Fragrance Sacrifice

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jan 21, 2016

I worked with a nurse years and years ago that wore avon's. Roses, roses, roses.
It was awfull--cloying and overpowering. We had so so many complaints. She knew about complaints but refused to stop wearing it at work.
I don't wear fragrance at work after that experience

Rose water is NASTY. Had the same issue once, was the nurse's name Rose?

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jan 21, 2016

Hi all!
I am wondering for all the nurses have you sacrificed smelling good for the health of your patients? I am wanting to wear my "Smell Good" But don't want to seem like it will choke my patients. Is a little okay or non at all?
Thank you!!

It's not about "sacrificing smelling good for the health of your patients." It's about not wanting to subject someone who may not be feeling their best to odors that THEY do not consider to smell good. Even if you think your fragrance smells heavenly, you can be certain that someone else thinks it smells ghastly. If you are accustomed to wearing a certain fragrance, your nose may not be as sensitive to that smell -- it's easy to douse yourself with obnoxious amounts of scent without even realizing it. Don't do it. It's safer to just not wear any fragrance. Save that for your time off.

mpct · Jan 21, 2016

If it is really that important to you maybe you can keep a light fragrance for work and the heavy musk oud amber stuff for the house.

For males - I recommend this for work and home, tell your coworkers/patients/and significant other at home that I said "you are welcome":

http://fimgs.net/images/perfume/nd.315.jpg

MrNurse(x2), ADN · Jan 21, 2016

I worked with a nurse years and years ago that wore avon's. Roses, roses, roses.

She was also the one who went to every funeral in the county, right? I can't smell any rose based perfume without thinking "funeral home"

Farawyn · Jan 21, 2016

She was also the one who went to every funeral in the county, right? I can't smell any rose based perfume without thinking "funeral home"

No, that was her friend, Lily.

Rose and Lily go to Senior Homemakers together and hit up all the funerals. They are swathed in Avon Flower Water of their namesakes. They wear sensible shoes. They have butterscotches in their purses, which are large, black and shiny.

BeckyESRN · Jan 21, 2016

Please, no scents. I've worked with people who douse themselves in body spray, usually in order to cover up the smell of smoke, it's gross. Had a co-worker who would apply Bengay before shift and you could smell him coming. Now, I just have students drenched in essential oils to worry about. I'm asthmatic and I never know what will set off bronchospasms. I remember having several chronic lungers who would "fire you" as their nurse if you had perfume/scented anything. It's just easier to forgo the smelly goods.

Lulu Belle, RN, EMT-B · Jan 21, 2016

FWIW: I've used Bath and Body Works Sunshine and Daisies body cream ever since I got it as a gift last christmas. It boosts my confidence knowing I smell nice, but you can only smell it if you're actively sniffing me. I've found that a solid 97% of my coworkers and residents do not sniff me.

ashrose1992 · Jan 21, 2016

As someone who is very smell sensitive, please no perfume or cologne! Shampoo/body wash/deodorant really is enough. One day I was studying at Starbucks and two different women were wearing perfume that made me extremely nauseous to the point where I had to retreat home from my study post. Patients don't have that option. :/

Fiona59 · Jan 21, 2016

She was also the one who went to every funeral in the county, right? I can't smell any rose based perfume without thinking "funeral home"

That nurse works on my unit. Somebody dies every ten days or so. Can't have many relative or friends lrft

canigraduate · Jan 21, 2016

My whole family is sensitive to commercial scents, so I was surprised growing up that people put that stuff on themselves on purpose.

I don't smell the "smell good" agent, I smell the alcohol and preservatives and whatnot. Y'all stink to high heaven to me. Makes me sneeze and, depending on the scent, break out into itchy bumps.

That being said, I love a good lotion. They smell a lot nicer. A good, clean citrus or cucumber scent, or even a plain powder scent will do nicely.

Forget about the cologne and perfume, though. I have been known to ask people to wash if I am going to be stuck with them for a while.

Vana21, ADN, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2016

I wear a very light perfume from amazing grace. It's barely noticeable according to my pregnant sister who hates every other perfume I own right now.

Never had a patient complain

Nurse Leigh · Jan 21, 2016

I remember staff and patients telling me I smelled good - I was like, it's Tide and Downy...

I agree it's best to leave the fragrances at home, although I was a little taken aback when a patient chastised one of our techs for using regular Tide instead of the free & clear version. The tech handled it so gracefully. I totally understand people having adverse affects to all fragrances but if hospitals start to expect staff to purchase only laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and hygiene products without fragrance they may need to pony up some bucks for that...