Latex allergy: one health-care worker's story

I am a Registered Nurse. I have recently encountered a problem at work due to my allergies that your readers may be interested in hearing about. I work as an agency nurse for two of the largest agencies in this area of the US.

I recently went to work for a 16 hour shift at a hospital that my agency has staffed me at for over six months. I have a known latex allergy and require non latex gloves in order to perform patient care. The provision of non latex gloves by the hospital has been no problem and they make them readily available for anyone who needs them.

Two hours into my 16 hour shift, I began to develop a stuffy, runny nose; watery, itchy eyes; and periorbital swelling. At the time, I did not realize that I was having a latex allergy reaction.

As the shift progressed, I started to exhibit systemic manifestations. My whole body began to itch and break out into hives in which I looked like a flaming red sore. During the 11-7 portion of my shift, the charge nurse sent me to the ER to be evaluated and treated.

The ER doctor confirmed that I had indeed suffered a latex reaction. He medicated me with SQ Epi and Prednisone and I returned to the floor to finish the shift.

I also followed up with my allergist who agreed with the ER doctor. I was again medicated and told by my allergist to stay home for one night. I informed my agency as to what physically happened to me and I was told that the hospital cancelled my hours for that night which was not a problem since I needed to stay home and allow for the meds to work for a day or so.

I found out the next morning that my staffing privileges had been revoked at said hospital. I was made "DNR" which is do not return and without reason.

My agency and the hospital are not forthcoming as to why this action has been taken against me. I know that my rights have been violated and the EEOC has been notified of my complaint. In the six months that I have staffed with this hospital, I have had exemplary evaluations and no complaints on the care that I provide to their patients. I also understand that said hospital was undergoing a JACHO evaluation when my incident occurred.

(name withheld by request; story used by permission)

Special note: AllergyNursing.com agrees that latex allergy in the workplace is not grounds for termination. However, we are simply sharing this story as told to us. We have not heard the viewpoint of the agency through which this nurse is employed, nor the institution where the incident occurred, nor do we know any of the people involved.