How would you react? Body odor discussion.

[Nurse-rachet1]

I am currently suspended for having a conversation regarding body odor with a patient and 2 daughters. I had asked if she had any other deodorant because the one she had wasn't effective. We had what I thought was as delicate as possible conversation. Does that ever go well?

Well the daughters were offended that I had asked for a different deodorant and the mom was embarrassed and they complained to a couple of people that they had been offended.

Needless to say I was pissed (at my work) and felt they over reacted. Yes they (pt and family) could call state on me but I am confident in my abilities as a nurse and I am not afraid of that. I believe this was a little retaliation from a conversation I had with the administrator about a few things an hour or so before she was brought into this.

Also the part that really, really bothers me is after the administrator made that decision she left. So my boss called me and said she was getting "beard" to come in with us. I said absolutely not, I will not have "beard" in any of my business. I was very adament about my dislike of person and that I did not trust this person and wanted no part in my business. I told her she is more than welcome to have a conference call if she was that adament about not being alone. She said in like a defeated type voice "come on" I followed her thinking she was going to do that. BUT nope she had this person there. I was livid. She completely disregarded my feelings about the situation and made me VERY uncomfortable. This person is a charge nurse and a poor one at that, I have a lot of history with this person and not much of it good in regards to work.

How would you react?

I could have pulled one daughter aside and spoke with her privately but I honestly feel it would not have mattered. They would have been offended anyway. The minute I was told they were offended I went and spoke with the patient, spouse and one of the daughter (before being suspended) and sincerely apologized if I offended them I teared up because I felt horrible that I hurt my patient's feelings. I pride myself on giving good care and would never offend someone on purpose. The spouse and daughter both accepted my apology and the spouse shook my hand and thank me for apologizing. The daughter mentioned she had brought in 2 different types of deodorant and asked me to let her know if they didn't work.

Now the patient's BO that day was off the charts, I had her showered and sprayed with her deodorant. Later I was giving her something for pain and happened to see the deodorant bottle and the daughters were there, I knew they brought things in for her which is why I mentioned at that time.

[mspaintedeyes]

Working at a hospital or nursing home, I would think that BO is something that you get used to (not really, but you do learn how to tolerate). For instance if this is a patient from a nursing home, the person you should bring this up to are the CNAs and the charge nurse on duty, who can inform you about their next shower schedule, personal care habits etc. Some patients could go a week without showering simply because they've been shuffled around from floor to floor and their shower schedule / bathing time got shifted as well. It is inappropriate to discuss hygiene with the patient directly when they receive personal care from a facility.

Now if this person is a regular patient, I would have more tact, being that you don't know the circumstances. A UTI in full effect can really bend nose hairs, menstruation smells like acid. An incorrect dose of medication, anxiety, drymouth and stress in the hottest month of the year can cause a less than pleasant scent. There are so many factors. I wouldn't judge a person on a one time occurrence. I would however, be sure to hand them a care packet, which usually includes a miniature sized deodorant, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc, just as a "random courtesy". A hint should be enough. If you're treating a homeless person, you can redirect them to a shelter service that provides daily showers, etc. But to tell someone outright that they stink is not very helpful.

I do think a suspension was over the top. People make mistakes, nurses make mistakese. It should have been treated as a learning situation. A warning should have sufficed. But don't be bitter, if it ever comes up, it does seem like a legitimate misunderstanding.

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

Thanks. I am aware that I can be blunt and keep a watch on it. I didn't have an issues with the charge nurse, we get along fine - BUT I don't appreciate him as a worker therfore I don't want him in my business because he gossips.

My other issue that day was a conversation with the administrator, the conversation was fine but the content was about a prematurely rolled out computer program. We were going over glitches. I don't think that she liked hearing how everyone was frustrated with this. That was the basis of the conversation.

In my defense of this conversation... I have to make sure my patient's are cared for. I don't personally care if they want to have BO, but when they are sitting in the hall and I see the faces everyone (including staff) make as they pass her, I need to take care of her. Before ever having a conversation like that I try everything else first. While my delivery could have been more private my intentions were good.

This does explain why you are in trouble. I'm sure you meant well re: the computer program and "everyone's" frustrations with it, and re: your smelly patient. But you see where honesty gets you.

So don't do it any more. Think about a new job. You might not be able to recover on this current one.

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

Every body is so danged sensitive these days and I think people go out of their way to get their panties in a wad. If it were my family member in a long term care / skilled nursing etc where they are not necessarily going anywhere for a while and the staff was telling me that there was an issue with them having an odor problem then (and maybe this in just my reasonable nurse brain speaking here) we look for ways to solve it. We don't shoot the messenger and get her suspended. Maybe Aunt Mable needs a stronger deodorant. Maybe the room is too hot. Maybe we don't realize that she asks for 4 blankets at night and she sweats like a mma fighter. Maybe she refuses her bath for everyone but this nurse. Maybe there is a little infection going on. There could be a much bigger picture going on that needs some cooperation of the family and the rest of the staff - not suspensions and hurt feelings because someone voices a concern.

[Emergent, RN]

I would never in a million years criticize a patient or family member for their personal hygiene. Believe me, working in the ER I'm exposed to some very ripe folk.

If people don't know about bathing and deodorant by now, they are extremely socially challenged. There are ads on TV up the yin-yang. My kids became shower obsessed in middle school without any prompting from me, social pressure was totally sufficient.

You made a serious faux-pas there. If you were a school nurse helping a clueless student, that would be a different story.

[NanaPoo]

I would personally want someone to tell me, in a kind, sensitive manner, that I wasn't smelling so good and needed a good scrub and generous deodorant. I'd hate to think a visitor would be subject to a roomful of stank when they came to see me. PLEASE tell me!

[Flatline, BSN, RN]

I would personally want someone to tell me, in a kind, sensitive manner, that I wasn't smelling so good and needed a good scrub and generous deodorant. I'd hate to think a visitor would be subject to a roomful of stank when they came to see me. PLEASE tell me!

Would you want to be told that you were smelly in front of guests or in private after they leave?

[Neats, BSN]

I feel for you and what happened about being suspended.

I like many others would not have said anything for I have experienced a great many smells in my time. If it was a good friend or family member then yes. If it was while I was working in the prison system and a patient I would have taken the time to allow for a teachable moment about hygiene in general and the causes and smells when someone has difficulty with controlling hygiene. On a typical hospital unit then no I would not have said anything what I would have done was bring in another admit "gift box" and made sure there was deodorant right on top ( I guess this is the passive/aggressive in me)

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

Every body is so danged sensitive these days and I think people go out of their way to get their panties in a wad. If it were my family member in a long term care / skilled nursing etc where they are not necessarily going anywhere for a while and the staff was telling me that there was an issue with them having an odor problem then (and maybe this in just my reasonable nurse brain speaking here) we look for ways to solve it. We don't shoot the messenger and get her suspended. Maybe Aunt Mable needs a stronger deodorant. Maybe the room is too hot. Maybe we don't realize that she asks for 4 blankets at night and she sweats like a mma fighter. Maybe she refuses her bath for everyone but this nurse. Maybe there is a little infection going on. There could be a much bigger picture going on that needs some cooperation of the family and the rest of the staff - not suspensions and hurt feelings because someone voices a concern.

^^^^ This!

I have had to have this conversation before....many times. I've never had an issue or have been suspended.

[Flatline, BSN, RN]

^^^^ This!

I have had to have this conversation before....many times. I've never had an issue or have been suspended.

Were they group conversations or did you respect the patient's dignity and speak with them or their family in private?

[Amaretto]

I am a nursing student. This was a little frightening to read. Aren't nurses suppose to educate their patients and isn't hygiene something that is assessed aswell???? If someone is lacking hygiene, isn't it in the best interest of the patient to educate them since you're charting their hygiene? Or do you chart and just not talk about certain things because it's not socially correct? Yikes 😬 Better learn on here before going into the real world. Have a great day everyone!

[NanaPoo]

Would you want to be told that you were smelly in front of guests or in private after they leave?

Well, I did say I'd want to be told in a kind, sensitive manner so....

[sunny time]

oh my GOD. are you serious. this crap is getting so out of control. I have been terminated from 2 positions in the last 3 months for being inappropriate with family members. 1. this person needs more fiber in his diet to facilitate a daily BM

never mind he was on 8 MEDS daily for CONSTIPATION. this was an inappropriate conversation. The next one was a person in a coma for 1 year. I ask the family what their expectations were for this person.they complained to the owner and I was let go. this person was 92 years old. I have no idea what they told the owner. he asked me if I felt I stated the right thing. I stated I know what I said and yes I was good with it. what I didn't know was what the family said I stated. he did not tell me so I really don't know what they said. I am all about teaching. I am going to an interview in a few minutes. I have made up my mind that I will be cordial but no teaching. I am done with it. I have been a nurse for 28 years and this is the first time I have had to stifle my self. this is what happens when we demanded by state to teach but no one stands behind us.