Working Nurse

Top Story

Are You Allergic to Latex?

By Genevieve M. Clavreul, RN, Ph.D.

AS NURSES, WE ARE CONFRONTED with the many health challenges of our patients, and one of the most common is an allergy. Luckily, most allergies only present us with simple annoyances; however, there are a few that can be serious — latex is just such an allergy. Like an allergy to peanuts, you do not need direct exposure to have an allergic response. Being touched by the hand that had been previously gloved with latex can elicit an unpleasant, even life-threatening response. Sure, all nurses know to ask their patients about allergies, it’s second nature. But what about those of us working in the healthcare field with a latex allergy who are constantly exposed to latex gloves? Read More...

ADD A COMMENT