Smoking

[jadednurse]

Just curious to know how many nurses smoke (or at least admit to it)!

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

I have been wanting to quit. Need to quit, but once again, the smoke break is the only way to get away for a few minutes and say hi to other workers. Where I work they did ban smoking, have to smoke on the street. We just took the ban laying down, like we do everything else concerning where we work. Jobs are scarce and we all have to eat.

[sjoe]

wd writes: "I enjoy going to the butt hut and meeting others working in the hospital. I work with the same people for 12 hours. It is nice to take a break and talk to other people, not to mention getting OFF the floor. A break on the floor is boring."

Getting ACTUAL breaks is one of the added benefits provided by hospitals to smokers.

Frankly, as a patient, I would take ANY healthcare advice and/or suggestions with a very large grain of salt, coming from any healthcare provider who reeked of cigarette smoke, marijuana, alcohol, was obese, etc. Why should I listen to them and act on their words when they don't do so themselves?

Actions speak louder....

[NurseDianne, ADN]

I don't smoke, anymore.......I have been quit since September......YEAH ME! But my honey does smoke, not in our new house, but I totally understand people that smoke. I'm not one of those "ex-smokers" that make people crazy by preaching at them. It's a personal decision. I don't tell nurses the can't drink off duty, drive to fast, have sex w/ multiple partners ( ) and such, so why should I tell them not to smoke? I know TONS of docs that smoke, and will continue to tell their patients to quit!

so, .......to each his own. It's better not to......but hey, we are all adults.......making our own decisions.........my decision to quit was based on the fact that I couldn't BREATHE! and I do wish I could have one on occasion!

[jadednurse]

Originally posted by prmenrs

My choice would've been: "I don't smoke, never did, it doesn't have anything to do w/being a nurse."

My father died of lung cancer @ a relatively young age, denying him the privilege of enjoying his 2 grandsons, and them the privilege of enjoying a really terrific grandfather. THAT is the real tragedy, not our "image" as a nurse.

If you're gonna quit, do it because you want to live longer and better, because it's an expensive and smelly habit, because it's not good for the people around you who don't smoke--do it for yourself!

Sorry if I upset you w/ my post/poll

Just curious to hear how others viewed this issue...

I guess it's my guilt shining through. I'm one of those rare people that started smoking in my late 20's and, like all the warnings say, it is an extremely difficult habit to kick. I applaud those of you who have never smoked. I guess I just wish I would have stayed that way sometimes...especially now as I'm typing this with a stinky cigarette hanging from my mouth. I guess only you smokers can relate...

[kewlnurse]

Just cigars, have no intention of quitting either.

[katscan]

Sorry, kids, but I can't stand the smell, the taste, the stained teeth, yellow fingers, dingy smoke filled clothing, and the COST! .( For myself only) I'm one who voted "to each his own." As long as YOU are happy, that's great with me. So if you want it-go for it! :)

[nursedawn67, LPN]

I don't smoke, but a friend/nurse I work with does...and she has been asked why she doesn't quit since she is a nurse....she tells them I smoke BECAUSE I am a nurse and you wouldn't like me if I didn't! LOL

[gwenith, BSN, RN]

Originally posted by dschlatet

I quit smoking many years ago, and it's the best thing I ever did. I feel so much more healthy and patients enjoy not smelling it on me all the time.

Dorothy

What she said. Now I tell my cardiac patients how to survive quitting. The easy way of giving up.

Here in down under land we have all sorts of goverment sponsored information as well as the "quit line" a free telephone counselling service to help people quit.

[susanmary]

Originally posted by bewbew

(Two months, two weeks, three days, 2 hours, 6 minutes and 45 seconds. 1521 cigarettes not smoked, saving $456.78. Life saved: 5 days, 6 hours, 45 minutes.)

WOO HOO!!! And I'm just lovin' all that extra cash!!

Congratulations. You should put this money aside for something special -- take the money you would spend each week & SPLURGE on yourself. I'm talking excess ... nice trip, new clothes, nothing practical or boring. You deserve it.

[Lucy RN]

I'm not a smoker but if a nurse choses to smoke, then that's her business!! We all know that it causes cancer, COPD, etc. and it is a really hard habit to break. I give everyone that's quit a big cyber HUG!! And to those that are trying, don't give up and good luck :) :)

[whipping girl in 07, RN]

Don't smoke, have never smoked (cigarettes), don't understand why anyone WOULD smoke, encourage people to quit smoking, BUT I voted that I understand nurses are human and have their vices.

I suppose advice on healthy eating would not be respected coming from a fat nurse who smells like Popeye's, so I imagine advice to quit smoking from someone who smells like a chimney would be seen the same way.

I figure if the smokers can take a 10 minute break off the floor (when it's not too busy) then so can I. So I walk downstairs, or stroll down the hall to stepdown, or even step out in the parking garage for a few minutes. Sometimes I'll even accompany one of my friends who smokes outside so they can grab a quick butt. Our smoking area is open air, so I don't get a lungful of smoke if I choose to walk out there.

[live4today, RN]

No, do not smoke.

Voted.......to each is own.