Electronic cigarettes

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I was just reading a previous thread on the trend of employers refusing to hire smokers. I wanted to see some responses concerning the new E-Cigs and how non-smokers feel about them.

For those that don't know what they are: An E-Cig uses water vapor as its nicotine delivery system. Since water is (usually) odorless and colorless, there are no harmful effects to non-smokers in the way of smell, secondhand smoke, etc. E-Cigs can be smoked in a facility break room (or even bathroom) which would essentially eliminate the need for extra breaks, complaints of odor, triggers for asthmatics, etc.

Weigh in......

sapphire18

1,082 Posts

Specializes in ICU.

They smell bad with all the different flavors- too strong. Plus, nobody wants "vapor" blown in their face.

They are banned in my hospital.

S.G.

103 Posts

This is going to be dependent on facility. Many facilities say they are "tobacco free" but enforce as nicotine free on campus. E-cigs were specifically mentioned in my last employee orientation as a violation of policy even if they are nicotine free. I've never worked for a facility that explicitly refused to hire smokers but they have had a policy of no smoking during your shift (including your breaks). I, personally, would have no problem with them but I think it would be very unprofessional to see them used outside of a break room. I think it's a great compromise to prevent second hand smoke issues.

blondy2061h, MSN, RN

1 Article; 4,094 Posts

Specializes in Oncology.

I think it's a great stepping stone for people trying to quite to use to transition from smoked cigarettes to a nicotine free life. I don't think they should be viewed as a risk free permenate option as the long term risks are still unclear. They are also banned at my facility, but I suspect in the bathroom no one would know.

CodeteamB

473 Posts

Specializes in Emergency.

People use these in the break room at my current job. Totally non-offensive to me (I am very sensitive to cigarette smoke). I have noticed no odour and am happy for my coworkers who are succeeding at quitting!

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