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What drives me crazy is the man who comes in with a bac of .12 and a pack of smokes in his shirt pocket with two unfilled prescriptions from a week ago for his bp and albuterol, cc can't breathe and can't afford the meds. You have enough for your boos and smokes though??

And is it just me or should electronic cigarettes be against the rules in the hospital?? I had a woman say "I'm going for a walk around the Ed, don't worry, I don't smoke" while pulling out her e cig...what about that isn't smoking??

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

There seems to be a debate regarding E-cigarettes. I have had patients who have been smoking for YEARS and now that they're sick in the hospital, they realize it's time to quit. These patients tell me they're going to try those E-cigarettes and "my doctor already told me I could use them in the hospital, it's okay. He said it might help me quit." But I question the efficacy of them and if any of those vapors contain any potential harmful substances.

IMO, if you're well enough to be up walking around and smoking or "smoking," you don't belong in the hospital.

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Reminds me of my Aunt. She never had enough money to buy food and my Mom was always sending her some yet she could afford the booze for her drunk all the time husband and cigarettes for both of them.

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I am an E-cig user and I smoke in our break room when I have a chance. It is just a different addiction. Granted, I havent touched a real cigarette in almost three years.

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

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Specializes in ER trauma, ICU - trauma, neuro surgical.

I don't think e-cigs should be allowed in the hospital. I wouldn't want a pt blowing vaporized nicotine in my face.

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I don't think e-cigs should be allowed in the hospital. I wouldn't want a pt blowing vaporized nicotine in my face.

Then you ask them not to. It's not hard.

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

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Specializes in ER trauma, ICU - trauma, neuro surgical.

I shouldn't have to ask in the first place.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.
I shouldn't have to ask in the first place.

Now, this is from a floor RN's perspective....but it becomes futile when you have a patient using an e-cig after their admitting physician told them it was okay for them to use it while they're in the hospital.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

My understanding about the E-cig is that it is no more than vapor, and that the person smoking them doesn't actually blow anything out. Nothing is emitted from them unless the person actually inhales, unlike cigarettes.

I have not done any kind of research on them though, so I just don't know what the second hand effects are or COULD be.

On the OP though, I completely agree. There is such a lack of responsibility overall, but specifically in healthcare it seems. Unfortunately though, to someone who is addicted, whether it is to cigarettes, alcohol, food, etc...feeding those addictions will usually outweigh the need to purchase your meds or pay your bills. Nature of the beast I guess.

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