We do use doTerra essential oils via diffusers in some of our nursing stations. We also have a doTerra cabinet in our Health & Wellness center if employee want to try a sample or have a headache or feel stressed.
We have small packets of lavender we hand out that the employees can put behind their ears or on their wrist.
We did have one respiratory therapist who went to chart in one of the units with a diffuser and and had to go to the ED as she developed bronchospasm. We realized that the staff were setting the diffusers too
high (highest output, 20 minutes on and 5minues off) We recommend setting the diffusers at low output, 5 minutes on and 15-20 minutes off and had no further staff issues. Also, we addressed not having too many diffusers close together. We also recommend
the lavender only as there are staff allergic to citrus.
At first , all units wanted to jump on the bandwagon…but over the past year it has slowed down. We don’t market aggressively and do not allow them in visitor or patient care areas. We are going to start a
study with doTerra on reduction in stress post op for joint replacement patients using lavender oil on the wrist or behind the ear. Just got approved through IRB.
JoAnn
JoAnn Shea, ARNP, MS, COHN-S
Director, Employee Health & Wellness
Work: 813-844-7692 Cell: 813-789-3441 FAX; 813-844-8144 Email: jshea@tgh.org
From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces@mylist.net]
On Behalf Of Thrasher, Terri
Sent: Monday, August 22, 2016 10:21 PM
To: MCOH/EH
Subject: Re: [MCOH-EH] Essential Oils/Diffusers
We have agreed not to use them because of the respiratory and allergy issues they presented when used.
From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces@mylist.net]
On Behalf Of Patti Surita
Sent: Monday, August 22, 2016 12:46 PM
To: 'mcoh-eh@mylist.net' <mcoh-eh@mylist.net>
Subject: [MCOH-EH] Essential Oils/Diffusers
Our wellness committee has been charged at looking into use of essential oil diffusers for our meditation room to be available to both employees and the public. This has raised
concerns from an Infection Control stand point. Do any of your organizations allow diffusers that do not utilize a water atomizer base?
And if so, would you be willing to share the brand and any issues you’ve experienced.
Thank-you!
Patti Surita, RN
HealthWORKS Manager
Beaver Dam Community Hospitals, Inc
707 S University Ave
Beaver Dam, WI 53916
Ph: (920) 887-6830 Fax: (920) 887-4091
