Nurses who smoke?

GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN · Jan 17, 2006

I am a former smoker (quit 8 years ago) and I know whats its like to need the fix. What I don't understand is why people aren't allowed to smoke in their cars. It's their property and all. And there are ways to cover the smell so that cant be an excuse. (fabric softener sheets for hair, jackets over scrubs, mouthwash, etc)

Sheri257 · Jan 17, 2006

As an X-smoker (10 years) I can tell you without reservation that smokers DO get more breaks. But honestly I don't miss those breaks. When you're a smoker you constantly look for little oppertunities to smoke :)

Actually, I've just quit for like ... the sixth time. I'm hoping this will be the last.

But when I'm working or at school clinical, I never smoked, nor did I take smoke breaks. I was too embarrassed by the smell that, to me, was so obvious on other smokers. That alone prevented me from smoking at work or at school. And I usually was too busy to take any breaks, smoke or otherwise, anyway.

I was one of those closet smokers who only smoked at home, never at work. I was just too embarrassed by the smell.

:typing

wt2001 · Jan 17, 2006

I am a smoker but I don't take alot of breaks just to have a cigarette. I very rarely go out to take a break to smoke, which is something that I can do after work. I just feel that having the smell of smoke on my clothes is offensive to the patients. Most of the people that I work with are very suprised when I tell them that I smoke because they never see me go outside. Of course we do have the hardcore smokers that everytime you turn around they have left the floor to get a cigarette and it seems like this takes priority over everything else.

jimthorp · Jan 17, 2006

There is a hospital here that requires a pre-employment skin test to see if you've even been in a smokey environment. Do you like this idea?

It seems illegal for an employer to screen employees or applicants for a legal activity.

jimthorp · Jan 17, 2006

In the news last week was an item r/t Scotts Miracle Gro Scotts has given employees a year - and free counseling, nicotine patches and cessation classes - to quit smoking. They also built a $5 million gym for the employees. The company has not determined how it will verify compliance with the new policy, said Jim King, a spokesman.

Are they saying quit smoking or get fired? That's illegal. It's like saying don't consume alcohol or you're fired. Whether or not I agree with the habits of some, it is none of an employer's business what employees do on their own time, period.

Sapphy, BSN, RN · Jan 18, 2006

I am a nurse who also happens to be a smoker. Would I like to quit? Yes Have I been successful thus far? No. But I resent the implication that I get any more breaks than my non smoking co-workers. My place of employment allows me two 15 minutes breaks and a half hour lunch. We HAVE to take the lunch as we have to clock out for it. But those two 15 minute breaks are not set in stone. If I have too much work or am behind for any reason, no I don't get them. But on the days I am able to squeeze them in, yes I go outside for a smoke. How is this any different than the non smoking nurses sitting in the conference room or the med room for 15 minutes, or going off the unit to get coffee or something to drink? Just because I smoke, does not mean I work any less than those of you who don't.

fnlyRNstudent05 · Jan 18, 2006

Yey for you! You quit!!!!

I am a student and I hated that I smoked and solidified my decision to quit when I had to do a patho on a pt. with COPD.

so far I have not smoked in 18 days and I don't see myself ever doing it again.

I also saw that piece on Scotts and I'm not sure legally how that will work, but I can see thier perspective on wanting to better employees health and lower thier co.'s cost in health ins./sick days. I also feel that as a smoker there's increasing pressures to change your ways or face consequences (in some towns here in MD you can't even walk down the street and smoke). I can understand the motives of companies or other entities that want to improve peoples health, but at the same time it is really stepping on some personal rights. Where is that line in the sand?

fnlyRNstudent05 · Jan 18, 2006

Here is a great resource and support place besides this site for those of you who are contemplating, trying, struggling or have quit smoking.

http://nurses.quitnet.com/

Pete Venkman · Jan 18, 2006

After trying for years to quit, I'll tell you what worked for me:

I took wellbutrin (Rx insurance covers it but not zyban) for twp weeks and smoked as I normally would. Got the Nicitrol inhalers and on the 14th day switched from cigs to the inhaler. Stayed on wellbutrin for around a year but only used the inhaler for about 2 months.

I smoked cowboy killin' Marlboro reds for over twenty years (sometimes a pack a night) and I've been smoke free for over 10 years.

If I can do it, anyone can:)

rpv_rn · Jan 18, 2006

I am a former smoker (quit 8 years ago) and I know whats its like to need the fix. What I don't understand is why people aren't allowed to smoke in their cars. It's their property and all. And there are ways to cover the smell so that cant be an excuse. (fabric softener sheets for hair, jackets over scrubs, mouthwash, etc)

Using fabric soft sheets is new & great idea I had not heard of before. I do not smoke but will gently suggest to those who have the "smell" about using the sheet.

Many hospital campuses are smoke free in Southern CA. Smokers have to smoke only in their cars (on campus) or beyond the property boundaries.

And I'm very thankful that bars & restaurants are now smoke free! No more headaches after an evening with friends and families. :yeah:

Otessa, BSN, RN · Feb 11, 2006

But as a healthcare pro do you think any facility should accomodate smoking? They should absolutely NOT accomodate smoking. Our campus(including parking lots) went 100% smoke free in 2004.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Feb 11, 2006

Oops forgot to tell you that in August 2005 my facility went to being a "Smoke-free Campus" Now the smokers just have to take longer breaks to go to an area that is off campus. Another negative for us non-smokers who already take less breaks.
mcm

As long as it's tolerated, it's going to happen.