Nurses Smoking

seanpdent, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Apr 15, 2008

I know and love a great deal of people who smoke, so I'll try not to be too biased. I agree, the fact that a nurse smokes is neither here nor there. I don't think smoking can be considered a measuring tool for how good or bad a nurse is, although I always consider the fact that we as nurses are role models. How can we teach a pt about smoking cessation or a healthy lifestyle if we are the one smoking?

Just my :twocents:

merellis2009 · Apr 15, 2008

"Would you see them as less professional if you saw them eating a Big Mac? "

If they come in with their breath stinking to high heavens of Big Mac onions and sauce while they're taking care of me then yes I would see them as less professional. When I am a patient, to have a nurse smell of heavy smoke is as bad (if not worse) than a person with bad body odor. If you stink (regardless of the offending agent) then it's not professional PERIOD.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 15, 2008

I've only seen two or three physicians publicly smoking cigarettes in my lifetime.

On the other hand, I've witnessed more nurses puffing away than I can ever dream to count, without any attempt to keep their unhealthy habit in the closet.

Of course, there are countless more reasons why physicians have maintained their high level of prestige and respect in the public eye. I'm assured that many more doctors have bad habits; however, they are somehow afforded the ability to hide their vices more adroitly.

noc4senuf · Apr 15, 2008

I smoke and don't care what others think, it is my life. Over the years, I would have to say over 50% of my nurses have also smoked. Do you think it has something to do with stress?? Even though I am salaried, I do not take any more breaks than the floor staff. We get 2 fifteen min breaks and 1 half hour lunch break. NO ONE at my facility abuses them as I know who goes out the front door (only door allowed for staff to use). The state of MN passed new laws last Oct. about no smokng in public buildings. So, our smoker's lunch room was vacated. We now have to walk to the end of the block and to the parking lot to smoke our cigs. Yes, even when the windchill was -40.

Surgerygirl · Apr 15, 2008

I don't like the smell, although I can cope with it. What I really don't want any part of is second-hand smoke. See http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=35422
I'm thrilled that more public places are going smoke-free. Smoke in your own domain if you must, but please don't force me to breathe the stuff that comes out of the end of your cigarette. I promise to not force any of you smokers to eat my pecan pie.

Amen!! It should be illegal for people to smoke anywhere outside their own house!! I have a right to breathe air that is not contaminated with their toxic smoke. ........ I do think less of anyone esp a nurse who smokes.... they know better. And let me add one more comment ( that will get me flamed ) I am tired of all of use who pay insurance premiums paying extra to cover the self induced illness that the smokers bring on themselves.!!! :nono:

RainDreamer, BSN, RN · Apr 15, 2008

Yeah, let's not pay extra premiums for those who smoke and eat Big Macs!! :)

coolpeach · Apr 15, 2008

Think about all the extra insurance premiums you pay.

There are people who drink, and a safe amount for one person is liver damage for another.

Think of those people who eat way too much, and all the junk they eat leading to obesity, heart disease and stroke.

And everyone driving the SUV, and gas guzzlers filling the air with toxic fumes.

All the little cheap women and men who just slept around with everything and get sexually transmitted diseases including Aids.

The people whose own bad judgement allows them to marry the above and contract diseases.

People who have children when they have a history of problems in their family, or have had other children with problems.

Not to mention the terrible people who have had multiple motor vehicle accidents in their life times, and are still driving.

And the horrible individuals who choose to sky dive, drive race cars, bungee jump, and take risks. For that matter my son broke his back recently falling from a tree (even 12 years olds are a problem). We should limit tree climbing, bike riding, skating, skate boarding, trampolines and just sports activities in general. Others enjoyment shouldn't be our problem.

All the women who wear undergarments made of silk and other nonbreathable material just asking for a yeast infection.

There are so many things that I can't even name them all. If only people were perfect then I am sure our insurance premiums would be a lot less.

If only some agency would monitor everyones smoking, sex, and eating habits, and keep an eye on leisure activities that would be great.

Then those people could be eliminated who were loose, fat, smoked, or egaged in behavior that led to an increase in your insurance premiums.

The only problem is the last I looked most of the world was not perfect.

RainDreamer, BSN, RN · Apr 16, 2008

coolpeach - excellent post!!

JENNLEE · Apr 16, 2008

Think about all the extra insurance premiums you pay.
There are people who drink, and a safe amount for one person is liver damage for another.
Think of those people who eat way too much, and all the junk they eat leading to obesity, heart disease and stroke.
And everyone driving the SUV, and gas guzzlers filling the air with toxic fumes.
All the little cheap women and men who just slept around with everything and get sexually transmitted diseases including Aids.
The people whose own bad judgement allows them to marry the above and contract diseases.
People who have children when they have a history of problems in their family, or have had other children with problems.
Not to mention the terrible people who have had multiple motor vehicle accidents in their life times, and are still driving.
And the horrible individuals who choose to sky dive, drive race cars, bungee jump, and take risks. For that matter my son broke his back recently falling from a tree (even 12 years olds are a problem). We should limit tree climbing, bike riding, skating, skate boarding, trampolines and just sports activities in general. Others enjoyment shouldn't be our problem.
All the women who wear undergarments made of silk and other nonbreathable material just asking for a yeast infection.
There are so many things that I can't even name them all. If only people were perfect then I am sure our insurance premiums would be a lot less.
If only some agency would monitor everyones smoking, sex, and eating habits, and keep an eye on leisure activities that would be great.
Then those people could be eliminated who were loose, fat, smoked, or egaged in behavior that led to an increase in your insurance premiums.
The only problem is the last I looked most of the world was not perfect.

once again......took the words right out of my mouth in reply to the insurance premiums post earlier.

Otessa, BSN, RN · Apr 16, 2008

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?

I have worked with many nurses(and respiratory therapists and other healthcare workers) that have smoked over the years. It is an addiction and most know that it is bad for them and that they smell like smoke after they have gone on a break.

If I was a COPD patient or had trouble breathing and then smelled my healthcare worker and they were smelling of smoke, I wouldn't be too impressed.

TazziRN, RN · Apr 16, 2008

I am a smoker and I must say that i LOVE it. I enjoy my cigarettes. I am not permitted to smoke at work (smoke-free facility) but I do smoke tons of cigs going to work and home from work. I have an hour drive so I get plenty in.

People that smoke in their cars reek of it, and so does the car.

egglady, LPN · Apr 16, 2008

Well, here is my 2 cents- Lets see, smokers vs. non-smokers, RN vs. LPN, Hospital vs. LTC.... Cant we all get along???????