lglnurse

I just recently started as a med/surg clinical instructor for an LPN program. I wanted to get opinions about whether or not these nursing students should be allowed to smoke during clinical hours when they are in the uniform. I understand that smoking can be an addiction, and that going 12 hours without a cigarette may be difficult for most, but they come to clinical stinking of smoke, and I can smell it throughout the day. This is despite their best efforts to hide the odor with Febreze, mints or whatever. That just doesn't work. I would think it has to bother the patients, and it is setting a very poor example and I think it is unprofessional. I used to smoke when I was in nursing school, but my instructors would have shot me dead if I came to clinical smelling like cigarettes. Any thoughts and opinions are welcome....

Let me just tell you that some nurses are just XXXXX. I have been on the receiving end of nurses eating their young when I was a new grad, and it scared me so bad I left nursing altogether until I finally had the guts to give it another try. I do agree that new grads might be better served doing at least a year of med-surg adults. I think that you really learn time management and basic skills and organization this way, and that will make your ICU time much easier. However, if you are a new grad who enters the CCU/ICU without an attitude and have a willingness to learn and do the scut, then no "older" seasoned nurse should have the right to eat you alive. They should be greatful for the help and that you are there when they can be so short staffed. If I had it to do all over again, though, I would have done a year of adult med-surg. I chose pediatric heart transplant because it was the toughest thing I could think of doing, and it nearly ruined my career because I gave up out of frustration. Good luck, Kim

I gave it in the ER recently, and I was so shocked, as I had only ever given it PO. The guy had OD'd on every Tylenol containing drug known to man, and it actually saved him - he was out of the unit in 3 days! I was happy because my patient didn't puke and I didn't have to smell rotten eggs!

If she is truly an excellent nurse, she should be given another chance. Maybe probation or something? I fell asleep just after the job....I happened to be behind the wheel of a Volvo going 45 miles per hour, and I fortunately only had a concussion and bloody nose from hitting a telephone pole! I just as easily could have fallen asleep on the job, I was exhausted! We must protect our own and if she truly is not a repeat offender and a conscientious sort, give her a break and give her a chance to earn your trust again. Kim