Can I take a "NON-Smoking" break please?

Liddle Noodnik · Jun 29, 2006

I am wondering if your work will allow smoking staff to take frequent smoke break and not letting non-smoking staff to take frequent "normal" breaks?
Don't you think that is an unfair treatment to the "non-smokers"?

It is unfair to the non-smoker. The charge nurse should enforce the policy of the facility as to how many breaks and how long they are. The non-smoker is also REQUIRED to take breaks and should assert themselves and TAKE THEM.

ktwlpn, LPN · Jun 29, 2006

Your entited to a break, so take one. My question is...are the smokers taking a full break or just a quick smoke break? I usually take a quick smoke breaik, breaking up my regular break into 2 smoke breaks. But if thats not the case, just say you are going on break too and take as long as the smokers. If they tell you no, then file a complaint.

We all know that those numerous quick smoke breaks often add up to more then the alloted break times-and that causes the problems.Our managment in our LTC has lately realized this is going on (the smoking area is right outside the supervisor's office) Memos have circulated regarding this.I resent being pulled to another unit in the middle of the day because "they're slammed" when I know that the nurse has been outside smoking at least 6 times since the start of the shift and I have not gotten my lunch break....I work with several smokers that seem to think their "smoking" time does not count towards their "break " time.... I do think it's a management issue.....

jb2u, ASN, RN · Jun 29, 2006

I am wondering if your work will allow smoking staff to take frequent smoke break and not letting non-smoking staff to take frequent "normal" breaks?
Don't you think that is an unfair treatment to the "non-smokers"?

first of all, yes it is unfair.

second, i am fortunate to go to a nursing school that does not allow students to smoke even on their break during clinicals. i agree 100%. if i can't wear cologne because of the pts (which i wouldn't do anyway) why should someone be allowed to smell like smoke. and yes, to the smokers that are soooo use to the smoke smell...i can smell the smoke (esp. on a cold day).

now when i was in the army. i got tired of working nonstop while the smokers kept going to "the gate" to smoke. so, i decided to head for the gate every time they did. i was stopped the first time by a sgt. and asked where i was going...i said "i'm going to take my nonsmokers smoke break." and i did every time. fair IS fair.

just my side,

jay

Sunflowerinsc, ADN, RN · Jul 4, 2006

I just love how Roy always takes up for the smokers. I also try to respect the people who don't smoke. I carry a travel bottle in my pocket that is filled with Febreeze and always spray my uniform when I finish smoking. I also always use gum and wash my hands after smoking. I think that it's just a matter of everyone having respect for everyone else, whether they're smokers or nonsmokers.

As a nonsmoker who has lived and worked with smokers all my life up to a few years ago, let me tell you ,you arefooling yourself if you think gum,febreeze, ect takes the smell away.You would have to shower,washyour hair, brush your teeth and change your clothes to get rid of it. Thanks goodness our hospital went all the way smoke free several years ago. No smoking even in the parking lot in your car. By the way, smoking in your closed up car doesn't fool anyone, and the smell is worse.

leslie :-D · Jul 4, 2006

As a nonsmoker who has lived and worked with smokers all my life up to a few years ago, let me tell you ,you arefooling yourself if you think gum,febreeze, ect takes the smell away.You would have to shower,washyour hair, brush your teeth and change your clothes to get rid of it. Thanks goodness our hospital went all the way smoke free several years ago. No smoking even in the parking lot in your car. By the way, smoking in your closed up car doesn't fool anyone, and the smell is worse.

this is sooooooo true.

i used to try all these things, and my pts still knew i smoked.

i stopped smoking at work all together.

even if you (the smoker) can't smell it, others can.

yes they can.

leslie

prmenrs, RN · Jul 4, 2006

There was a nurse on the adjoining unit who would smoke in the rest room (total no-no now, and not exactly legit @ the time). Long after she was finished and gone, you could still smell the smoke. Used to just frost my cookies. (Didn't help that I didn't particularly care for this nurse, or vice-versa!)

bagladyrn, RN · Jul 4, 2006

Again a thread has veered off the topic (isn't everyone entitled to breaks?) and turned into a bash the smokers thread. Okay, we all know "smokers stink" and "they always get their breaks".

Now as far as nonsmokers getting breaks - you need to be assertive. When you want a break, speak up - go to your coworker, say "I'm going to take a break now, can you listen for my patients?" No need to give your reason, or wait for them to offer, just tell them it's your turn. I've worked with too many who play the martyr, don't ask to be covered, but complain when someone else takes their break.

caligirl2 · Jul 4, 2006

Ok....SMOKING KILLS!

I just dont understand how you can watch someone die of cancer from this and smoke yourselves.

No offense....but it pollutes our air as well.

Please quit and save yourself now!

caligirl2 · Jul 4, 2006

Theres the mentality i was talking about! I hope in the next many years, you will be alive to still joke like that!

Unbelievable....I have seen and heard it all!

suebird3 · Jul 4, 2006

Ok, Ok; this thread is really not staying on track, so I am closing it.

Thanks all for the input.

Suebird3