Nurses, Smoking, I have to say it

Brenda-RN,BSN, WA. · May 26, 2004

I know it's frustrating, having people believe that we should live in perfect health because we are nurses. The only thing about smoking, and please believe me I am not judging anyone, I am far from perfect, but, I've heard some pts. complain of the smell of smoke on a person. If someone goes outside on their break to smoke, then comes in and takes care of patients, they are going to smell of smoke. It doesn't matter how much gum, etc.. one uses, you can still smell the smoke. When you're already not feeling well it makes it worse to smell smoke, usually. I think that's the biggest problem. I work with a couple of nurses who smoke on their break, if they get a break at all, anyway, when they come back inside it really smells bad, and we have had pts. complain. Of course the nurses can't put perfume on, not that it helps, but there's really nothing short of a shower that will get rid of the smell. I agree that we should be able to relax on our breaks, but we also have to keep the patients in mind, and their comfort. I really hope no one takes this personally, I just wanted to respond to what I think might be going on, again, I am not perfect. The whole caffeine thing, I think alone I am keeping Starbucks in business. Sorry that you are frustrated.

I read through a lot of the posts on nurses and smoking and I felt compelled to say this. Everyone makes it sound like because we're nurses that makes us "not human" or "superhuman". Yeah, we know it's bad for us, we know the consequences, etc, but so does everyone else in the world. Because we're nurses we're suppose to lead the perfect lives, set the perfect examples, eat only what's good for us, always be the ideal weight, I think NOT. Our job is to educate people. Example: Whether a nurse believes in or not believe in abortion must never voice her/his opinion, our job is to give information, education, information on both sides. It's not our decision to make nor our right to judge. Same with smoking. When someone comes in with lung ca, of course everyone's first question, do you smoke? So then what do you say, see, serves you right???? Come on. We're all human, we all make mistakes, and it's neither for "nurses" or anyone else to judge or decide. The nurses job is to state facts. That's it, opinions are not a part of it. And as far as the "break" issue. Everyone is entitled to their 10 or 15 minute break, and that allows each and every person, smoker or non smoker that amount of time OFF the floor, otherwise it's not considered a break!!! Also, when you are at work your the nurse, when your home, don't we all live "normal" lives just like every other joe blow? But I do know that in my facility more nurses smoke than not.......maybe it's the stress of the job, who knows? I didn't become a nurse to condemn others......only to try to help. What about caffeine? Nurses live on caffeine, yet, we know it's not good for us? 12 hour shifts are tough.....so do we condemn everyone for drinking caffeine too? It's a never ending battle..........

SmilingBluEyes · May 26, 2004

This very subject was explored rather heatedly a couple of weeks ago, and no one changed any minds there. I doubt that things are different today. Those who smoke will defend to the death their right to, those who don't will continue to complain about how bad it smells, looks, etc. It never changes. It's a hot issue.

manna, BSN, RN · May 26, 2004

Not this thread again... :rolleyes:

:chuckle

mattsmom81 · May 26, 2004

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. If smoking is the worst thing a nurse does.... Gotta keep perspective.

jlzoe · May 26, 2004

Im a nursing student. I also currently work with patients with my job.

Im also an ex smoker, so im last person on earth to judge a smoker. I do agree with the smell. We are taught as nurses to use proper hygene and bathe and use deo, but when one smokes, they do stink. Now that I dont smoke, I can smell smoke on a person a mile away, and I know I wouldn't want that person as a nurse or doctor or beautician for that matter in my personal space smelling like that when Im already sick/stressed.

But hey, sometimes I wish I could go out and have a smoke, too bad my husband would be able to smell it on me and probably divorce me :lol:

BadBird, BSN, RN · May 26, 2004

Here we go again, the smoking debate !!!! Smokers know they stink, non smokers know they get screwed out because a lot (not all) of smokers abuse breaks. Let's all agree to disagree .

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 26, 2004

We all have our demons and we aren't perfect. I'm a horrible caffeine addict and my diet could use a little tweaking.

I also believe in wellness, that as we promote and teach wellness in others we should be striving for the same thing within our selves. Doesn't mean we should be "perfect" examples though. I've stated before how I feel, and no need to go into it again. :chair:

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · May 26, 2004

It's a never ending battle..........

You're right, this horse has been beaten so much, it's stinkin'.

SRbear · May 27, 2004

I definitly agree with all of the above !!!!!!! Yes, it smells, yes smokers can abuse breaks, yes, it is not good for you (is that a double negative?), and yes, each of us has the right to smoke. I do smoke, and will gladly quit smoking when they make drinking and non-drinking areas in restuarants. Would rather sit next to a smoker, than a drunk ! All this attention and concern regarding smoking, how about all those killed by drivers DWI? Tell me, how many have been killed by drivers SWD (smoking while driving) ? If I smoke, will I die from the smoking, or perhaps my own second hand smoke. Oh heck, who wants to die healthy? :confused:

renerian, BSN, RN · May 27, 2004

Not trying to sound mean but I am with blue eyes.........this has been brought up lately and in the past..........

no offense intended,

renerian :uhoh3:

Jen2 · May 27, 2004

Oh No!!!! O.K. yes I smoke. Do I do it at work? No! I put on a patch and chew gum like crazy, then I smoke about 5 cigs on the way home. I guess you can call me a closet smoker. I hate that I do it and don't want anyone to know that I do. Heck it's my only weakness and I'd be darn near perfect if I didn't do it ROTL....LOL!!!!!!!