Nurse with latex allergy?

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A friend of mine just started nursing school this week, and was told by her instructor that because of her latex allergy, she should really think twice about becoming a nurse. After talking to her instructor, family doctor, and occupational health office at the only hospital in town, all of these people recommended that she choose another career path, but ultimately, it is her decision. She does not have severe reactions (yet), but knows that with repeated exposure that her allergy can get worse.

She is trying to decide what she wants to do. What do you all think?? If you don't think she should pursue nursing, do you know of any other career fields that would be compatible? Thanks for your replies!

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Specializes in L&D.

I have a latex allergy, and knew it before I started nursing school. You just be careful with your latex exposure in the work environment. Many places are actually latex free, so it's not as big of a deal as it used to be!

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

There's lots of latex around, but more and more things are becoming latex free in response to patients with latex allergies, and it's shouldn't be that hard to be a nurse.

Hospitals are mandated to provide latex free gloves to those with allergies. So daily she going to have to ask for a supply of latex free gloves in both clinicals on on the job. But she can keep them in her locker.

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Specializes in cardiac/critical care/ informatics.

our hospital is just about latex free, we don't use latex gloves except sterile and there are alternatives. Tournaqets are latex free. So really that should not stop you from being a nurse. good luck

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the hospital where i am a patient is as latex free as possible. still when i was a patient at an orthodontist i told them i was latex allergic so that I could limit my exposure since it is hard for hospitals to be garunteed 100% latex free.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency, Education, Informatics.

I found out about mine the hard way. I needed to be treated for it at work. Now many years later, I haven't had a problem. I keep a box of the gloved I Like handy,but I haven't had to use them in ages. THe hospital is almost all latex free. You just have to be carefull. I keep an epi pen and benadryl handy at all times.

It's out in the world that scares me.

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Specializes in ER.

Unless she has an anaphalactic reaction with minor exposure, I think your friend should be OK, she just needs to be careful. My allergy has developed over time, starting with red, itching hands that resolved when I wore powder free gloves. Later, any lengthy use of latex gloves would cause red hands, now, even short use causes redness and itching.

My hospital is moving toward latex free, and there are lots of non latex gloves around. I still have to wear latex when inserting a foley cath, because we have no sterile non latex ones...or I can put the sterile ones over the non latex ones.

There are still many nursing jobs with minimal exposure to latex, so I would not try to discourage her, just advise her that she is going to have to be more careful than most....as most people with allergies.

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I understand the desire to be a nurse. I also understand the devastation that comes when your career is ended. I had what was considered a mild latex allergy. I didn't use latex gloves and was careful. My exposure came from other's use of latex gloves. Every time I was exposed to someone else removing their gloves...my allergy increased. I have not been able to work for 6 years now. I have tried re-educating myself but was unable to avoid latex to do so. I think that you could be a nurse, you just need to be creative with your choice. Nursing is a very dynamic profession with something for everyone. Perhaps something outside the clinical setting...home care, hospice, etc., would be more appropriate. Good luck:nurse:

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Over time I have become severely allergic latex but have still been able to work as an LPN. Most of my assignments are in latex free facilities or facilities that are 99% latex free. Co-workers have always been respectful of the allergy and do their best to keep it away from me. I keep my Epi and benedryl on me just in case and I also wear long sleeve scrub jackets as an added precaution. It's outside of work that I have the biggest fear. It can be done....she just needs to be careful. Good luck!

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I developed a contact dermatitis latex allergy (I do have the antibodies, it's not just a reaction) while working with powdered, cheap latex gloves as a nursing home aide back in '96; I was in nursing school at the time, and had to buy my own non-latex gloves (don't expect nursing school to provide those for you, although they may since it's a much more common thing today; only employers have to do so).

I have never worn latex gloves again, but have of course been in an environment where they are used. However, I'm happy to report that my allergy has not increased in severity at all (I haven't been back to the allergist in years, and no longer carry an Epipen).

I see no reason why your friend should not pursue nursing; I doubt she is in the "severely allergic/anaphylactic shock" group, because in this case I don't think she would even consider nursing school. But if the allergy is mild or moderate, it should not be a problem. Many nurses have this problem today (a coworker can't wear any gloves without cotton liners; but this works fine for him). Most of us wear nitrile gloves, which is similar in feel and fit to latex. Interestingly, hospitals don't usually provide latex-free sterile gloves; options are double-gloving or wearing cotton liners. In a nutshell, it shouldn't be a problem for students or nurses!

Good luck to your friend!

DeLana

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