Latex allergy but still want to be a nurse

Otessa, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2006

we only use latex free gloves in our hospital and latex free tourniquets and latex free bandages and latex free syringes

i don't know if we have Latex in anything else

hollya5334, LPN · Jul 22, 2006

Hi everyone Im new here, so any help is appreciated.
I have discovered in nursing school that I have a latex allergy. Anyone else out there that is a nurse with a latex allergy that I can talk to. Is it possible for me to still be a nurse functioning as a on the floor nurse, not just in research

Im not a nurse yet (I take my NCLEX on the 26th of July!!) but, I too have a latex allergy and I didnt have any trouble in clincals (and i went to 4 places!!) excpet for one of the places was domanitly latex, and i had to order vinyal gloves. It never hurt to put a few in my pocket, either. I dont anticpate any problems in the future because the hospitals around my area use alot of non-latex items now, and a few are going to completly non-latex. Hope this helps!!! :wink2:

SharkLPN · Jul 22, 2006

Shouldn't be a problem, as most facilities are converting to being totally latex-free. Mine already is, but I have to confess that I miss the latex gloves - the small vinyl ones are still a bit too large on my hands. Still, I'd rather lose some dexterity than risk sending a patient into anaphylaxsis!

TXRN02 · Jul 22, 2006

Yes, it is possible to work as a nurse with a latex allergy! I work in Neonatal Intensive Care, and most NICU are latex-free. Just make sure to check around for latex free hospitals, or nursing units. If your allergy is just a contact allergy, not a respiratory allergy, your hospital will provide latex-free gloves for you to use. They even supplied them when I was in nursing school!

Keep in mind, that if you do work around latex, your reaction will increase with continued exposure. I have a contact reaction, as well as a respiratory reaction.

Good luck!

Mississippi_RN · Jul 22, 2006

Dont be discouraged! As said before, a lot of facilities are having to go mostly non-latex (if not at least have an option for anything). I mean, think about it, if they have a patient that comes in that is allergic to latex, they have to treat them just like any other patient. That means having the non-latex equipment/supplies to treat them with. However, if it was ME (just because I am one of those "better-safe-than-sorry" folks), I would purchase my own non-latex gloves and keep a box in my locker. I know, i know, they need to provide them for you. But just to be on the safer side, and for convenience, that way you would always be prepared.

Also, wherever and whenever you start to work, I would seriously take the time to read on most of the equipment you will be dealing with to see if it contains Latex (and if it does--where is the alternatives??). That way you wount tend to get caught up in an emergency (or a dr gotta have it RIGHT now-gency) and get messed up. At least you would be aware.

For what it worth -- I am not allergic to Latex, but rather the powder INSIDE the gloves... I have to keep my sights set on powder-free gloves.

:cool:

kaletra · Jul 22, 2006

Hi, well its great to hear that most hospital are changing to latex free gloves. Unfortunaltely, in my area of practice we are still using latex gloves. i do have a senior collegue who's allergy to latex. Her trick is to don a pair of polyethene gloves then latex gloves. The polyethene layer will act as a barrier.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 2006

Every facility where I've worked has always kept a supply of both latex and vinyl gloves. I prefer the latex products since they tend to be stretchier and form-fitting. Also, I don't have any problems with latex sensitivity.

However, there are many nurses who live and work with latex allergies and are able to function in the workplace without problems.

rjflyn, ASN, RN · Jul 27, 2006

Nurse2bee- I am going to say it depends. It depends on how allergic one is and how far said allergy progresses.

For example for the vast majority its just a contact allergy and thats it. For them it never worsens. Unfortunately I have worked with 2 individuals- one in fact is my ex-wife who were very allergic and would react if someone took latex gloves off in their presence. The ex's allergy progressed to where she would break out with a facial rash after an hour or two in the hospital environment. Her and her new husband actually due to unfortunate circumstances had to build a new home and to make it latex free cost an additional $10,000 and that was 10 yrs ago. The other nurse had to becareful to the point that if we were attempting to restrain a combative paitent for example that no one had latex gloves on and inadvertantly touched her- it was easier as that ER had gone latex free, but the medics still used latex.

Rj

emllpn2006 · Jul 27, 2006

I am allergic to latex gloves. Any time I us them my hands turn beet red and the top layers of skin peels off. I just make sure to use the vinal gloves at one hospital in my area all the gloves are latex free and in the other hopital the gloves in the rooms contain latex but in the med room they always keep a latex free cart with all the supplies one may need that are latex free.

Spritenurse1210, BSN, RN · Jul 28, 2006

I used to work with a nurse who had such a severe allergy to latex that if she was within 5 feet of anything latex she would get flu-like symptoms. she bought her own gloves and wore a m ask around anything latex, as well as used a drape during CPR training. She's been a nurse forever!!! it's very possible, but you have to be careful!! best of luck!!

vampiregirl, BSN, RN · Jul 28, 2006

Hello- I'm not a nurse yet, but I've worked as a CNA. I have a latex allergy and it's not been a big deal for me. Your employer should provide you with the necessary gloves, although they may require a doctor's note (I just had my doctor write one note and I kept the original and provided employers with a photocopy since I work at several places). Another poster mentioned knowing sources of latex in equipment you work with. Many newer items are "latex free", but some things I've encountered are older BP cuffs and some older stethoscopes. My biggest problem has been rubber bands. If you would like some links to reputable sites with allergy info, PM me.