Why not wear a mask to 'mask' some of the smells that go along with nursing?

Published

i'm not a nurse so forgive me if i'm out of line. my daughter is in a bsn program and i feel sorry for her and that's why i'm asking this question.

my dentist, from the time he steps foot in the examining room he has a mask on. i don't even know what he looks like after going to him for 6 years! when he talks to me after my exam he continues to wear the mask.

here is my question. why can't nurses wear masks when dealing with a situation that is going to have a horrible order? i can't imagine that it would be offensive to the patient; i'm not offended when my dentist wears his mask.

why not?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.
i'm not a nurse so forgive me if i'm out of line. my daughter is in a bsn program and i feel sorry for her and that's why i'm asking this question.

my dentist, from the time he steps foot in the examining room he has a mask on. i don't even know what he looks like after going to him for 6 years! when he talks to me after my exam he continues to wear the mask.

here is my question. why can't nurses wear masks when dealing with a situation that is going to have a horrible order? i can't imagine that it would be offensive to the patient; i'm not offended when my dentist wears his mask.

why not?

the difference between dentists and nurses (one of them anyway) is that nurses tend to have more "intimate" relationships with their patients. we treat patients holistically, not just in bits and pieces. it would be hard to trust nurses when you couldn't see or recognize them. patients are in a vulnerable position and as nurses, we help them reach their full health potential; this involves treating them with dignity and respect. most patients already feel uncomfortable with being sick and the attendant "aromas". a lot of patients are anxious and not seeing their health care givers wound tend to increase that.

unpleasant smells and sights are just part of being a nurse--definitely not our favorite part, but you take the good with the bad ;).

you're never out of line, if you ask a sincere question :).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

When caregivers encounter a situation where the odors are strong, they tend to use a less conspicuous way to deal with it, such as the old standby of placing some Vick's around the nose. Not as noticeable and might be a better odor barrier.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The dentist wears the mask to protect himself from infection from body fluids, not smells.

It would hurt people's feelings. They are already so embarrassed that they're having accidents or have a bad wound that it is imperative to make them confortable.

I had a little old lady start pooping whle I was checking a sore on her bottom. Well, my hand was gloved and I had a washcloth to clean her up anyway and when she said, "Oh, no, I'm going again," I just answered, "Well, go. It's okay." Talk about catching poop. ;) But her distress was lessened and poop happens.

:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

But, why isn't it standard procedure or at least an optional procedure to wear a mask when dealing with something that's really obnoxiously smelly?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Answer in first post. We are not to go out of our way to make the patient uncomfortable, falls under the venue of "psychological jeopardy". Most caregivers get used to the odors encountered in healthcare and don't need to take measures to mask them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in critical care, PACU.

I think at some point you gain the olfactory stamina ;) to go about your job without reacting to odors.

I hate to be snarky, but it borders on both selfishness and immaturity to complain about what the odors do to you when really it is the patient, who is vulnerable and potentially embarrassed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,.

because one of a nurse's main jobs is to lessen the patient's discomfort and embarassment. believe it or not, your daughter will get so used to most bad smells that she won't even bat an eyelash and for the really bad ones, she can use a dab of vicks under her nose, or a few drops of oil of peppermint, wintergreen, or spearmint on a cotton ball and tuck it into her bra. the patient is already so embarassed and uncomfortable about the smell and whatever caused it that there's absolutely no reason to make him/her feel worse. if a patient frequently or always smells from disease, a tumor, has frequent bowel movements that are killers, shaving cream for clean up or some extract oil or vanilla will help. she will get used to it and be able to control her facial expression. besides, masks can get hot!

kathy

shar pei mom:paw::paw:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
But, why isn't it standard procedure or at least an optional procedure to wear a mask when dealing with something that's really obnoxiously smelly?

Mostly because it's unnecessary. PPE is used when there is a need to protect the patient and/or provider from a specific risk, not just because we're germaphobes or because something is unpleasant. Every job has some unpleasant aspects, and nursing is no different...it can take some practice to learn how to control your reactions, but treating your patients with respect and earning their trust is an important part of being a nurse.

Also, wearing a mask doesn't offer as much of a barrier against odor as you may think. I can pretty much guarantee that if a dentist is treating a raging infection in someone's mouth, he knows exactly what it smells like, and is wearing the mask as physical protection. Vicks, cinnamon gum, or mint lip balm are usually a better bet!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

For myself, masks are hot, uncomfortable and annoying. They keep my glasses all fogged up and impede my vision. My patient can't see my facial expressions which can sometimes hamper communication. People are more inclined to believe that you mean it when you say that you don't mind cleaning them up after an episode of incontinence for the fifth time half-way through your shift if they can see you smile at them. (And I don't mind, its part of the job, and the smile will hopefully make it more bearable for the patient).

And for really strong odors, wearing a mask won't really make any difference.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
But, why isn't it standard procedure or at least an optional procedure to wear a mask when dealing with something that's really obnoxiously smelly?

I'll get back to you after I check the State Practice Acts governing obnoxiously smelly patients.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,.
i'll get back to you after i check the state practice acts governing obnoxiously smelly patients.

that should have with a spew alert!! :cool:

i spent the two hours after school let out listening to the "boyfriend" and "totally unreasonable

mom" problems our 15 year old neighbor was having today.:eek: i needed that! thanks!! :D

kathy

shar pei mom:paw::paw:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion