Smokers

Ivy Purdom · Feb 12, 2002

I am a smoker, I am allowed 1 smoke break per shift and don't abuse it.

cinny071 · Feb 12, 2002

I also smoke, I know that it is a bad habit.

But I only take the breaks I am entitled to, and yes I have seen the non-smokers in the breakroom when I go to break and they are still there when I return and they are still there after I have been working for MANY minutes. And I know of 2 nurses who take many breaks throughout the day.

mario_ragucci · Feb 13, 2002

Willie - Now! - stay in your place and let this thread die :-) Don't be saying stuff like "slowly killing yourself" or coming across with the [more holy than thou] routine as far as the health-thing goes. May I remind you that your gasoline addiction is slowly killing the planet, but you won't stop driving will you? Will you? Do you munch on saturated fats? Why? Your killing yourself. Haven't you heard of cholesterol and plaque? Do you eat trans-fatty acids in margerine? That will give you cancer too. :-) Let's not comment on diet, which can kill as quickly as smoking? Doesn't it depend on the person? Let us smoke in peace. Live and let live, for crying out loud!!!!!!!! We are not living in a perfect world. :-) And I am not sounding off on you, just sounding off for the sake of sounding off :-)

Lets let this thread die easy, with no last words or thrown daggers at the end. Nurses smoke because they want to. People drive because they want to. I guess it's all all right. Now let's let this go, amen. :-)

ICUBecky · Feb 13, 2002

gotta love the nurse that works in a cardiac unit, goes out and smokes, and then comes back and gives discharge instructions to a heart attack victim that needs to quit smoking.

i also love those smokers that thinks perfume covers up the smoke smell...it just makes them smell worse. what are they thinking?

"hey becky...will you watch my busy balloon pump, ventilated, CVVH patient, with your 2 other actively having a heart attack patients...so that i can go smoke a cigarette" nurses make me absolutely mad.

i also know a nurse that currently is getting over pneumonia...and still needs to take cigarette breaks. i don't get it...

i know smokers have the right to smoke. but, c'mon ppl, don't you see our patients suffering from illnesses, massive heart attacks, etc...b/c they smoke. doesn't it scare the crap out of you?

sharann, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2002

Hey, this thread was about why nurses smoke etc..., not smokebashers or the smoke mafia attack all smoker's. I quit 3 months ago, work with fresh post-op heart patients and AAA's. The scariest part is wondering if I quit in time (I'm early 30's now). The best support group I found out there on the net is http://www.quitnet.com --Really helpful place to be. I recommend it to patients, friends and anyone interester in quitting or helping someone quit. It's free, non-invasive, and confidential. No, I make nothing off the site, I just like it personally.

Mario, what IS it with you and gasoline? Stop deflecting the subject into other arenas. This topic was/is smoking, not environmental issues or poor social habits of your classmates.

Thanks!

thisnurse · Feb 13, 2002

becky...yes it does scare me. more and more each day. why do i continue to smoke?

im not sure.

im addicted absolutely but thats not an excuse.

i just like the way they taste and the way they make me feel. i like that so damn much its worth dying over. and as i grow older and shorter of breath i realize what i am doing to my lungs and the damage i have and am causing.

and i know that i will be paying the piper sooner than i think.

the thought of quitting is scaring the crap out of me right now. more so than the thought of cancer.

im trying to come to grips with it. i think MOST smokers are...but i really resent the righteous nonsmokers and their desire to mandate the behavior of others. i will quit...when I say, not when the people down the street tell me i have to or when the dogooders get their laws passed. some of the nonsmokers are downright vicious about OUR bad habit. and oh please, dont bring rudeness in this again.

suzy...i cant believe that you posted about those TV commercials. first off, they are probably actors. secondly, they are PAID PROPAGANDA aimed at shifting the blame on tobacco companies....why????

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

my mother always says that if she knew they were bad when she started smoking she never would have started..thats such crap. it IS her fault she smoked. the blame for smoking lies on the smoker, not the tobacco companies.its like saying ...but i didnt inhale..

my mom knew for decades that smoking causes cancer. she continued. she has since quit and is one of those reformed smokers who is trying to save the world.

Paprikat · Feb 13, 2002

I could quit smoking and not die of lung cancer thirty years from now or get hit by a bus tomorrow on my way to work!

I enjoy smoking, am not hurting anyone but myelf, am aware of the consequences and will accept it when the time comes. This is my informed consent.

I do not smoke in my home, around anybody who dosen't smoke and dispose of my butts properly. I take my assigned breaks and if patients are seriously ill, I will forego my break altogether.

I just don't agree with some of these people on this post, and I think we've lost the meaning of what the post was. We all have our opinions and preferences and that is what living in a free society is.

mario_ragucci · Feb 13, 2002

Hey Sharann - smoking and gasoline have similiarities in this context, can't you see? Now I all ready said that I would not go into this, but since you ask what it IS, I'll tell you.

Both cigarettes and gasoline burn.

Both produce harmful and toxic vapors, when burnt.

We ALL inhale the vapors, whether or not we smoke or drive.

Both are usually consumed for the benifit of only one person.

Both are legal and taxed consumer "goods"

Both leave annoying and unsightly residues on things.

Both alter peoples lifestyles and cause dependence.

Both are usually consumed in a "still" position.

See? Kettle can't call the pot black :-)

BABYGIRL_RN · Feb 13, 2002

I WORK IN A VERY BUSY CCU. I ONLY GO DOWN TO SMOKE WHEN THINGS ARE QUIET. NONSMOKERS HAVE THEIR FAULTS AS DO SMOKERS. PEOPLE NEED TO STOP BEING SO JUDGEMENTAL AND GET ALONG. WITH ALL THE STRESS IN NURSING, WE DON'T NEED SOMETHING THIS STUPID TO FUSS OVER. WE NEED TO RESPECT EVERYONE AS A PERSON, AND AS A NURSE. WHETHER THEY ARE SMOKERS OR NONSMOKERS. SOME OF THE BEST NURSES I HAVE WORKED WITH ARE SMOKERS. NOT ALL SMOKERS TAKE 4-5 BREAKS EVERY 12 HOUR SHIFT.

willie2001 · Feb 14, 2002

Uh, Mario, who are you to tell me to stay in my place?I don't think I'm better than anybody else as you seem to imply. I have plenty of friends and co-workers, both non-smokers and smokers. We all get along. I have asked some of the smokers, why they smoke and you know what they tell me. They say they're addicted and can't quit. I do know a couple that have successfully quit. Bottom line, Smoking is an addiction; physical/ psychological, driving is not. Comparing the hazards of smoking with anything else is the defense that alot of smokers use to rationalize their habit. It doesn't wash. By the way, I'm all for letting this thread die in peace. :rolleyes:

nurs4kids · Feb 14, 2002

Originally posted by JMP
Dear NURSE FOR KIDS.....
When you say " who would choose to be a homosexual" do you realize how ignorant and backward and insulting that is? Something tells me you don't. And then, to compare it to smoking. Lumping a sucking a cigarette together with gays. Come on. Give your head a shake.

I am not gay. I am a very PROUD mother of a gay son, however, and I deeply resent your comments.

RETHINK your rational.

Dear JMP,

Ignorance comes in all forms, you show a wonderful example of one; speaking before thinking. I have several gay friends, and the line you quoted me on above actually came from them, not one of my originals. I don't think anyone would CHOOSE homosexuality, it's a horrid life to live--full of challenge. Although I chose to begin smoking, now it's an addiction stronger than anything I ever imagined. I see the challenge of quitting as a homosexual sees trying to live straight. Soooooooo, before you advise me, before you become defensive, think about what's being said. If you still resent my comments, then you obviously have a problem with your sons "choice".

Nurs4kids

sharann, BSN, RN · Feb 14, 2002

I smoked a few today and feel lousy. I really hate the habit. I like to smoke, I do (except for the horrid smell that is). It is an addiction and I am an addict. Whatever powers may be (or my own powers), help me get through this.

p.s: I never took many breaks as a smoker, and take almost none as a non-smoker. That made me stop and think. STUPID ME. I will start taking "non-smoking" breaks. Maybe visit friends on another unit or go for fresh(for real) air...

Later:cool: