Nurses and smoking

[ashleyh_84]

Do you think it is ok if a nurse or a doctor smokes? Because i know when i go to the doctors office with my boyfriend and he tells him that he smokes that he gos on and on of how he shouldnt be smoking at all. But then we go outside and see nurses smoking and such!! So what do you guys think?

[jerseyboy]

Blondielane7RN,

You said that you work at a hospital that prohibits smoking on the premisis, even outside and in the parking garage, for the health of the newborns.

While that is a tough point to aruge (protecting the health of newborns), it can be done. I can understand why there would be no smoking inside the hospital or around the newborns. However, how does smoking in the parking garage put a newborn at risk? I don't work in a hospital but I am pretty sure there aren't too many newborns hanging out in the parking garage. Of course one may be carried out there to be put into a car to go home. That said, while living with a smoker or being exposed to second hand smoke on a daily basis for hours (like working in a bar or restaurant) may cause some people problems, there is no evidence that transient second hand smoke hurts anyone. People are exposed to a variety of things that could potentially harm them, newborns included.

While using the newborn as a weapon, it assures compliance and agreement with a policy that protects no one. It gives the appearance of "protecting the newborn" while promoting an agenda of prohibition and state interference with what a person puts into their own bodies. For instance, at one time people smoked everywhere and anywhere. While that was not acceptable, it then went to designated smoking areas, which was reasonable. ( But as usual, reason has left the building.) Then the designated areas were done away with and smokers were delegated to the great outdoors. Now, the great outdoors is becoming off limits and the only place left will be in their own homes. Unfortunately, that will not be enough for the anti-smoking zealots and eventually smoking in all forms will be prohibited. People will smoke anyway, it will create a black market, it will create a whole new class of "criminals", people will go to jail, crime will increase, the product will become even more harmful, etc.etc. Sound familiar? We will have prohibition all over again. Has history taught us nothing?

Beware when someone with an agenda plays the "protect the children" card. Often times their argument has no merit so they shame anyone who disagrees with them as wanting to harm children. I will most certainly be accused by someone of not caring about children because of this post. It happens all of the time. However, if one really wants to promote the health of children instead of worrying about them being carried past a smoker in the parking garage we would make sure that they all have access to health care, immunizations, food, shelter, education and love. I recall visiting a high school about a year ago. A teacher informed a group of us that we were not permitted to smoke on school grounds. She had her nightie in a knot because she was so worried that someone might smoke outside. Ironically, the first student I came into contact with (who was a Senior) was illiterate! I thought to myself, perhaps if this woman put as much thought and effort into making sure that the students in her school were literate ,instead of worrying if an adult smoked a cigarette, this student may be able to read! This is the nonsense that goes on.

While it is our duty as a society and as a species to protect our young, we must offer them real protection, not perceived protection just so we can all feel good about ourselves. The "protect the children" card has been played effectively before:

"The state must declare the child to be the most precious treasure of the people. As long as the government is perceived as working for the benefit of the children, the people will happily endure almost any curtailment of liberty and almost any deprivation." (Adolph Hitler)

[Corvette Guy]

Blondielane7RN,

You said that you work at a hospital that prohibits smoking on the premisis, even outside and in the parking garage, for the health of the newborns.

While that is a tough point to aruge (protecting the health of newborns), it can be done. I can understand why there would be no smoking inside the hospital or around the newborns. However, how does smoking in the parking garage put a newborn at risk? I don't work in a hospital but I am pretty sure there aren't too many newborns hanging out in the parking garage. Of course one may be carried out there to be put into a car to go home. That said, while living with a smoker or being exposed to second hand smoke on a daily basis for hours (like working in a bar or restaurant) may cause some people problems, there is no evidence that transient second hand smoke hurts anyone. People are exposed to a variety of things that could potentially harm them, newborns included.

While using the newborn as a weapon, it assures compliance and agreement with a policy that protects no one. It gives the appearance of "protecting the newborn" while promoting an agenda of prohibition and state interference with what a person puts into their own bodies. For instance, at one time people smoked everywhere and anywhere. While that was not acceptable, it then went to designated smoking areas, which was reasonable. ( But as usual, reason has left the building.) Then the designated areas were done away with and smokers were delegated to the great outdoors. Now, the great outdoors is becoming off limits and the only place left will be in their own homes. Unfortunately, that will not be enough for the anti-smoking zealots and eventually smoking in all forms will be prohibited. People will smoke anyway, it will create a black market, it will create a whole new class of "criminals", people will go to jail, crime will increase, the product will become even more harmful, etc.etc. Sound familiar? We will have prohibition all over again. Has history taught us nothing?

Beware when someone with an agenda plays the "protect the children" card. Often times their argument has no merit so they shame anyone who disagrees with them as wanting to harm children. I will most certainly be accused by someone of not caring about children because of this post. It happens all of the time. However, if one really wants to promote the health of children instead of worrying about them being carried past a smoker in the parking garage we would make sure that they all have access to health care, immunizations, food, shelter, education and love. I recall visiting a high school about a year ago. A teacher informed a group of us that we were not permitted to smoke on school grounds. She had her nightie in a knot because she was so worried that someone might smoke outside. Ironically, the first student I came into contact with (who was a Senior) was illiterate! I thought to myself, perhaps if this woman put as much thought and effort into making sure that the students in her school were literate ,instead of worrying if an adult smoked a cigarette, this student may be able to read! This is the nonsense that goes on.

While it is our duty as a society and as a species to protect our young, we must offer them real protection, not perceived protection just so we can all feel good about ourselves. The "protect the children" card has been played effectively before:

"The state must declare the child to be the most precious treasure of the people. As long as the government is perceived as working for the benefit of the children, the people will happily endure almost any curtailment of liberty and almost any deprivation." (Adolph Hitler)

I take offense to your association between Hitler and the non-smokers desire to have clean air. The desire to abolish second hand smoke cannot be compared to a curtailment of liberty. I'm an American, thus understand the true meaning of liberty. Furthermore, second hand smoke is a deprivation of right to clean air.

BTW, countless studies have been done on the danger of second hand smoke [including length of exposure] with conclusive evidence that second hand smoke is most definitely harmful. However, I seriously doubt the exposure to newborns is harmful. "People are exposed to a variety of things that could potentially harm them, newborns included." :chuckle

[jschut, BSN, RN]

I am an ex smoker and cigarette smoke makes me physically ill these days....

it's a gross habit, I'm glad I quit, and I won't allow it in my home, nor around my children.

'Nuff said.

[Shysdragon]

I work in surgery and gently explain to doctors who lecture me on my "bad" habit that it is really in their best interests. If I am smoking I am denying my brain the full benefits of oxygen, without the full benefits of oxygen I am not as mentally active as I would be if I didn't smoke. Consequently I am less inclined to burst their delicate ego's with the truth.

[Shysdragon]

Plus, same goes for the *obese medical professionals... just pathetic.

*I'm not referring to those with legit thyroid problems.

I wish that I was as erudite as you and I wish that I had all the answers as cynically put as you however I don't. I do however have respect for others and the choices that they make in life. I understand the reasons nurses and doctors smoke, you may or may not understand but that is a moot point as you have made you position quite clear in those respects. Maybe in your life you have not held a companion who is dying from one of mans nastier habits in your arms on a battlefield unfortunately I have. Maybe you haven't spent 24 hours working in surgery taking care of victems of mans other nasty habits such as drunkeness again I have. Maybe you live a perfect life in a perfect world where there is no stress I unfortunately don't. I smoke, I don't offer cigarettes to newborns, toddlers, or underage minors. I don't smoke if someone asks me not to and I don't find a high soapbox to espouse my rights regardless of the efforts of you and others like you. I do however find a modicum of happiness in a cigarette on a break or with a fine shot of scotch. This is my right as your complaining about smokers is your right. Until cigarettes are illegal I will smoke. I also work out 4 to 5 times a week and counsel my children about the dangers of smoking. If you are as you state so forcefully in favour of clean air, why not tell your congressman to replace coal fired generators, lobby for cleaner automobiles, and our factory stacks which bless us with acid rain. Smokers are a convienent target for anti's because as another mentioned its always the children. Do you pontificate as loudly against child abuse, spousal abuse, child Media etc... If you do my hat is off to you, if you don't then you are missing many avenues that could save and protect far more children then my Camel Wide Full Flavour ever harmed. Finally I find your attitude towards people who are not the barbie and ken image of anorexic america offensive and demeaning to all nurses and people in general. I am not a judeo christian but remember in your bible a warning from Christ that states do not try and remove the mote from your neighbors eye before removing he log from your own.

[Corvette Guy]

Originally Posted by Corvette Guy

Plus, same goes for the *obese medical professionals... just pathetic.

*I'm not referring to those with legit thyroid problems.

____________

I wish that I was as erudite as you and I wish that I had all the answers as cynically put as you however I don't. I do however have respect for others and the choices that they make in life. I understand the reasons nurses and doctors smoke, you may or may not understand but that is a moot point as you have made you position quite clear in those respects. Maybe in your life you have not held a companion who is dying from one of mans nastier habits in your arms on a battlefield unfortunately I have. Maybe you haven't spent 24 hours working in surgery taking care of victems of mans other nasty habits such as drunkeness again I have. Maybe you live a perfect life in a perfect world where there is no stress I unfortunately don't. I smoke, I don't offer cigarettes to newborns, toddlers, or underage minors. I don't smoke if someone asks me not to and I don't find a high soapbox to espouse my rights regardless of the efforts of you and others like you. I do however find a modicum of happiness in a cigarette on a break or with a fine shot of scotch. This is my right as your complaining about smokers is your right. Until cigarettes are illegal I will smoke. I also work out 4 to 5 times a week and counsel my children about the dangers of smoking. If you are as you state so forcefully in favour of clean air, why not tell your congressman to replace coal fired generators, lobby for cleaner automobiles, and our factory stacks which bless us with acid rain. Smokers are a convienent target for anti's because as another mentioned its always the children. Do you pontificate as loudly against child abuse, spousal abuse, child Media etc... If you do my hat is off to you, if you don't then you are missing many avenues that could save and protect far more children then my Camel Wide Full Flavour ever harmed. Finally I find your attitude towards people who are not the barbie and ken image of anorexic america offensive and demeaning to all nurses and people in general. I am not a judeo christian but remember in your bible a warning from Christ that states do not try and remove the mote from your neighbors eye before removing he log from your own.

I'm not intolerantly devoted to any prejudice towards medical professionals that are smokers, or obese. Erudite? No, I never claimed to have all the answers. I wish I knew how to help my wife & step-daughter stop smoking. I wish I knew how to turn back the clock to 1971, so as to help my Dad stop smoking & drinking, then maybe he would have lived past the age of 49. Yet, at 10 yrs old I certainly was not learned, or as you put it, erudite. Nor, do I claim to be all knowing at this stage in my life, either.

Again, my dislike towards the bad habit of smoking by medical professionals does not mean I dislike the person. Plus, just because I find the sight of an obese [does not mean overweight... big difference!] medical professional to be a pitiful sight does not mean I'm prejudice against such individuals. As medical professionals we should set the example of wellness. BTW, I never professed a favor towards a Ken & Barbie anorexic America... as you posted. Anorexia, IMHO is even more pitiful than obesity.

I certainly don't live a stress free life, either... as you posted. It was very stressful raising my two sons as a single parent while going thru my ST & ADN programs [now have a BSN]. My childhood was very stressful after my dad passed away. My mother had a serious drinking/smoking/mental problem to the point she attempted suicide numerous times, and came at me with a knife, and threw a brick at my car windshield when I was 16 yrs old. I could go on, although that would be TMI stuff. Anyway, I try to find other avenues in dealing with life's stessors than by over indulgence with food [to the point of obesity], smoking, and/or drinking alcohol [to the point of killing my liver].

Again, my dislike is not towards an individual, but towards an individuals unhealthy & dangerous habit.

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

I love the fact that smoking has been banned in CA in restaurants and bars and bowling alleys, etc. However I did not vote for the ban because I felt it was too much government instrusion into the personal lives of citizens. I know - sorta hypocritical. :)

Found a good article on this subject:

http://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/JohnStossel/2005/11/30/177151.html

"Smoking can kill you. That's why I don't smoke, and it's why you shouldn't, either."

"There. I've just done the only things that should be done in a free society to stop people from smoking: I've told you that it's dangerous, I've urged you not to do it, and I've even set a good example. If you'd like other people to be healthy, you should also discourage smoking, too.

But if you'd like to be free, and you'd like your neighbor to be free, that's all you should do. . . . . . . . . ."

Expecting medical people to have more willpower than the average Joe is unfair.

steph

[HappyJaxRN]

Okay.......My dad is a cardiologist. He smoked for years. And he would tell his patients that they shouldn't smoke. After THEY got after him for smoking, he quit and then he started again. When my mother, who also smoked, became sick with emphysema, he went cold turkey. She continued to smoke until her transplant. She ended up with a lung transplant for her COPD and died a year after. He never restarted smoking. He has always been fit and trim.

I don't think his patient's took him serious when he was smoking and he told them not to smoke.

[chasBSN]

As a nurse, I feel it would be hypocritical. We tell our patients not to smoke and the dangers of smoking, but then we pick up a cigarette on our break and light up. Sounds silly to me. We need to set an example as healthcare professionals.

[spidermonkey]

I think that nurses are only human and smoking is an addiction- just b/c we know what it can do & have seen it firsthand doesn't make it any easier to quit. I don't smoke, but I did smoke 'socially' in college & gave it up in my 20's b/c to me it's nasty & smelly. They say cigarettes can be harder to quit than herion. I remember the day when docs would do rounds puffing on a pipe or cigar, & when we would sit at the desk smoking cigarettes & charting!! I'm just thankful that I don't have that addiction. I began smoking in college b/c I thought it looked "cool"! I spent hours in front of a mirror w/my room-mate trying to exhale so the smoke came out of my nose. Talk about stupid!!

[steelcityrn, RN]

Smoking is horrible.......its stupid, expensive and dirty. The only thing worse than seeing any health care professional smoke is seeing a young person smoke.

[stpauligirl]

Do you think it is ok if a nurse or a doctor smokes? Because i know when i go to the doctors office with my boyfriend and he tells him that he smokes that he gos on and on of how he shouldnt be smoking at all. But then we go outside and see nurses smoking and such!! So what do you guys think?

First off I understand how difficult it is to quit smoking. I quit 8 years ago and nicotine is very addictive!

I believe that health care professionals need to set good examples and it would be better if doctors and nurses wouldn't smoke.