Should smokers be admitted into the nursing program?

PghRN30 · Feb 26, 2011

Yes......if you disallow people for smoking, then you have to consider ANY other health habits. Should anyone that is overweight be not allowed, or that doesn't eat healthy, or that drinks alcohol more often then a rare occation, or that doesnt exercise x hours a week. Then how about risky behaviors...rule out those ride on motercycles, or are involved in risky athletic activities.

chicagoing, ADN, RN · Feb 26, 2011

Yes. If smokers can keep the evidence of their habit to themselves, then I don't see a problem with it. Discriminating against smokers would be tantamount to opening Pandora's Box.

I work out 5x a week; I can argue that since I am a health-conscious person, I should be given priority during admissions over someone who only breaks a sweat 4x a week!!

I can think of many reasons for supporting my argument, but it's your paper to write, not mine :)

FirmlyAnchored · Feb 26, 2011

Yes, but truthfully you will find hypocrite's in all profession's not to mention discrimination. To present an valid argument, I would look at the ANA's Code of Ethic's for Nurse, find a point of interest. Fact's are more effective than opinion's.

OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN · Feb 26, 2011

Wow, what a joke. I am not smoker so I will make that clear right away, but if this is the point of your paper then you have much more to consider to prevent you from being the hypocrite. First you must include a mandatory BMI screening for all applicants and disclude anyone with a BMI over 25 can not be allowed, second anyone that drinks alcohol should be excluded as well, third- well this could go on and on because there are endless ways in which so many of us endanger our health in a legal way. If smokers in nursing school are hypocrites then so are all the others.

Maybe those that are so concerned about getting into nursing school that they want to start eliminating people based on personal and legal choices your time may be better spent improving your grades then wasting it on something so silly.

RLtinker, LPN · Feb 26, 2011

I don't smoke, I don't drink, heck I don't even don't even drink coffee and I think this is most ridiculous idea I have read here. Sorry, but we are not joining this profession to judge people, we are doing this to help them.

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 26, 2011

I agree with the other posters. The OP shouldn't waste her precious time and energy trying to make a case for an idea that won't fly.

As others have pointed out, you can't logically single out smokers without discriminating against people with other uhnealthy behaviors -- and I can't think of anyone I know who doesn't engage in something that is unhealthy at least once in a while.

As I frequently advise nursing students, they should use these opportunities to explore topics in the area of nursing they hope to practice in. Then they can use those student experiencees/projects in their resume and interviews to help them get a job. Use the opportunity to demonstrate an interest in actual nursing practice and to learn more about it. That demonstrated interest over time may be what helps your resume stand out from the other students who "have nothing special" to say on their resumes except that they did all the standard stuff in nursing school.

cgravier · Feb 26, 2011

this is possibly the worst idea I have ever heard of. I think they should admit everyone into nursing program except the OP.

OpenHeartLPN · Feb 26, 2011

Wow! Since when did being a non smoker make you a better nurse? I smoke, but I do not do it before or during my shift, because my patients come first. Aside from all the other great points made by other posters, I have met some horrible nurses that do not smoke. How about asking for a mandate to have all nurses that smoke outside of their profession be fired while you are at it.

If you want into nursing school get in on your own merit and stop blaming (ooooo) smokers (ooooo) that are better qualified than you about not getting in. BTW my instructors knew I smoked before I was accepted, but they saw in me someone that would make a great nurse. So do you think that you know more about nursing than they do?

Get off of your high horse and mind your own business.

Sugar-Phosphate · Feb 26, 2011

I don't smoke, but I think your argument is discrimination. Smoking is legal, so it should not be an issue. I agree, the smell is terrible, but just because you do it, it doesn't mean they don't know better. As an adult they made an informed decision, and quitting is hard, as is losing weight. Doesn't mean they don't want to quit. Anyhow on the contrary I understand what you are saying, but I don't agree with your argument. Just my opinion.

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Feb 26, 2011

It'll be a long fall off that high horse of yours.

Great argument..except you'll have to have the schools deny admittance to the obese, people with high cholesterol levels, people with dangerous hobbies, people who eat badly, people who don't exercise..and the list goes on.

I hope your judgemental attitude toward smoking student nurses and licensed nurses doesn't cross over to your patients who smoke when/if you get your license..just sayin

JPolo · Feb 27, 2011

I am not the best qualified to answer this, but figured i would put my 2 cents in. For one, i hate smoke. ( not smokers, just the smoke). I am in school to become an MA now, but will be going for my Rn after that, and almost all of my instructors so far ( 2 RNS and a CST) have been smokers.

I have heard through the grapevine (not sure if its true) that some hospitals are making it a policy that you cannot be hired if you are a smoker and will do nicotine testing prior to being hired..

My PERSONAL opinion on this ( being as i get sick from being around the smoke) is, what you do in your spare time is up to you, but i dont feel as though you should be smoking on your shift. This is my opinion because of the fact that when you smoke, it lingers on your clothing and hair, and other people can smell it on you. If your a nurse and go into a patients room smelling of smoke, it can effect the patient negatively, with breathing problems, etc.

HOWEVER, i feel that everyone should have an equal opportunity to get admitted into nursing school. I think the limited acceptace is BULL and if you pass the entrance exams and you have good grades, you should be admitted without the stupid point system they have in place. I get decent grades overall and i have a perfect 4.0 at my current school and am being told im not good enough to get into nursing school yet. I feel as though admittance should be based on performance and not health issues. I feel as though you should have the opportunity to go through nursing school no matter what your hobbies are ( smoking included) and if you are capable of passing, and getting your license then you should have the opportunity to do so.