[AmandaRN]

Okay guys. I really need to know what you all think about this. I learned today that as of July 1, the facility for which I work is going to be totally tobacco free. By this I mean that tobacco will be allowed NOWHERE on the facility premises. This also means that if you want to smoke, you are required to do so in your own vehicle AND clock out to do so. This is system wide, and includes patients, families, employees, doctors, everybody. I am not quite sure what to think about this. I know and you all know that nurses that smoke sometimes do not even have time to think about smoking during a shift, much less get to smoke, so ultimately it's not the end of the world, but I can't help being mad. I don't know about you all, but sometimes a cigarette is all I need to keep my sanity. Do any of you all have a policy like this?? Please let me know what you think!!!

[KaroSnowQueen]

I do not smoke and so dont' worry too much about smoking policies. BUT if they were to tell me I had to clock out and go to the car to drink a Coke or suck down a chocolate bar, some of my own personal vices, that haven't YET become politically incorrect, I would be mad too. So while I don't smoke, I have empathy with your concerns.
I think this is a bit harsh. Our facility doesn't allow smoking indoors, but there are a couple of places one can go to smoke, outside most of the entrances, including the covered parking garage which is very close. It seems to me this is a bit much to expect you to freaking clock out to smoke. I'd like to know if any of the brass smoke and are they taking money off their checks to go smoke.

[kimmicoobug]

Ok, I guess I don't understand something here. What kind of facility do you work in. I automatically assumed a hospital, which in that case I understand, though I don't understand why they are also including the outside in that rule. This may also be unpopular for me to say this, but I do agree that if you smoke outside of your designated 15 or whatever the break policies are, you should clock out. Of course, I don't know what your facility is like and if it is fairly kick back and people can take little minibreaks for whatever reason, then, yeah, that does seem a bit harsh. But, if your place of work is more rigid and busy, then it wouldn't seem fair to me that a smoker should be able to step out several times a day, while the nonsmokers don't have the option.

[AmandaRN]

I did not want this to turn into "Smokers are the only one's who get a break" issue. I said in my original post that this is not the end of the world. I do work in a hospital, one in an alliance of several. Thanks for your input.

[ShandyLynnRN]

I think she was saying that they would not be allowed to take smoke breaks at all, on break time or not, unless they clocked out and went clear out to their cars....

Yes, seems very harsh. My question is: how will they enforce that for visitors? If they catch them smoking outside by the entrance what will they do? Shake their finger at them?

I am a smoker, and although I know its bad for my health, I don't want to quit just yet. I understand that facilities are trying to make environments more health friendly, etc... but the public isn't ready for all that. IMHO

[AmandaRN]

Shandy, I agree with you. Let me reiterate something. I am postively, totally, 100% for health awareness and the general health of the public. Having said that, I will say that whether or not I smoke is my business. Yes, I do abide by smoking policies already in place. I very much respect the rights of non-smokers. It doesn't hurt my feelings one bit to have to walk (run) for 95% of my break time to get to the designated smoking area. All I am trying to say is that as long as there is a separate smoking area for smokers (here it is VERY secluded from the public and other areas of the hospital), I think it is outrageous to have to go to your private vehicle to smoke. Keep in mind that getting from my work area to my vehicle is quite time-consuming.

[Kayzee]

I feel if you smoke on your break time that is your business, as long as it is in a designated area. Going out to your car is prob. time consuming and almost seems like a punishment. Why don't we get rid of all the high fat food in the cafeteria's also? Or they could go out and eat it in their cars. Unreal. I actually do know of a hospital that has this policy, but everyone has found a place to smoke...and it is not out in their cars.

[meownsmile]

My facility attempted this 9 years ago. It lasted about 3 months. They finally put designated areas around the outside of the hospital, and they are used by smokers. They keep the smokers a certain number of feet from designated doors and will ask people to move to designated areas when they are smoking in places not designated as smoking areas.
It works,, and most people will comply.

[kimmicoobug]

I only stated my opinion on the subject. You asked for thoughts, and I provided mine. I had no intention of turning this into a debate thread. I think I focused more on the clocking out when reading your thread, but do agree with your stand on designated place to smoke versus smoking in your car.

[ITSJUSTMEZOE]

So what are they going to do with the family members that OOOHHH so need a cigarette? What about the woman who has smoked all of her life and is now in the bathroom with her o2 tubing stretched to the limits smoking in there???? How long do they think it will last. Im a smoker but I smoke when I get the chance and if the chance never comes then so be it.... So when are they going to make those who take food breaks clock out???? You know the snackers , the MT dew hogs, the pepsi junkies?
Zoe