Homecare and 2nd Hand Smoke

[SandBetweenMyToes, BSN, RN]

Does anyone out there working in home care have a hard time dealing with 2nd hand smoke in clients' homes? I find there are more non-smoking homes than smoking ones, but it is very difficult being in an extremely smoky environment for an hour or two out of every day. Does anyone know of any tips? I sometimes feel physically ill after leaving a client's home. I know they are not allowed to smoke while we are there, but oftentimes they are just putting their cigarette out as I am walking in the home.

[linzz]

I feel for you as a nonsmoker myself, it really doesn't help when they but out five minutes before you arrive. This may sound a bit useless but are you allowed to ask them open a window in the room you are in.