Question for Allergy Clinic Nurses

[Marshall1]

I work in an allergy clinic. We (myself and the other RN) mix the vials and the SLITS and perform the allergy testing (Intradermal with prick test) and of course administer the shots.

I'm still not 100% clear on if we are out of our scope of practice by doing some of these tasks and have not yet heard back from the BON.

This morning the nurse I worked with submitted her resignation. She told management that she wants to spend more time pursuing other interest. She told me privately the real reason is often times feels like she has the flu when she works & for a day or so afterwards but when she is off a few days the symptoms she experience disappear..she feels working with the allergens (mixing them, doing the tests) is the problem because we are exposed to them 8+ hrs day and there is no "hood" when mixing. She said she did speak to the OSHA person as well as the MD who brushed her off but her GP told her that yes, this could be the problem even though she isn't injecting herself obviously with them he told her there are vapors that are released and small amts can be absorbed through the skin. She said she thought back to when these problems began (excessive fatigue, joint pain, headache) and realized it started a day into her orientation about a yr ago & continues whenever she works & how she feels fine when she isn't there. She is not an alarmist & said she really doesn't want to leave but firmly believes the environment effects her health & that she is the 2nd person to leave the position because of this..what do you think?

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I think it ought to be investigated. You can make an anonymous report to OSHA.