On A Roll

not only are you exposed to carcinogenics, but it seems when we are placed in homes with heavy smokers; we inevitably are asked to go to a home where there are NONsmokers who (after your visit is complete), they call the office to COMPLAIN of your high Tobacco odor!

linda

not only are you exposed to carcinogenics, but it seems when we are placed in homes with heavy smokers; we inevitably are asked to go to a home where there are NONsmokers who (after your visit is complete), they call the office to COMPLAIN of your high Tobacco odor!

linda

I always apologize to the next family I see after one of the smoking room visits. Most are quite sympathetic.

RN golfer, your letter is really, really funny! Hospice nurses are such a kick!

I just started viewing and interacting on allnurses.com yesterday. it is informative and

fun and educational! I totally know what you mean about sucking in and absorbing the smoking

fumes (not to mention the lung issue). I get so grossed out. When ever possible I plan for the smoker

families as my last visit. I usually leave the coat or sweater in the car (no matter what the freezing temp is)

and then open the window and stick my head out as I am driving off. At one time I just figured I would

join them are start smoking again! Stock investments sound ample but GO GREEN.

Carry a bottle of Febreeze with you and spray yourself after you exit the smoking home. It works great.

I always keep a bottle of Febreeze in my car, and on certain days, carry an extra lab coat. After seeing a heavy duty smoker and their houseful of heavyduty smokers, I simply go 2 blocks down and park. Remove my "smoking jacket" and place in plastic bag in trunk. Spray myself with Febreeze from head to toe (and yes, clothes are damp at this point). Put on my clean and crisp jacket and off I go to my next patient.

The first time I did this, I wondered if anyone was looking out their window at that particular time. But, the next time I had to do this, I really didn't care. The smell was so bad I was to the point of gagging...and it takes a lot to make me gag.

Don't get me wrong. I am not against smokers. I smoked for years, quit in 2000.

the Febreeze ritual, along with the lab jacket heist is hysterical! It reminds of the breast feeding years when i would drive down to a lonely river bank to "pump". Lord, what we have to do as hospice nurses! And the milk usually curdled.

The only thing about the Febreeze is: the aerosol fumes may be equally toxic as the smoke!

But then again, gagging on the toxic smoke (and other not such pleasant smells in such an environment) warrants strong measures. THANKS for the tip.

febreeze is a great idea! I suppose if one is sensitive to the fumes, you could spray in the air and walk through it, like when you try a new perfume?

linda