of nursing clearly defines that I do not need to administer medications that are not FDA approved.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

This is an older post.

Just a simple example - I can't tolerate the smell of eucalyptus. Simple eucalyptus. Present in so many dried floral arrangements and room deodorizers and sachets thingeys.

Makes me sneeze and snot, eyes tearing. Headache after a while.

I don't think I would want to work in an environment that smelled up the air around-the- clock. I wouldn't be able to just walk away from it.

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I cheat and wear a little perfume at times, but essential oils? You're kidding, right?

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I know this is an old post but had experience with a family that slatheted the pt in scented oils (they were "treating" him with oils & refusing many meds but thd pt was so slick with oil its a wonder he didnt slide off the bed.)

Out experience was that the scent was overwhelming in the unit & many people with sensitivities & allergies complained. Several staff members were unable to care for the pt due to the smell. This is why many hospitals use fragerance free items to begin with.

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