My co-worker stinks like gin every morning!

[pawsomepooch47]

I have been working with a nurse for 15 years now who comes to work each morning smelling like her last drink, some days much stronger than others. Some days if i come in a few minutes after her I can smell it on the elevator she just rode up on. I and other nurses have addressed this in the past, at which time she took a leave for awhile, seemed to improve, but now is back to the usual stench. None of the managers seem to care anymore. I can't say as she acts impaired exactly, but if I was a patient and my RN reeked of booze, I might not be too happy! Would you?

[guest563546]

It's kind of shocking to see extremes at such different ends of the spectrum. There have been so many posts lately about people being disciplined for minor honest mistakes, things they could have learned from. Then you get the ones like this where somebody has been exhibiting unforgivable behavior consistently and nothing is done. It just makes me so curious about the dynamics of the individual workplaces. Which would I rather work in, one where my b*lls might be on the chopping block for the smallest mistake or one where I could show up boozy and none of my superiors be overly concerned? Neither choice is very appealing, and I'm genuinely sorry for the nurses who have to put up with this sort of thing.

[SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS]

Doesn't your facility have "probable cause" testing? Where they could have a random BAC drawn while she was at work and find out what her real level of impairment is. Meanwhile, document, document, document, and up the chain of command. I takes a long time to get an impaired nurse out unfortunately, even when there is narcotic theft or diversion.

[giveface]

We just had a lady that worked at my last hospital die after being retired less than 1 year. She was not a registered staff member, but nevertheless she was drunk for pretty much her 30 years at this facility. Everyone knew and no one did a darn thing about it. And the display and the tears when she finally drank herself to death after numerous hospitalizations. I haven't seen that much denial since Amy Winehouse's death. Just saying, maybe if people were more interested in helping the individual instead of judgment and gossip and reporting coworkers, there might be more happy endings.

[jt43]

I didn't read all the comments, but it's entirely possible for there to be other reasons she smells like gin other than she's drunk on the job or actively impaired. I am wondering however, assuming she's not impaired, is this any different than a nurse smelling of cigarettes?

[GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

unquestionably, this goes on more often than we care to admit. undoubtedly, she needs some kind of intervention, in addition, i'm certain that if the staff notices it, i can imagine the patients.

[jt43]

I found this comment online on a page talking about BO." 3. As substitute for deodorant.. you can use GIN ....yes... an alcoholc drink as deodorant. The scent is only temporary . I read somewhere that Vodka can be used as well but I perspire after I tried it though i didn't smell. These is what I use now and what I intend to use forever. Its amazing."Wowzer!

[jt43]

I also just googled, "gin perfume," "gin deodorant," "juniper perfume," "juniper scented" and came up with a million hits for gin or juniper scented products, including some from bath and body works. Maybe your coworker is using "juniper breeze" scented hand sanitizer in the elevator. Just playing devil's advocate here.

[sapphire18]

Maybe your coworker is using "juniper breeze" scented hand sanitizer in the elevator. Just playing devil's advocate here.

Juniper is a plant, not a drink. This woman has already been confronted about her drinking in the past, was out for a period of time and came back improved. This ain't no juniper breeze hand sanitizer.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Juniper is a plant, not a drink. This woman has already been confronted about her drinking in the past, was out for a period of time and came back improved. This ain't no juniper breeze hand sanitizer.

I think jt43 is trying to point out that gin--the drink--is made from juniper berries.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

"i found this comment online on a page talking about bo." 3. as substitute for deodorant.. you can use gin ....yes... an alcoholc drink as deodorant. the scent is only temporary . i read somewhere that vodka can be used as well but i perspire after i tried it though i didn't smell. these is what i use now and what i intend to use forever. its amazing.""

my daughter learned about this when she worked in the costume shop for a summer theater. it was hot and sweaty on stage, and they didn't have time (or money) to send out a lot of the costumes for cleaning. they used vodka as el-cheapo dry-cleaning and it did a wonderful job on the unwashable costumes. honest.

but we digress. this is a nurse with a documented and well-accepted alcohol ingestion problem, not a topical alcohol hygiene habit. some kind of definitive intervention is indicated, in the name of patient safety.

[OCNRN63, RN]

I have to applaud the OP, though. My sniffer would never be able to differentiate the smell of gin v the smell of bourbon v wine, etc. Those are some pretty good olefactories there.

[nowim clean]

If you really believe the nurse is using alcohol, then simply call your state BON they will handle the investigation and get the nurse the help they need. If they are using everyday and you smell it the next morning a blood test would show etoh content and most likely be high enough for a DUI. It happens trust me... I know first hand.