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.

[fawnmarie, ASN]

@ caroladybelle...Meeeeooowwww!!!

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

@ caroladybelle...Meeeeooowwww!!!

How mature.

The fact is that it nauseates pts and staff, reeks up the room and totally and completely unnecessary.

It is similar to people that bring smelly food to work to heat up in the communal microwave and reek everyone out of the break room. It is quite rude and imposing on others.

But go ahead, and mmeeooww, if it sooths you to ignore the rudeness that reeking perfume poses to others.

[guest769224]

It is similar to people that bring smelly food to work to heat up in the communal microwave and reek everyone out of the break room. It is quite rude and imposing on others.

But go ahead, and mmeeooww, if it sooths you to ignore the rudeness that reeking perfume poses to others.

Reeking perfume is not rudeness. That is totally overblown. I've eaten in break rooms 4 years and have yet to witness the example you provided.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

I disagree. I work with Oncology patients, and there are frequent complaints about staff members wearing perfume.

And if you have never had the experience of a fellow staffer that heats fish in the communal microwave and several staffers have to leave the break room because of the smell, you are lucky. As a former traveler, it occurred in a number of units in which I have worked.

[fawnmarie, ASN]

I would not wear fragrance if I were an oncology nurse. My duties are very different from yours, caroladybelle. I am reminded of an old battle axe of a nurse with whom I once worked...she would make catty remarks about any nurse who was younger and took pride in her appearance. I do appreciate the comments that were tactful. Since I started this thread over 2 months ago, I have been saving my fragrances for dressy occasions and nights out with my husband.

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

One of the saddest things that I have ever seen was an elderly man receiving Adriamycin and Vincristine hanging over the side of the bed green and nauseated He was almost in tears and said " oh God the smell of that popcorn" referring to some popcorn one of the staff made in the middle of the night.

The smell is just gross. Imagine what it does to a chemo patient.

[chicagotoots]

Not only your patients may suffer if you perfume up, but also your co-workers! I hacpve had to leave an area due to wheezing when a overscented worker arrived. Keep the fragrance for date night and out of the hospital.

[fawnmarie, ASN]

I feel that I owe caroladybelle an apology for my comment on February 12. That was unprofessional of me. Having had several days to think about it, I've decided to apologize. I think this forum is more enjoyable when we are respectful to one another...:)

[OCNRN63, RN]

I would not wear fragrance if I were an oncology nurse. My duties are very different from yours, caroladybelle. I am reminded of an old battle axe of a nurse with whom I once worked...she would make catty remarks about any nurse who was younger and took pride in her appearance. I do appreciate the comments that were tactful. Since I started this thread over 2 months ago, I have been saving my fragrances for dressy occasions and nights out with my husband.

How nice..."battle axe." Name-calling older nurses does so much to keep the conversation professional.

[MatrixRn]

Perfume, spritzs or fragrances in general should not be worn in the medical setting. There are too many people who are allergic, have lung issues, on chemo or have a sensitivity to the smells.

Frankly, I think it is rude when someone comes around me reeking, yes reeking, of what they think is good smelling perfume.

[tiredofthisRN]

Absolutely my biggest pet peeve at work is nurses wearing perfume, esp those that overdo it. Learned day one of nursing school that is a no no for healthcare workers. You willsmell fine if u bathe and apply deodrant. The strong perfumes often make me feel sick. Patients shouldn't have to deal with that.

[OCNRN63, RN]

I use coconut oil with a few drops of essential oils. It smells nice and the scent isn't very strong.

It may not smell strong to you, but to someone with fragrance sensitivity, it may be strong. Save it for outside of work.