should you tell your classmate/co-worker about body odor

rnmomtobe2010 · Sep 8, 2008

I worked with a young lady in a restaurant a while ago and she just made my stomach turn. Everyone laughed at her and I caught her in the bathroom one night we had a little girl chat...I let her know in a real polite way that there were some things that she needed to take care of personally before she came into work and that I was concerned...Needless to say that she cleaned herself up al little better and we did not have any more problems... If you must talk with this person, be polite and make sure the two of you talk in private where no feelings are hurt... Good luck...

TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN · Sep 8, 2008

There are some really good "prescription" antiperspirants available now in grocery stores. I use them for extra coverage when we are on 12-hour shifts and they work really well. Perhaps you could even purchase one of these for her and suggest that it might be more effective than what she is currently using.... Hopefully, she will get the hint!

moncj66 · Sep 8, 2008

Well, what kind of body odor..IF its like musty then yeah b/c she may have hyperhidrosis, so u guys shouldnt just talk and laugh about her, some ppl can't help it. But, u definitely should ask if she has tried certain dri, or secret clinical strength..IF its other body odors, so should also talk about it, but some ppl can't control their body odors and it could be for religious reasons.

Bicster · Sep 8, 2008

Before you talk to her try to make sure you are not guilty of the same offense. That would be ackward.

Melinurse · Sep 8, 2008

If you have a good rapport with her, I would pull her aside and be very gentle and suttle about it. Be considerate of her feelings. Talk to her the way you would want to be told if it were you. Again, it may also depend on the culture/type of BO, etc...... So approach the subject carefully, especially if others are laughing behind her back. If you can't find a good time/place or nice way to tell her, then it is probably best to not say anything. :heartbeat Lots of luck.

CrazyNurseGrrl · Sep 8, 2008

I think some people have already given great advice for HOW to tell her... my 2 cents is: I PRAY that someone would tell ME if I were having that problem. Keep that in mind!

chaxanmom · Sep 8, 2008

Should you tell your co-worker/classmate about their body odor? I have a coworker/classmate who has a bad body odor. I really like her. We have gone to the instructors about her. The funny thing is, she can laugh and tell us that a pt need's a breath mint or they smell funky but, she can't seem to smell her ownself. Help, I need some advice

No you shouldn't but the instructor or supervisor definitely should! That is offensive to patients. Maybe go to whomever is above that instructor if she won't say anything?

Tharem · Sep 8, 2008

No you shouldn't but the instructor or supervisor definitely should! That is offensive to patients. Maybe go to whomever is above that instructor if she won't say anything?

That's a good idea. I think it would both less offensive and more effective coming from an instructor rather then a friend.

Melinurse · Sep 9, 2008

If you have a good rapport with her, I would pull her aside and be very gentle and suttle about it. Be considerate of her feelings. Talk to her the way you would want to be told if it were you. Again, it may also depend on the culture/type of BO, etc...... So approach the subject carefully, especially if others are laughing behind her back. If you can't find a good time/place or nice way to tell her, then it is probably best to not say anything. :heartbeat Lots of luck.

If it was me, I would want someone to pull me aside and tell me. Preferably a friend. But I would want to know. If you had a booger hanging, would you want someone to tell you? Or do you let them offend the patients they'll be caring for or let them be laughed at?

msjack · Sep 9, 2008

I agree with the previous poster, I think it's the instructor's place to tell her. I think she would be more offended if a friend told her or wouldn't take it seriously. I know it's a touchy subject so good luck.

PEBBLES1 · Sep 10, 2008

She doesn't smell musty, it's her behind that stinks. Sometimes I feel bad for her, but when I hear her talking about how the patient's smell, Then she needs to get a whiff of her own behind.