Nurses Smoking

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What are your thoughts on a nurse that smokes?

Does it bother you?

Do you look down on them; especially with them being a nurse?

:confused:

I think they are being a hyprocite by smoking.

I don't look down on them for smoking.

However I find it strange, Just like if you see a minister at the horse track betting and cussing....

A nurse has a image they are suppose to uphold, and being a smoker is not part of that image.

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I think they are being a hyprocite by smoking.

How does it make them a hyprocrite? Are nurses expected to be God's? Are they expected to be perfect?

Everyone has a vice, everyone makes mistakes. Nobody is perfect, if we were, we wouldn't be human. I think it is unfair to call them hypocrites because they smoke.

My opinion about nurses who smoke: it is their business period. Yes it stinks, but so does the parfume spray that some nurses wear, so does the breath of a nurse that ate liver and onions, pizza or simply one with bad teeth. But by alienating them or judging them, you are only matters worse. It is hard to quit smoking when so many pressure you or belittle you. Walk in a smokers shoes before you judge them.

MissLo

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Specializes in OB.

Regarding the "hypocrite comment" and the comparison to a preacher at the racetrack - I signed on to be a nurse, not a nun!

I am really bothered by people who think it is their right to judge and criticise others personal habits. I smoke, I am overweight, (and would even chase a few wild men if I could find any my age that could still run) and it is my business, not open to anyone else's criticism. Where is it written that I or anyone else should conform to someone else's standards in order to be a "good" nurse?

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if the smell does bother you - does it change how you feel about that person?

absolutely not!

i hate smoking. despise it. i have huge issues with corporate executives making their fortune off an addictive substance that kills so many people. but there are many people that i love and care about who smoke. i don't hate the smoker, but i hate the smoking, if that makes sense.

couldn't have said it better.

i just recently quit smoking-3 months ago. i never noticed it smelled before until now. omg what a stench!!!!! if you smoke you can't smell it-believe me i know. i still can't stand to listen to people complain about smokers. people who drink beer stink to me, i can smell it in their sweat-it makes me want to throw up. people who eat lots of garlic stink. but you know what this is a free world. free being the key word-let people do what makes them happy-it's not hurting you if they stink a little. and rnperdiem-everyone should walk outside and take a break-smokers and nonsmokers!!!! you think better after a break

miami, the problem with many smokers is that they take way more breaks than anyone else.

i think they are being a hyprocite by smoking.

i don't look down on them for smoking.

however i find it strange, just like if you see a minister at the horse track betting and cussing....

a nurse has a image they are suppose to uphold, and being a smoker is not part of that image.

but nurses and ministers are human, just like anyone else. i don't fault someone their vice, just that vices like smoking affect those around the smoker.

i know smokers who are very careful.....they smoke outside and chew gum, etc. i can smell it right after they've smoked but it's not overpowering and offensive. not a big deal. the smokers i have a problem being near are the ones who smoke in enclosed places away from the hospital and they absolutely reek of it.

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Specializes in NICU.

I'm not a smoker and the smell of cigarette smoke makes me sick.

But who cares if a nurse smokes? It's still legal.

What about a nurse that eats fast food and other artery-clogging foods?

What about a nurse that goes over the speed limit?

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Specializes in ICU.

I just find it irritating when those who smoke take long breaks (because the butt hut isn't very close to the doors) and several of them a night. What really steams me is when I've watched someone's patients 2 or three times, ask for them to watch while I go grab a coke, and they refuse because they are so busy. As long they aren't dorks about it, it doesn't bother me. I mean, they are obviously well-informed about the choice they are making. I don't understand the appeal, but whatever.

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Specializes in FNP.

I think smoking is a health-endangering habit, and personally I hate the smell, plus I'm quite sensitive to smoke. I regularly see the long-term effects it has on my patients (MI, Stroke, emphysema, cancers, etc), and I had to watch my father slowly die from emphysema during my teen years.

I believe that we as nurses are health representatives, and should aim towards a healthy lifestyle, in all areas.

Dana

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Specializes in LTC.

I'm rather indifferent about nurses that smoke. They are human and they are allowed to make their own decisions.

There are a few things I ask of ALL of my co-workers. You attempt to smell decent when you're at work. That may mean popping breath mints to hide garlic, fabreezing yourself to hide the smell of smoke, or discovering that showing more than once a week makes that annoying BO smell go away.

I also ask that you don't take an excess amount of breaks. If you are always off the floor on the phone, texting, making out with doctor McDreamy/boyfriend of the week in a broom closet, gossipping with people on another floor or are out smoking who's doing your work?

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I don't look down on nurses (or people in general) that smoke. I'm lucky that I don't struggle with that particular area but I have known good and godly (that is, NOT hypocritical!) people that did struggle with quitting.

With that said, however, I don't think it's fair or safe that additional "smoke breaks" are allowed for nurses who smoke. I've heard some say that they're tempted to START smoking just so they would get more breaks at work! Now that's taking it to the extreme, but there is a valid point there. Nurses should be free to do whatever they want during their off-time, but that doesn't carry over to work hours.

Hope this isn't harsh! I understand what it's like to struggle to break a habit, but this affects patient care! :smokin:

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

I imagine it poses as a bad image for patients to see a nurse smoke, but as long as they do not smell I could care less...I am not their mother

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Specializes in cardiac.
What are your thoughts on a nurse that smokes?

Does it bother you?

Do you look down on them; especially with them being a nurse?

:confused:

Well, I smoke. But, I do not smoke during my shift. I don't have the time. Even though it is a stupid habit to have, it is one that I enjoy. I tell myself everyday I should quit. A doc once told me that being addicted to nicotine is worse than being addicted to heroin. It's readily available and totally legal. One of the hardest habits to break.:smokin:
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Specializes in DOU.

However I find it strange, Just like if you see a minister at the horse track betting and cussing....

I think I'd feel a little more connected to a clergy person that did this sort of thing on occassion.

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