Essential oils

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Ok. So I FINALLY got a job in a NICU and I was just wondering. I normally use essential oils like lavender and peppermint when I have headaches and stuff. Do you guys think that would be OK to use at work?

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What does your policy say about scents? Also, keep in mind that some of the essential oils can damage plastic. If you had it on your hands (no matter how well you may wash them) it may come off on IV tubing etc and cause problems. These babies are sick enough without adding anything else.

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Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

general rule of thumb is you should be scent free at work. I don't think scented shampoo/conditioner is usually strong enough to cause a problem, but besides that I would avoid it.

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Yes I see your point of course. I was just curious because I use them and I have a cousin who is also a NICU nurse but in another state. They integrate aromatherapy with some of the opioid withdrawal babies so I was just curious:)

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My guess is that their aromatherapy is more structured and controlled.

I never knew about the plastic damage thing. That's new for me.

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Specializes in Flight Nursing, Emergency, Forensics, SANE, Trauma.

My coworkers in the ED are obsessed with essential oils. Specifically doterra which I guess is supposed to be consumable as well. Idk.

I myself use peppermint oil to my temples and back of my neck for headaches and on the roof of my mouth for nausea. Works like a charm. I've yet to have patients complain but honestly I'd be very careful with little babies-- I'm not sure how sensitive they are to strong smells.

We haven't had any issues in my department beyond one girl having sneezing fits and one older woman smelling like a stink bug because of the tea tree oil she uses.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

I just sniff it at work. I don't apply essential oils because they are strong and the scent could be unpleasant or medically incompatible for some.

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I agree with Vintage above - just sniff it! Usually that is good enough for me. If not, I just put a dab right on the tip of my nose. Then it's powerful for me, but less likely for others to smell. It'd be as if I were eating a peppermint candy or something. Just keep in mind if you are really sensitive, it could irritate your skin.

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And some of the essential oils can trigger seizures so I would be careful, especially with NICU babies.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Several are also toxic in small quantities especially with preemies already fighting for their life.

The wife of a family member was insistent on using oils and home remedies and almost caused permanent damage to her infant son. He was born with a congenital issue and suddenly was getting worse. The worse he got the more "oils" she tried. Thank goodness her mother in law spoke up when she went to the pediatrician with them. The physician said that's exactly why I want to know anything that you are giving the baby other than breast milk or commercial formula. Even too much water can cause harm.

Peppermint and tea tree oil can actually cause a chemical burn on sensitive skin. They had to recall the infamous B&BW twisted peppermint line a few years back as people were getting burns & skin reactions from the high peppermint oil concentration in the lotions.

Concentrated oils can be accidentally inhaled burning fragile lung tissue (thinking of diffusers & sprays) and the pure oils can cause respiratory issues and headaches.

The small of pure lavender actually gives me such a headache it induces nausea. I had a coworker that swore by it and couldn't place the scent. I was even sent home. The physician saw her with the oil and knew the possible effect for those sensitive. The place was scent free after that.

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Specializes in NICU.

Preemies can be very sensitive to strong smells. I was taking care of a kid once who had been stable all day but then starting having desats like crazy when his dad came in and was standing next to the incubator. I came over to see what was going on, then realized that dad had the porthole to the incubator open and reeked of cigarettes. I can imagine a similar reaction to something as strong as peppermint, lavender, etc.

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Specializes in NICU.

We have a strict no fragrance policy in my level III NICU.

(Also, I happen to have a severe lavender allergy -- please be cautious with the oils!)

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