Smoking nurses

BadBird, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2002

Gee Mario,

I don't think I am on a bandwagon, are you?

ShandyLynnRN, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2002

I realize that it is very unpleasant for non smokers to smell the smoke on smokers, and I try very hard to be considerate, especially when I am aware of allergies, etc... however, as much as I can see the valid point about smokers not smoking while working at the hospital, I cant in reality see myself just saying "well even though I have a 1 1/2 pack a day habit, I will go 12 hours without a smoke", even if it IS better for everyone else. I just can't do it. I'm not saying that it isnt wrong, but I just cant. I guess if I were going to work without smoking, I would have to commute without smoking, and for that matter, not smoke after I showered and got ready for work, and also not smoke at all on the nights when I am on call for work, even though I may not get called in. If I were going to do that, then I may as well just quit smoking all together, and I am just not ready to do that right now. That is why I do my best to try to wear lab coats and stay in a well ventilated area that will help the smell not stick so badly, and then wash very well afterwords.... it is the best I can do. I completely understand everyone's views on not smoking at work, and in all actuality think it is a good idea, but it is just not feasible for me.

mario_ragucci · Dec 21, 2002

Nah badbird, (grinning hard), Band wagons used to blaze trails, no more (laughing). The smoking thing is just such a puzzle. Since they are so bad, why are they so legal and available? Obviously smoking has a place, and not nessesarily in eating places or hotels. Or smelling like one at bedside.

Tax money. Quiting. Avoiding. Exposure to.

No offense badbird, i just blurbed :-)

baseline · Dec 21, 2002

I am a smoker who hasn't smoked in almost 1.5 years. (In my opinion there is no such thing as an EX-smoker...its an addiction just like alcohol and narcotics). It is my opinion that hospitals should be a non-smoking campus.

TEXASWAG, MSN, RN · Dec 21, 2002

Hate to say it but there were times on the job that I wanted to go down with the smokers and have a smoke. When I'm under stress I mostly eat. Smoking still appeals to me. I have smoked in the past in the bar scene before I became a nurse. I think for right now I'll continue to eat.

Anagray, BSN · Dec 21, 2002

I've smoked since I was 14. Stopped for about 18 months, then started back up. I'm 27 now and I stopped smoking again because of pregnancy.

There are good and bad sides to smoking. I honestly LOVE to smoke, but I know that I have to stop before it is too late.

I did not smoke at work because I didn't want to smell like cigarettes for the patients. Those who do not smoke feel sick from it and those who smoke are craving it even more, because on my floor people can not walk off the unit.

My advice is to the OP is when u feel u need to stimulate your pleasure centers eat a chocolate bar, instead of smoking at work.

RNforLongTime · Dec 25, 2002

I quit smoking over 3 weeks ago after I crashed my Tracker into a telephone pole (no major injuries). Best thing I've ever done! Can't even stand the smell anymore and I smoked for 10 yrs. Now, if only I could lose some weight

Flo1216 · Dec 25, 2002

I think it is hippocritical to smoke while trying to promote healthy living, which is why I stopped when I started nursing school. Also, the reality of the ill effects of smoking really hit me once I began working in a hospital. However, I DO realize it is an addiction. I am addicted to caffeine. What annoys me is when I can't find a nurse or cna or UA because they are outside smoking every other hour.

Pretzlgl · Dec 25, 2002

I haven't smoked for almost a year. I quit because I couldn't stand being at work wondering when I could run out for my next cigarette. Talk about ball and chain. I couldn't not smoke for 10 to 12 hours at work. So I decided to quit - and I did because I really wanted to.

SnowymtnRN · Dec 25, 2002

is that smokers ALWAYS...yes ALWAYS get their breaks. I can go 8-10 hours without having time to barely pee or drink a glass of water, but how come smokers ALWAYS go out every hour on the hour and smoke? :rolleyes: I just don't get it....i'm very anti smoking in my home, cars,etc...but i know its an addiction. When i'm a patient i don't like to smell it on others that are caring for me either but i try to be polite and let them know as gently as possible that its irritating so hopefully they can do something about it.

SmilingBluEyes · Dec 25, 2002

Where I work, smoking is not allowed within 50 or 100 yards of hospital ground (can't remember the exact number)...Purty durn effectively eliminates smoke breaks for employees and patients, too. We offer patches to patients who can't stand the withdrawals. It's not easy to enforce and some walk out AMA but I believe it's a good policy, nonetheless. Makes it fair For EVERYONE.

mario_ragucci · Dec 25, 2002

It does sound kinda Nazi-ish to see smoking banned so outright, like within a perimeter. Please, I agree smoking is bad. What if this same forbiding and control applied to other aspects of human behavior? I remember traveling through the south and they had "dry" counties and "wet" counties. That pertained to booze, but the idea is the same. What can you do if a hospital is in a city? Then you couldn't ban any perimeter. It just sounds kinda strange to be so specific with a behavior, smoking or any behavior. This is the land of the free and the home of the brave, not the land of the "told exactly what to do's" and the home of the meek :-) I'm sorry :-(