can of worms-smoking

[cokie]

do smokers really take more breaks. maybe this should be a poll. seems to me that it is not really more breaks, just more smokes. i.e., when someone has to be walked out to the car, stop afterward and have a smoke. when something has to be walked down to the lab, stop afterward and have a smoke. i know that not all smokers do this, but some will make impressions for all. i know that we are all supposed to take our 15's, but on pm shift, most of us only take our dinner. smokers that i know on both of my jobs HAVE to take their 15's. everyone seems to understand this need. interested in opinions from both sides of the issue, and maybe a few x smokers can log in.

[caffine addict]

I'm not even going to touch this "smoking thread" with a ten foot poll.

Oh, I mean " smoking chain"

Sorry " chain smoke"

Oh, never mind:chuckle

[craftylady53014]

I am a smoker and I've timed myself against nonsmokers and the nonsmokers take more time off than I do. I always tell someone I'm going to take 5 and that is what I do. They are always surprised when I am back in 5-10 min. Some of the nonsmokers take 45 min. breaks or lunch but that doesn't include the time spent talking in the hallway when they go past different departments. donna

[JnJTyson]

Interesting thread!! Now..since the original poster did say, they aren't trying to say ALL smokers do this..I'm not going to get mad..just state my views on it =0)

I'm a chunky smoker! (for that "ideal-body weight" person)

I'm currently in LPN school, but have been a CNA/HHA for quite some time. I learned a little saying when I was in music camp (NOT band camp)..."To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late". That said...even if I have a 45 min lunch break, I usually show up back on the floor about 5 mins before its up...gives me a little time to find out what I missed and get ready to work again....and I smoke during my breaks.

At the hospital for clinicals, there is no smoking on the hospital grounds. You have to walk out to the street, and down the way a little bit (to stay out of the way of non-smoking folks walking in)...no problem. Its all a matter of how you plan. I've gotten to be a pro at wolfing down my lunch in 4.5 mins flat (and chatting with friends at the same time..lol), taking the 10 min walk out to the sidewalk, and smoking. I consider it lucky to be able to smoke. I've done many a private duty cases where the facility doesn't allow smoking, or the pt I'm with can't be around someone who smokes due to lung problems. Even the smell and the nicotein on me can make them wheeze. I've done many a 12 hour shift without one cig. But I figured out, people didn't ever come to talk to me after about 6 hours of the shift..lol I just threw on a patch when I worked those shifts. Kept some of my cravings away..and I was much friendlier.

I don't think smokers, non-smokers, or whomever should think they are allowed more time for breaks. If you have the time, smoke. If not, 1 word..Nicatrol. I'm a rare person that doesn't really want to quit smoking. I like the physical act of smoking.

But...as a chunky smoker..I can haul some serious booty (and I do mean SERIOUS booty) to and from smoking, and on the floor. The only time my weight has been an issue in my nursing career is in the pt room with the curtain closed. my rear end always seems to be poking out of the curtain when I bend over. No privacy for me...but a-ok for pts! =0)

So..with that said..I guess I feel the same way Todd does...you smoke, you don't smoke..you can be a crappy worker either way! =0)

Here's a great little thing a student in my class said (she's a non-smoker) one day druing clinicals...makes ya think huh?

"Where's my f***ing nurse. My pt's call light keeps going off. I'm a student, I shouldn't have to answer every light. My f***ing nurse should..I'm a student, I have to study"

She sits at the student desk area all day and does homework....

Jules

[slyhrtbt]

Well first off I smoke. I take the breaks that are alotted me. Most of the coworkers I work with that smoke do the same. But one big problem I see is the people that do not take their breaks and by the end of the shift are snapping at everyone, Staff and residents. Sometimes I just wanta say to them "Just Go and take Your break and gather yourself". i personally feel everyone should try to take their breaks. Now don't get me wrong I know sometimes You just can't. But recognize that their could be a prob. with skipping breaks. I also agree that it doesn't matter weather a person smokes or not, those that abuse their breaks (by taking too long or not taking them at all) will continue to abuse them until it is dealt with. I see nonsmokers come back from their half hour supper break and then sit on the phone for 45 min. and they will not answer bells or do anything while they are on the phone.