how long until nicotine and byproducts are flushed from your system?

WIN007 · Apr 21, 2011

It's not all that uncommon any more for hospitals to require employees to be nonsmokers.

You'd probably need to consult with someone much more specialized in biochemistry. My guess would be that if you've stopped for weeks there wouldn't be enough trace nicotine in your bloodstream to definitely say you've been smoking and not, say, in the presence of a smoking environment. But I'm not sure.

the most important thing is to stick with quitting.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Apr 22, 2011

They probably aren't more supportive because most smokers have quit numerous times- or have no plans of quitting at all. Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known, and it's very difficult to quit, even when people want to. Which most don't.

But if the point is to promote health and have lower insurance premiums, which are the reasons I usually seen stated by hospitals going cigarette-free, penalizing those trying to quit hardly seems in keeping with the spirit of the rule.

To the OP- I agree to ask them about the testing process and tell them that you have recently quit. They might suggest you put a hold on your application, which would be better than getting blocked from applying there for 6-12 months (which some places state happens with a failed test).

LegzRN · Apr 22, 2011

I bet you're talking about St. Luke's.

Scarlette Wings · Apr 22, 2011

i would love to quit but can't.i have tried so many time. this is all tearing me up inside. it is not because i care that much about my own health. after 45 years of smoking, what is done, is done. i am so tired of the social stigma and being treated like i'm lower than dirt. i honestly think drug addicts are treated better with their "addiction disability". i am so beat down and depressed already and the glares, wiggling thier noses up like they have smelled sour fish, and the flat out rude comments by non-smokers have only made my nerves worse.

on top of it all, i am ocd, and have to battle depression and panic disorders, to the point i don't drive and go no where except to and from work. even that is hard some days. i do the best i can and after 25 years of floor nursing i found myself in a violently abusive relationship and almost died. that is when the panic and depression started. i can't get the memories out of my head.

i don't have much self esteem to begin with but this recent attitude society has developed against smokers has killed what confidence i did have. people, including nurses, don't mind telling you "you stink like an ashtray" while they have enough perfume on to send my asmatic patients into spasms. geesh i even smoke more now than before. i am so self conscious and scared to even be seen going out back to the smoking area on break. i feel ike a leper.

i have tried the patches. i have tried wearing 2 patches at a time. i still crave a cigarette and i get fixiated on it. i get snappy, bitter, and forgetful and clumbsy. my stuttering starts back up and the migranes get worse. i can't chew the gum, my dentures come out. i tried the nasal spray and it was a miracle i did it in the doctors office. i had a reaction and went into brochospasms and ended up getting shots and breathing treatments.

i cannot take chantex becuase i have asked. my therapist and medical doctor both refuse becuase it will interact with my present medications. i just wish people realized it is an addiction. it is a coping mechanism too for people like me. it helps me take a mental break and get away specially if i am having a panic attack. you just have no idea how terrible some people can make you feel and for some of us smoking is not just a habit, it is an addiction, and a way to cope.

it's like the world suddenly has a scapegoat and smokers are it. i am a great nurse. i just feel less secure about the rest of my life. let me hush and oh please, do not tell me i should quit, dont you think i know that. my stress levels are sky high with them laying off people at work and i am an older nurse at the top of the pay scale. i am paranoid i will loose my job over this because our facility is planning to go nonsmoking and all i can do is cry.

StNeotser, ASN, RN · Apr 22, 2011

It took me a great number of times to quit smoking and I'm still not sure I'm quit. A bit like an alcoholic I feel that if the situation was right I could start up tomorrow.

The only positive I can say is that I'm not as judgemental as I think I might be with addiction issues in patients, had I not had the smoking/quit smoking experience.

rn/writer, RN · Apr 22, 2011

Way to go, ashleyisawesome! :yeah: Stick with it, girl. Whether you get the job or not, your life will be better for this decision.

(((((((((CheyFire)))))))))

shiccy · Apr 22, 2011

Is your job testing serum or hair? If its the latter, heres some scissors, and don't forget your arm hair!!

jammin246RN · Apr 22, 2011

Testing for nicotine for insurance I get... since you could have lied about it to get a better rate.... But since smoking is still legal last time I checked, and you don't have to smoke at work, how can it be legal for the employer to pick and choose which employee they higher based on a legal activity. It would be like telling someone who was overweight that they didn't fit the model of nursing perfection, or you must abstain from alcohol at all times. It's plain rediculous, I hope these hospitals wind up getting sued.

NicuGal, MSN, RN · Apr 22, 2011

Where I work, if you are on a patch you get a pass. I'd check into that and slap a patch on. I don't know if the metabolites are different from a patch and a cigarette though.

rn/writer, RN · Apr 22, 2011

Testing for nicotine for insurance I get... since you could have lied about it to get a better rate.... But since smoking is still legal last time I checked, and you don't have to smoke at work, how can it be legal for the employer to pick and choose which employee they higher based on a legal activity. It would be like telling someone who was overweight that they didn't fit the model of nursing perfection, or you must abstain from alcohol at all times. It's plain rediculous, I hope these hospitals wind up getting sued.

Smokers are not members of a protected class, so anti-discrimination laws don't apply. Without a violation of law, there aren't grounds to sue. At least not successfully.

Some facilities are taking a middle ground. They will hire smokers, but they tack a surcharge onto the insurance.

ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN · Apr 22, 2011

I bet you're talking about St. Luke's.

haha bingo... how'd you know?

anyway it says right in their statement the test will detect nicotine from patches, gum etc... they are not lenient on the subject, if your test is positive you are not hired, and you can reapply in 6 months. i mean i am jumping the gun here, i havent even gotten a call back yet, so if and when i do i am hoping enough time will have passed to eradicate any traces.. thanks everyone for your info!

jammin246RN · Apr 23, 2011

Smokers are not members of a protected class, so anti-discrimination laws don't apply. Without a violation of law, there aren't grounds to sue. At least not successfully.
Some facilities are taking a middle ground. They will hire smokers, but they tack a surcharge onto the insurance.

I totally agree with this statement.... Smokers aren't a protected class.... but neither is obesity.... and employers can be sued for discriminating on that aspect. I see no real difference between the two. Both are detrimental to your health, and both cause increased insurance rates. Also I agree with your second statement about facilities taking the middle ground.... no problem there.... the people who choose to smoke, are making a choice which will affect their health and their insurance rates should reflect that. However it should not affect whether or not they are hireable.