Smoking Policy- What do you think??

Nurses General Nursing

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Okay guys. I really need to know what you all think about this. I learned today that as of July 1, the facility for which I work is going to be totally tobacco free. By this I mean that tobacco will be allowed NOWHERE on the facility premises. This also means that if you want to smoke, you are required to do so in your own vehicle AND clock out to do so. This is system wide, and includes patients, families, employees, doctors, everybody. I am not quite sure what to think about this. I know and you all know that nurses that smoke sometimes do not even have time to think about smoking during a shift, much less get to smoke, so ultimately it's not the end of the world, but I can't help being mad. I don't know about you all, but sometimes a cigarette is all I need to keep my sanity. Do any of you all have a policy like this?? Please let me know what you think!!!

Our hospital policy prohibits patients from going outside to smoke. A lot of them smoke in their bathroom and try to cover up the smell with Lysol.

I can smell cigarette smoke at the first whiff. Must be a sixth sense I have, or that the smell is so foul I just can't ignore it....I suffer from asthma and go to great lengths to protect my lungs...they are the only set I have....

:)

Smoking is dirty and disgusting. My opinion only. I have every right to walk in somewhere and not leave with someone's smelly smoke in my hair and in my lungs. A hospital should be smoke-free. again, my oinion, and I don'at want anyone to flame me for my opinion. I literally gag when I am around a smoker-people dom't realize how gross it makes them smell--not to mention the wrinkles and lip rings, muddy complexions and yellow fingers. How 'bout those smokers who squash their butts in food and coffee?? Yuck!!

Specializes in LDRP; Education.

Katscan,

I am disgusted by smoking as much as you, but you gave me such vivid images of it, I think am going to throw-up. :eek:

Specializes in Hospice and Palliative Care, Family NP.
Originally posted by katscan

Smoking is dirty and disgusting. My opinion only. I have every right to walk in somewhere and not leave with someone's smelly smoke in my hair and in my lungs. A hospital should be smoke-free. again, my oinion, and I don'at want anyone to flame me for my opinion. I literally gag when I am around a smoker-people don't realize how gross it makes them smell--not to mention the wrinkles and lip rings, muddy complexions and yellow fingers. How 'bout those smokers who squash their butts in food and coffee?? Yuck!!

You took the words right from my keyboard! :D

I'm a quitter, and proud of it, the smell of smoke repulses me. I get physically sick to my stomach and a massive headache! It has gotten so bad, I went to my doctor because I thought it was 'in my head' type thing. He told me no, it's not a psycho thing, I'm just very sensitive to certain smells and smoke is one of them.

When I'm at work and an entire family comes in with smoke on them, and I have to enter that room to check on or do something with their loved one and my patient, it's hard! Have you ever opened the closet door of your patient to retrieve something from their suitcase and about pass out from the smell?? :imbar

Specializes in OR,ER,med/surg,SCU.

At our facility if someone goes to their car to smoke, some would wonder exactly what they are smoking:roll To have to clock out if you take your break in the alloted 15 min break time, seems alittle harsh....regardless of where you have to go to smoke

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
Originally posted by CANRN

You took the words right from my keyboard! :D

When I'm at work and an entire family comes in with smoke on them, and I have to enter that room to check on or do something with their loved one and my patient, it's hard! Have you ever opened the closet door of your patient to retrieve something from their suitcase and about pass out from the smell?? :imbar

Think YOU have it bad? NOW imagine being a SICK person, stuck in bed with a health care worker coming to take care of you, smelling like this. THIS is why I think smoking, perfume, strong cleaning solvent smells, that AWFUL LIME ROOM DEODORANT, and other noxious odors SHOULD ALWAYS BE BANNED in the patient care areas, period. IMAGINE how awful it would be to be sick and subjected to such foul odors. Yes, policies tightly controlling odors really need to be in place to protect our patient population....it's long overdue.:(

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
Originally posted by katscan

Smoking is dirty and disgusting. My opinion only. I have every right to walk in somewhere and not leave with someone's smelly smoke in my hair and in my lungs. A hospital should be smoke-free. again, my oinion, and I don'at want anyone to flame me for my opinion. I literally gag when I am around a smoker-people dom't realize how gross it makes them smell--not to mention the wrinkles and lip rings, muddy complexions and yellow fingers. How 'bout those smokers who squash their butts in food and coffee?? Yuck!!

THAT little visual really did turn my stomach. UGH. Thanks, not. lol.

Specializes in Hospice and Palliative Care, Family NP.
Originally posted by SmilingBluEyes

Think YOU have it bad? NOW imagine being a SICK person, stuck in bed with a health care worker coming to take care of you, smelling like this. THIS is why I think smoking, perfume, strong cleaning solvent smells, that AWFUL LIME ROOM DEODORANT, and other noxious odors SHOULD ALWAYS BE BANNED in the patient care areas, period. IMAGINE how awful it would be to be sick and subjected to such foul odors. Yes, policies tightly controlling odors really need to be in place to protect our patient population....it's long overdue.:(

OH that crossed my mind many times!! I agree totally.

Originally posted by deespoohbear

I can smell cigarette smoke at the first whiff. Must be a sixth sense I have :)

Don't mistake your own senses! Chemo and olfactory receptors protect our life, and when someone talks about their sense of smell, I like to chime in and try to learn. (joking) if you don't like any smell, you should just take PO phenergan 25mg, right? Side effects from life cause certain side effects, and this antiemetic will cool you out and yule be all right :-( sorry

Nursing School Druid

I just want to say that I DO NOT agree with smokers smoking at entrances. I think the designated areas need to be used. However to designate someone to go to their cars seems a bit harsh. It doesn't really apply in my hospital, as it is small and the parking lot is close. But I have worked in hospitals where it takes 10 minutes alone just to get to your car. Also, for those who smoke in their cars, it just makes them reek of smoke that much more.

I will agree that my statement about the public not being ready for these types of policies sounded stupid. I meant the great number of the population that do choose to smoke. Alas, it did sound stupid, lol.

I won't go into my view of smoking otherwise. There was a thread just a few weeks ago on this topic. Things are just being repeated here. I commend those who don't smoke. I really commend those who have quit! And I agree, when I was a non-smoker, the smell gagged me. It's amazing how it smells good to me now!

Originally posted by ShandyLynnRN

There was a thread just a few weeks ago on this topic. Things are just being repeated here.

And what's wrong with that? I could point out numerous and repetitive eye candy, word association, and goofy poll threads.

And maybe the 10 minute walk to your car and the fact that you smell like an ashtray when you emerge should serve as a little, oh, I don't know, INCENTIVE. :confused:

Heather

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