Anyone quit smoking while in school?

Published

I need to quit, so bad. I have been so sick and I don't want to be a nurse who says one thing and does another. I see it all the time where I work. I start the program in the fall. Has anyone quit smoking while in nursing school? How did you do it? I know that I will feel so much better if I do. My problem is will power. The minute I start stressing, I light up. I have quit before and was successful, but I find that this time is harder for some reason (maybe becuase I have so much more on my plate). Any help will be so appreciated.

Specializes in Med/Surg.

[quote=nursingismydream

I took Zyban a few years ago to quit smoking. Well it worked as long as I was on it...but...I ate those little baby carrots like there was no tomorrow, and it made me really thirsty. It also made me kinda loopy. I did not have a care in the world. Nothing seemed to stress me out or make me upset at all. I would just giggle at everything...now that I think about it..I do not think I could function in nursing school on it. Good luck with your quitting I wish you much success and wish I never started again. I do not have the will power or energy to diet much less quit smoking right now so I envy anyone who can.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro, Critical Care.
I need to quit, so bad. I have been so sick and I don't want to be a nurse who says one thing and does another. I see it all the time where I work. I start the program in the fall. Has anyone quit smoking while in nursing school? How did you do it? I know that I will feel so much better if I do. My problem is will power. The minute I start stressing, I light up. I have quit before and was successful, but I find that this time is harder for some reason (maybe becuase I have so much more on my plate). Any help will be so appreciated.

I quit in undergrad right before finals! I just had to do it...I just told myself that if I kept making excuses that I would never do it....I also told myself that I am ultimately in control of my actions and that if I wanted to quit it was as simple as I just don't go and buy any more cigarettes..I know easier said than done right? Well I also had to stop and identify when and what made me want a cigarette and like you it was when I was stressed out...so I thought, what behavior/action can I substitute for smoking? I started chewing gum or walking when I was stressed...

Really for me, it only took a week for the cravings to go away...I have been cig. free for almost 2 years...I was a pack a day smoker for about 4 years.

Good luck, you can do it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CV Surgery Step-down.
Well, I started Zyban this morning and am hoping it will help. Congratulations to you guys. I know this is going to be hard. But I want to quit so bad. Thank you!!

A friend of mine from school recently quit (on Zyban). It has worked well for her so far. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro, Critical Care.

I have also heard people use Wellbutrin to stop smoking.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Been off the heaters for about 40 days or so. It sucks and around test time. when i feel stressed i just grind my teeth instead of smoke. I really had 2 quit, though. I'm 36 and have been smoking 2 packs a day for a very long time. Hell, it might even have been to late, but we shall see.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I did, I quite after my 2nd semester, when I got hired as a nurse extern on the Oncology Floor. I am finishing up my last semester right now... I still get cravings.. its been a year.. since I quit... but I keep thinking about all the cancer patients on the floor that I work.. a majority of them with throat cancer who have whole jaws missing and dying such horrific deaths... like those who have mets and their organs are just well... to put it bluntly... melting.. the cancer eats them away... bowel systems that just finally eviscerate its awful.... I couldn't put another cigarrette back in my mouth.. went cold turkey...

I know thats probably not any help to you... but its how I did it... I couldn't face my future if I continued to smoke....

HUGS

Rae

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion