Nursing, Smoking, and Kids

[JettaDP]

I have a neighbor that has two small children and they are serious chain smokers. I've always thought that smoking around children is a form of child abuse. But I've never wanted to say anything to them because despite my personal feelings, smoking around kids is discouraged but not illegal (yet). At least not where I live. So all I do is walk by and do nothing about it. Now, I am a nursing student. And as a future nurse, I feel obligated to do something. But what can I possibly do considering it is not illegal? If I talk to them, they could retaliate in some way. I don't really know them so I don't have a clue how they would react. I am just fearful for the kids (ages 2 and 4). Should I just mind my own business? I'm not trying to be a nosey neighbor. I just don't want to see the kids develop asthma or cancer or something.

[Atheos]

Hey, I'm a smoker too. People ask me all the time if I think simultaneously smoking and trying to be a nurse is hypocritical. I usually just let them know I want to be a nurse to help other people but that I am bipolar and to Hades with my health. I just don't care that much about it. At least right now. Tomorrow I may very well be a nonsmoker again. ROFL.

That shuts em up just fine...

[LaneRN]

Glad to hear that someone else feels the same way that I do about smoking I have quite twice and as soon as i am through with school thinking about trying agin but right now it is just to stressful i know you know what I mean.

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

Good lord...who let the CAPS MONSTER in? Close the door behind you, people.

[KaroSnowQueen, RN]

I haven't read ALL the posts, but I do have one teeny tiny little thing to say.:typing

For all the people who say I smoke with the windows open, etc: My DD smokes in the car with her window down about halfway. With a child in the back seat, at the furthest point away from her. And when they come into my house (which is a no smoking house, and they live here), I can smell smoke on him, from her smoking in the car with the window open.

So, just my opinion, as a never-have-smoked person, I can smell the smoke on him, but she doesn't. The window open surely helps some, but its still there.

[LaneRN]

I have already apologized for that and I really don't think you finished reading the post are you would have known that.

[LaneRN]

Re: Nursing, Smoking, and Kids

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Good lord...who let the CAPS MONSTER in? Close the door behind you, people.

The reply above was meant for this poster. But just like you have a right to your opinion and the way you post your reply's so do i sorry if I offended anyone but all I ever hear is remarks made about those that smoke there are alot of other issues that I feel are more important like those that drink and do drugs as well as those that tend to neglect their children.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

The reply above was meant for this poster. But just like you have a right to your opinion and the way you post your reply's so do i sorry if I offended anyone but all I ever hear is remarks made about those that smoke there are alot of other issues that I feel are more important like those that drink and do drugs as well as those that tend to neglect their children.

I hope people get over you typing in all caps. No need to apologize again. :)

I do agree. My mother was a smoker and there were plenty of other bad mothering things she did besides smoke. But I've been to therapy and 12-step meetings and I'm fine now.

[LaneRN]

Thanks. I realy did not mean to offend anyone at all. But I guess they will eventually get over it. Thanks for the post though I know I went through at lot of issues myself

[2bTraumaRN2008]

I am a nurse and also smoke about 1.5 PPD. I dont' have kids, but my mom and dad BOTH smoked when I was growing up and I don't regret it nor am I mad at them for it. As a matter of fact, my mom smoked when she was pregnant with my brother and I. Guess what, we were both perfectly healthy.