Smoking cessation or not

[walterrn]

I'm a nurse working for a metropolitan jail. There is no smoking in this jail and once you clock in, you cannot leave until you clock out. Now I know smoking is BAD, but I've been doing it for 36 years. I've tried numerous ways to quit, but never seem to succeed. I really like my job. So, do I quit (or attempt) smoking because the MAN says I have to? Or continue to sneak around for a puff on the chance of getting caught? fired?

If any of you ex-smokers have a sure fire way to quit..........I'm all ears. Or should I attempt to sue for my right to kill myself with nicotine if I so desire? My options are slim.

[erroridiot]

After a diagnosis of Asthma, I quit smoking.

I smoked 3 packs a day. I quit 16 years ago. Now, I am maxed out on asthma meds and I can't be around second hand smoke at all.

Even working in a smoke free facility is difficult for me. Sometimes employees sneak a smoke in the bathroom or stairwell - just like I used to do. Just walking by the smokers standing outside the building gives me difficulty.

If only I had quit sooner or never smoked at all my life would be easier now.

I can see both sides of the picture, but I would not go back to smoking.

From time to time I still crave a cigarette, but there are too many advantages to quitting. I have more money, time, productivity at work, self esteem and serenity than I did when I smoked. On the other hand I have less cigarette odor, dental stains and I do not burden anyone with second hand smoke.

Hope this helps.

[fiestynurse]

As of 1997 there are 28 states that legally prohibit employers from hiring/firing employees due to their smoking status. This could be seen as discriminatory and in violation of your rights to smoke, which is still legal last time I checked. The facility should have a designated smoking area either outside or with outside ventilation. They are probably losing some excellent nurses because of this rule. Can you clock-out at lunch time and leave the facility to smoke? What do other smokers do at this facility? I would talk to your Supervisor about this. I am sure she does not want to lose a good nurse.