Exposure to Second Hand Smoking

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi,

I'm a CNA aspiring to become a APRN. I work in a psychiatry outpatient facility. I had a general idea of how challenging serving this population will be like. With that being said, I did not take into consideration of second hand smoking. 85% of my patients smoke. My patients usually just finish smoking right before they check in and I call them back immediately.

I enjoy my job but it's taking a toll on my health. My Total Lung capacity has decreased and I constantly have a tight feeling in my chest. I also have an irritating cough. Occasionally, I will get nauseous throughout the day but I don't usually vomit. Do any of y'all have any suggestions on how to reduce my exposure to second hand smoking?

Thanks.

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Hi,

I'm a CNA aspiring to become a APRN. I work in a psychiatry outpatient facility. I had a general idea of how challenging serving this population will be like. With that being said, I did not take into consideration of second hand smoking. 85% of my patients smoke. My patients usually just finish smoking right before they check in and I call them back immediately.

I enjoy my job but it's taking a toll on my health. My Total Lung capacity has decreased and I constantly have a tight feeling in my chest. I also have an irritating cough. Occasionally, I will get nauseous throughout the day but I don't usually vomit. Do any of y'all have any suggestions on how to reduce my exposure to second hand smoking?

Thanks.

You might consider a different job in a non-smoking facility? Or one of those head bubble things that astronauts wear? Open a window?

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Or...I'm already in duck and cover mode from the replies but... you may consider another origin responsible for your symptoms. I don't smoke but I think the hazards of second hand smoke are exaggerated; especially in your case where someone isn't actually smoking in the room with you. I'd recommend you consult an allergist.

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Specializes in Palliative, Onc, Med-Surg, Home Hospice.
Or...I'm already in duck and cover mode from the replies but... you may consider another origin responsible for your symptoms. I don't smoke but I think the hazards of second hand smoke are exaggerated; especially in your case where someone isn't actually smoking in the room with you. I'd recommend you consult an allergist.

You've never known an asthmatic with severe disease, have you? Second hand smoke triggers asthma attacks in me, some severe enough to require and ED visit and admission. And I don't have to be around them when they are smoking. It happens to a lot of people.

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Well you're probably not going to convince all those patients to quit smoking for your benefit. Find another job you find more breathable.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
You've never known an asthmatic with severe disease, have you? Second hand smoke triggers asthma attacks in me, some severe enough to require and ED visit and admission. And I don't have to be around them when they are smoking. It happens to a lot of people.

Actually, I have known many severe, brittle, asthmatics, along with many CF patients, along with those who suffer from various and sundry pulmonary diseases and genetic anomalies from my time working in a pediatric pulmonology clinic. Other than that I don't disagree with you at all. I'm just saying don't jump to conclusions or make any assumptions with your health and let those who specialize in the field sort it out. It would be a shame for doublet to walk away from this job for a reason that isn't responsible for her symptoms at all.

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Specializes in Palliative, Onc, Med-Surg, Home Hospice.
Actually, I have known many severe, brittle, asthmatics, along with many CF patients, along with those who suffer from various and sundry pulmonary diseases and genetic anomalies from my time working in a pediatric pulmonology clinic. Other than that I don't disagree with you at all. I'm just saying don't jump to conclusions or make any assumptions with your health and let those who specialize in the field sort it out. It would be a shame for doublet to walk away from this job for a reason that isn't responsible for her symptoms at all.

One day I'll learn to ask for clarification instead of jumping to conclusions. Thanks for your response! Makes sense and I do agree with you about it might be something else.

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Hm, I've never considered that. Thank you for your insight. I don't have family history of Asthma but I'm sensitive/ allergic to things none of my family members have an issues with.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Definitely get yourself checked for asthma. It doesn't always come on in childhood...I wasn't diagnosed until my 30s. (And it was AFTER I quit smoking, which really frosted my cookies.) You may just be highly sensitive to smoke, but you need to be evaluated to rule out asthma and other respiratory conditions. Best of luck.

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Specializes in Palliative, Onc, Med-Surg, Home Hospice.
Definitely get yourself checked for asthma. It doesn't always come on in childhood...I wasn't diagnosed until my 30s. (And it was AFTER I quit smoking, which really frosted my cookies.) You may just be highly sensitive to smoke, but you need to be evaluated to rule out asthma and other respiratory conditions. Best of luck.

I was 41 when I was diagnosed. 3 years after I quit smoking. Frosted my cookies also! And then 2 years ago I went from having mild intermittent to severe persistent. That REALLY frosted my cookies. Asthma just sucks!

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Thanks guys! I will definitely get that checked out. I have never smoked and I don't have any medical issues. Hopefully it's just little irritation and nothing serious.

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