Nurses who smoke - I'm a smoker

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I will start nursing school this fall.

I am a smoker (smoked for the last 15 years). I have tried to quit several times - just cannot seem to do it.

I've seen nursing staff at hospitals around town taking "smoke breaks." Even though I am a smoker as well - seeing nurses in their scrubs with cigarettes in their hand just doesn't look right. Not judging - have no room too.

I'm just curious about how many nurses (or other healthcare professionals) have been imprisoned by this addiction to nicotine? Any input on successful ways to kick this habit?

I've tried the patch (works for day or two before I cave in and light up); the gum (can't stand the taste); cold turkey (no way - cannot do it for more than 5 hours) :stone

whoever said nurses were perfect? I drink a lot of coffee. That's an addiction too. But it's alright, isn't it? Nobody says anything about that.

My dad used to drink caffeinated coffee all the time. That's what got him through quitting smoking. 2 cups before heading off to work in the morning, 4 cups or more at work, and a few after work too. The caffeine really started to affect him. His hands would noticeably shake a lot, and his hands would always be cold. He would wake up at night a lot too. His blood pressure was higher than he would have liked even though he prided himself in his healthful eating and exercise habits. He started off by switching to half decaf half caffeine then went all decaf. His hands stopped shaking all the time and he really did feel better.

I love my coffee too but after seeing my dad's hands shake so much from it, its mainly decaf for me! :kiss

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Caffeine, like any drug, can bring harm, if abused. And it's almost impossible to use w/regularity and not become an addict.

I remember, my A/P professor asking our class:

"The world is full of drug addicts. Tell the truth; how many drug addicts do I have here"?

well,duh, nobody raised his or her hand.

Then she asked:

"How many here smoke or use tobacco of some form?"

Several hands up.

"How many of you drink caffeinated beverages on a daily basis, be it coke, coffee or some other drink?"

THE WHOLE ROOM except maybe 2 or 3, raised hands.

She then said:

"Well see, that proves my point. I have here, a room FULL OF DRUG ADDICTS".

Her point is 100% correct. If you can't quit it, you are an addict. Being addicted to caffeine ( and I am ) or tobacco , not a good thing. Too much caffeine is damaging, terribly so. It raises blood pressure, heart rate and causes other nervous system problems. One cup (large mug) can contain enough caffeine to raise your b/p and heartrate for HOURS.

It is a drug, albeit more socially-acceptable than tobacco or other drugs, but make no mistake, it's an addictive substance. (just don't try to tell Starbucks that)..... ;)

I will start nursing school this fall.

I am a smoker (smoked for the last 15 years). I have tried to quit several times - just cannot seem to do it.

I've seen nursing staff at hospitals around town taking "smoke breaks." Even though I am a smoker as well - seeing nurses in their scrubs with cigarettes in their hand just doesn't look right. Not judging - have no room too.

I'm just curious about how many nurses (or other healthcare professionals) have been imprisoned by this addiction to nicotine? Any input on successful ways to kick this habit?

I've tried the patch (works for day or two before I cave in and light up); the gum (can't stand the taste); cold turkey (no way - cannot do it for more than 5 hours) :stone

The DW and I tired to kick the habit a few times, but it only worked for a little while.

What you really need to be able to quit is desire - you have to REALLY want to quit. We quit without planning - we didn't pick a day. take meds etc., we just decided one day that we felt like crap and quit. We used the patches for a week, and then didn't bother anymore.

It's been over a year, and so far so good. We get a craving maybe once every 1 or 2 months.

It's such a relief to be smoke free.

Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

And, grinding coffee beans just makes that coffee stronger.

I am SOOOO addicted to the stuff.

Specializes in Operating Room.
And, grinding coffee beans just makes that coffee stronger.

I am SOOOO addicted to the stuff.

I just started drinking coffee with hot cocoa in it. (The only way I can stand it.) I figured it's cheaper than soft drinks, and I only drink 1-3 cups in the morning. The rest of the day I drink bottled water. :)

.....and I haven't had a cigarette all day..oh well, it's only 11 AM. Well, I don't want one either. lol

:cool:

Does the nicoderm patch work? Does anyone know the best method to quit? I'd really like to help my pack a day smoking hubby. I'm sure he'd love to quit too. I smoke too every now and then because I started smoking when I was twelve. I've really cut down to one cigarette every month or so.

My sister tried to quit but she wasn't very successful. I'm the cheering team for her and my hubby. I hope they quit one day. I hope I can go for another five months without breaking down and smoking one.

And back to the coffee. I live in Canada and we drink a lot of Tim Horton's coffee. Personally, I love Starbucks but one cup takes half my pay!!!

:cool:

Does the nicoderm patch work? Does anyone know the best method to quit? I'd really like to help my pack a day smoking hubby. I'm sure he'd love to quit too. I smoke too every now and then because I started smoking when I was twelve. I've really cut down to one cigarette every month or so.

:

I think it's different, smoking cessation needs to be individualized. Some hospitals and clinics offer smoking cessation classes.

Me, I just clung to the mental image of all the patients I've seen die from lung disease, the way they were gasping for air till the end.

I'm fiercely independent, and being a burden on my family and having them watch me go through that, just the thought of that scenario was enough for me.

(Now this bedrest for 2 weeks for the herniated disk in my neck is driving me insane, because I practically can't do anything for myself, and I hate being this dependent.)

Did you injure yourself at work? I did about a month ago. Incorrect body mechanics and laziness was the culprit. It also didn't help that the patient turned suddenly which threw my back out. But I was bent over improperly holding the patient while my work buddy went to get some linen off the cart. I didn't want to let him go because I didn't want to get the bed soiled. I was on modified duties for two weeks!!! Firstly, I don't like people doing my physical work. I like it when people like to work with me. Secondly, I don't like paperwork! I just want to be right in there doing the turns and repositions, hygiene stuff, assessments etc. etc. So, when I injured my back I had to depend on someone else to help me. I couldn't even tie my own shoes!

So, I hear you and feel for you. Get better while you are on bedrest.

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