Perfume at work?

[fawnmarie]

Fellow nurses, what are your thoughts on wearing perfume to work, and can you suggest a light, classy fragrance that is appropriate for the work setting? I usually wear one spritz of Victor & Rolf Flowerbomb or Guerlain Herba Fresca. I steer clear of anything from Victoria's Secret and any and all celebrity fragrances. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[RNperdiem, RN]

I don't wear perfume to work, as much as I love scents. I do however, give the inside spritz of my car a small spritz of perfume.

[SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS]

Fellow nurses, what are your thoughts on wearing perfume to work

Don't.

[MeiLana]

I've always been told not to wear perfume both in clinicals and my previous career site. Some people have allergies to the chemicals in perfumes. Frankly, some smells are an assault on others, regardless if the wearer thinks they're classy or polished. Very subjective.

I equate being forced to smell perfume I didn't opt-in for the same as being exposed to 2nd hand cigarette smoke. Both kick my allergies into high gear and give me a horrid headache. Of the few I can stand/like, I used to wear Poison (Dior) all the time until a professor smelled it on my jacket and said it smelled like I'd bathed in Lilac and if I came back to class wearing it or with it on ANY article of clothes, she'd fail me. Obviously co-workers can't so directly influence your decision process, but their thoughts on the matter, as well as facility policies, should be considered and respected.

[MartinJ]

I usually wear cologne when I am not at work, but I would never wear a fragrance at work. Also, I do not wear any jewelry or even my wedding ring.

[ohnoes22]

"a woman who does not wear perfume has no future." - coco chanel

"but a nurse who wears perfume gets in trouble." - me

[sjalv]

I'm a guy and wear cologne almost everywhere, but not to work/clinicals. I was taught it could worsen a person's work of breathing, or just be generally unpleasant.

[OCNRN63, RN]

I agree that it is tacky, not to mention inconsiderate, to reapply fragrance multiple times while at work. I like one light spritz of something classy while getting ready for work. I always make sure my makeup is tasteful and I take pride in my professional appearance and good grooming.

​What is light to you may be noxious to others. Save the perfume/cologne for after work.

[Nienna Celebrindal]

I honestly think its a terrible idea. When I had my last baby I had a nurse who wore perfume and ugh it made me nauseated. Trying to enjoy your new baby while recovering and fighting nausea from someone's perfume is just not cool.

And yes I realize the meds could have been a factor but every time she came close to me the smell hit me and my stomach just churned.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

Perfume is not recommended however people will wear Bath and Body works to cover up the smell of smoke. Officially, no one is supposed to be wearing any strong smelling scents. I know one time I about choked due to the strong smell when a doctor wore cologne into the ICU.

[Tenebrae, BSN, RN]

Mind you some of those alcohol based hand sanitisers can be just as nasty especially in small enclosed areas. Did that a few times district nursing after I'd seen a patient and just about made myself pass out.

[lumbarpain, ADN, RN]

if you put all the fragrances we wear all at once...you would have to narrow them all down....deodorant, shampoo, conditioner..soap, any kind of cream on the face or body ..toothpaste and mouthwash..Ok..I am getting nick picky here....but they create scents too.....so...if you put all of them together you wind up with a barrage of scents that may smell like a French House of Ill Repute....having some unscented soaps/deodorants/ hair products can eliminate the overwhelming smells patients may take as offensive..especially with breathing and respiratory conditions....keep it very light and sensible....

[sjalv]

if you put all the fragrances we wear all at once...you would have to narrow them all down....deodorant, shampoo, conditioner..soap, any kind of cream on the face or body ..toothpaste and mouthwash..Ok..I am getting nick picky here....but they create scents too.....so...if you put all of them together you wind up with a barrage of scents that may smell like a French House of Ill Repute....having some unscented soaps/deodorants/ hair products can eliminate the overwhelming smells patients may take as offensive..especially with breathing and respiratory conditions....keep it very light and sensible....

The thing is, a patient won't be able to smell your deodorant or shampoo unless their nose is all up in there (which, admittedly, can happen). Perfume, however, will be detectable even when you're at the other end of the patient's room. After all, that is the point of perfume; to be noticeable to others. Cologne isn't comparable to typical hygiene products, in my opinion.