Gum Chewing

Published

What's everyone's opinions on chewing gum while on the job?

Just curious because I love to chew gum but I feel as though no one in my hospital does it. :eek:

Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Oncology.

I honestly think it is ok as long as you aren't smacking and carrying on. I use it as a de-stressor and for the first few hours of the shift. I notice I toss it out about 11pm after most of the busy shift is over. When I talk to pt I pocket it in my mouth or if I call doc I toss it out for sure. I think it really sounds gross if someone can hear you smack over the phone.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

We're not allowed to chew gum at my hospital...it is a violation of the health dept. and you can be fined $250 if caught!! :eek:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Gum chewing? GOTTA DO IT! I don't pop bubbles and you won't hardly notice I am chewing it, but it's there.

Mint Mohito is where it's at, baby! :cool:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, LTAC, Critical Care.

Oh good Lord.... reading some of this stuff, you'd think some people place gum on par with cigarettes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I chew gum.

I take medication that makes my mouth very dry. I cannot suck on hard candies for various reasons. We can no longer drink water on shift unless we are on break (and we all know how few breaks nurses get). If I don't chew gum my mouth is so dry I literally cannot talk. My lips and tongue stick to my teeth. It is a horrible feeling.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I love to chew gum and it is a destressor. When I am busy at work it helps me along with my day. Of course, if I am talking with a patient or a doctor, I will tuck the gum away in my mouth and no one ever notices that it is there.

No Listerine strips will work for me, gotta have my GUM. GEEEEZ this is crazy but I had to comment!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency.

I chew gum discretely. Tuck it in my cheek when I'm with a pt.

Actually, I think pretty much everyone in my er chews gum. And we're in Jersey, so if youse got a problem and want to take this conversation outside, let's go.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Gum was forbidden at my last place of work (as was anything remotely enjoyable) but I still chewed it because I worked nights and no one gave a .... I'm such a rebel!:D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I chew gum.

We can no longer drink water on shift unless we are on break (and we all know how few breaks nurses get).

No way.

You mean you aren't allowed to have drinks at the desk, right?

They can't keep you from drinking water on your shift.

Sorry. This is supposed to be about GUM.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
No way.

You mean you aren't allowed to have drinks at the desk, right?

They can't keep you from drinking water on your shift.

Sorry. This is supposed to be about GUM.

That is the rule where I work too - no drinks at the nurses station . . . .but we do it anyway. ;);)

steph

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in cardiothoracic surgery.
overall, i limit my gum chewing....

is it only me>>?? somehow, i feel that gum increases peristalsis thus increased fatulence :eek:

i think this is true. i remember reading somewhere about some study they did with patients who had abdominal surgery and were npo-they found that chewing gum did help to get their bowels moving sooner.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg.

I do, and you CAN be discreet about it! Your mouth gets so dry when you're talking to people constantly and can't be drinking fluids often (which just isn't feasible during a shift). I get so self-concious when I can just TELL that my breath is funky...*ack*.

The people that are saying how rude, disgusting, deviant it is to chew gum....holy cow, lighten up....it's GUM. It could be worse.....:smokin:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion