is it right or wrong nurses smoke women young nurses more so

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Nov 18, 2004

Since I became a nurse my life changed in so many ways. One is the perception people have of me now vs before I became a nurse...and that rubs me the wrong way!

People assume that I am a walking, talking care center for any ailment known to man (and the meds). People assume I eat right and exercise regularily and go to the doc annually. People assume I don't go out and drink, and if I do I have a "drinking probelm" because I shouldn't drink because "you are a nurse!!!!!". People assume that I will chew them out if they tell me they smoke, drink, eat wrong, or don't exercise so they don't socialize with me unless it is about a BM or latest condition of a friend or family. And kids see me as a walking shot machine and don't want to get too close. Oh yeah, and that I am a nurse 24/7!!!!!

Just because I survived nursing school, became an RN didn't make me stop being who I was..bad habits and all! I do drink, and smoke and eat fatty foods too...I forget my MD appointments, drink coffee in excess, I don't go out after a long day at work and exercise, I don't keep a sterile house in the least, and I use language at times that would make a sailor blush! When I have to work I change into professional mode and get the job done...then on my breaks I go back to the person I am and that includes a smoke and coffee on my break times!

Just because I got two letters after my name didn't change me into a 'don't drink don't smoke..what do ya do ya'...I am still me, and I would find a ban on what I do legally on my OWN time to be seriously offensive! If being a nurse takes away any liberties I would have in NOT being one...I would be hard pressed to stay one! You take me as I am...just like I take my patients as they are!

Like I said, when they banned smoking of any kind, even in MY CAR at one facility...I left! I may be their employee, but not their endentured servant...LOL, plus two days of working with nicking out nurses, being a nicking out nurse was horrible to say the least! LOL!!!!!! (Oh man it was bad!!!!!!!!!).

To me, banning me from doing something I do in my own times is about as offensive as the suggestion that nurses can not be overweight at all (which has been a suggestion just as banning nurses from smoking has been!). I respect my patients to do with their bodies what they will, even if I don't agree with it...I expect the same! I didn't get into this career to become someones idea of the 'Nurse', but choose to be one with my own unique and special way of doing things..that includes separating myself from my nursing roll on my off time (it isn't like I have a few other roles to be once I get home ya know..LOL!).

Congratulations on those that have quit, and continued success for your lifetime! Maybe I will join the ranks someday..but today....ehhhhhhhh NO! LOL!!!

nursebetty2 · Nov 18, 2004

Since I became a nurse my life changed in so many ways. One is the perception people have of me now vs before I became a nurse...and that rubs me the wrong way!
People assume that I am a walking, talking care center for any ailment known to man (and the meds). People assume I eat right and exercise regularily and go to the doc annually. People assume I don't go out and drink, and if I do I have a "drinking probelm" because I shouldn't drink because "you are a nurse!!!!!". People assume that I will chew them out if they tell me they smoke, drink, eat wrong, or don't exercise so they don't socialize with me unless it is about a BM or latest condition of a friend or family. And kids see me as a walking shot machine and don't want to get too close. Oh yeah, and that I am a nurse 24/7!!!!!
Just because I survived nursing school, became an RN didn't make me stop being who I was..bad habits and all! I do drink, and smoke and eat fatty foods too...I forget my MD appointments, drink coffee in excess, I don't go out after a long day at work and exercise, I don't keep a sterile house in the least, and I use language at times that would make a sailor blush! When I have to work I change into professional mode and get the job done...then on my breaks I go back to the person I am and that includes a smoke and coffee on my break times!
Just because I got two letters after my name didn't change me into a 'don't drink don't smoke..what do ya do ya'...I am still me, and I would find a ban on what I do legally on my OWN time to be seriously offensive! If being a nurse takes away any liberties I would have in NOT being one...I would be hard pressed to stay one! You take me as I am...just like I take my patients as they are!
Like I said, when they banned smoking of any kind, even in MY CAR at one facility...I left! I may be their employee, but not their endentured servant...LOL, plus two days of working with nicking out nurses, being a nicking out nurse was horrible to say the least! LOL!!!!!! (Oh man it was bad!!!!!!!!!).
To me, banning me from doing something I do in my own times is about as offensive as the suggestion that nurses can not be overweight at all (which has been a suggestion just as banning nurses from smoking has been!). I respect my patients to do with their bodies what they will, even if I don't agree with it...I expect the same! I didn't get into this career to become someones idea of the 'Nurse', but choose to be one with my own unique and special way of doing things..that includes separating myself from my nursing roll on my off time (it isn't like I have a few other roles to be once I get home ya know..LOL!).
Congratulations on those that have quit, and continued success for your lifetime! Maybe I will join the ranks someday..but today....ehhhhhhhh NO! LOL!!!

so i take it youre smoker is that u in youre advauter how old are u i guess youre smoker rest u point tacking but dont think u gets me

way i mean it its hard explane heare goes if youre nurse youre job invovles health so becas that becas u see pepole diy smoking shound it be right nurses dont smoke not life just at work same carers i not saying ban fully but no harm come ban hospitalls fully my point :rolleyes: :imbar but i gets evy1s views

JVanRN · Nov 19, 2004

this is gonna sound soo rude and i appologize beforehand really. :)

but your posts are sometimes kinda hard to read. could you put in some punctuation every now and then so we can tell where something ends and begins? sorry I'm not trying to be the grammar police because mine is bad from time to time....thanks....that said I do get your point Thanks much

babymeena · Nov 19, 2004

I completely agree with TriageRN34. I should disclose that I'm a social smoker that does not smoke on my break or have nicotine withdrawl regardless of how long I need to go without smoking. But I do enjoy a relaxing cigarette when I'm winding down at home with my feet up after a hard day of work. I am aware of second hand smoke and the odor. I also am aware of the inconsiderate smokers that couldn't care less about exposing others to their smoke and odor. But there are inconsiderate people everywhere. If everyone would be considerate of the effect their action has on others we would be living in a far better place but that is not the case. So I say smokers need not smoke in a crowded stadium (even though it's outdoors) or anywhere where proximity to non smokers cannot be controlled and practice good oral hygene after smoking (mint anyone?) and the non smokers stop bi#*@ing about "second hand smoke". Don't forget that there are people that will CHOOSE to come near someone's smoke (that is what we're bashing here, right?) and give dirty looks, fake a cough, or better yet comment aloud how disgusting it is to smoke. That really ticks me off. Respect for others is of essence here. Let's respect each other regardless of our profession. Remember that we all have habits that others won't approve of. How would you feel if yours would come under attack as strong as it has been for smokers?

NurseFeelGood · Nov 22, 2004

I agree with you as well TriageRN. Being a nurse certainly doesn't change who we are or any of our bad habits. Believe me I have many as well. I probably wouldn't have ever quit, by the way, if smoking were somehow outlawed. That would make me want one all the more because of my rebellious nature and because it would be plain wrong for any government to take them away now. I quit, rather, for myself and my children not because of what anyone would think or the damage I might do to our nursing profession. We ARE human afterall. :)

For those who feel offended by another's smoking habits there are things you can do about it. Do not sit in a smoking section in a restaurant (There are very few of those left and that was very annoying when I smoked) Don't choose to initiate a conversation when another nurse is on break smoking a cigarette if that offends you etc. I'm just happy I can now go out on break with my friends who smoke without having the cravings like I did at first. It was hard feeling like I was left out during that time.

actioncat · Nov 23, 2004

I have to agree with Jennynicu. I cannot understand your posts at all. It really does not take any longer to spell correctly and to use punctuation. I hope you do this when you chart at work.