Smoking Policy- What do you think??

[AmandaRN]

Okay guys. I really need to know what you all think about this. I learned today that as of July 1, the facility for which I work is going to be totally tobacco free. By this I mean that tobacco will be allowed NOWHERE on the facility premises. This also means that if you want to smoke, you are required to do so in your own vehicle AND clock out to do so. This is system wide, and includes patients, families, employees, doctors, everybody. I am not quite sure what to think about this. I know and you all know that nurses that smoke sometimes do not even have time to think about smoking during a shift, much less get to smoke, so ultimately it's not the end of the world, but I can't help being mad. I don't know about you all, but sometimes a cigarette is all I need to keep my sanity. Do any of you all have a policy like this?? Please let me know what you think!!!

[OBNURSEHEATHER]

Originally posted by Venti Cappucino

Asking people to go smoke in their cars is a bit ridiculous... it discriminates against people who carpool or take public transportation. Also, there are possible security and safety issues here- many facilities do not provide well lighted, safe employee parking lots.

First, I want to address people that take public transportation. I can see 2 reasons why one might do this. One is that they can't afford a car. With cigarettes as expensive as they are, I bet that would add up to a good go-to-work car payment. The other reason one might carpool or use public transportation is that they are being aware of our environment and pollution. Yeah, light up another one.

And as for security issues, I am not responsible for your safety when you leave work. If you want well lit parking, then fight for it. Don't fight to continue smoking in a herd in front of the facility. Let's channel that energy into something effective.

Heather

[Venti Cappucino]

I have a few legal questions, and maybe someone knows the answers.

1. Can a facility discriminate in hiring, as far as smoking goes? I live in a 'right-to-work' and 'at-will' state, and my understanding is that down here, they have the right to choose to only hire non smokers, as well as fire you for just about any reason, other than those that are protected Federally. On that matter, if an employer can demonstrate a compelling reason, can they require that employees be non-smokers (either in the entire building or on a specific unit).

2. I see more and more places that are labeling themselves as "fragrance free" - ie, no perfume, cologne, scented lotion, etc. Are there any legal differences between fragrance free and smoke free?

Thanks!

[deespoohbear]

Originally posted by SmilingBluEyes

None of us have to escort people downstairs to smoke, thus taking time we need for other patients away.

This is something I flat refuse to do...told my boss on day one I will not take anyone out to smoke....period....no exceptions...if we don't have enough staff willing to take a pt out to smoke, then the patient is responsible for getting a family member or friend to take them out...no family or friends available, too bad....

[deespoohbear]

My feeling about patients who want to go outside to smoke...if they feel well enough to go outside to smoke while hospitalized, then they are well enough to be discharged...and we have a few doctors that agree with that philosophy too....

[bossynurse]

Originally posted by deespoohbear

This is something I flat refuse to do...told my boss on day one I will not take anyone out to smoke....period....no exceptions...if we don't have enough staff willing to take a pt out to smoke, then the patient is responsible for getting a family member or friend to take them out...no family or friends available, too bad....

I totally agree with that. I don't smoke so why should I have to stand out in the cold or heat and stench of the smoker's area just to babysit a pt? Its not in my job description! I love it by the way when my post of pts fresh from recovery who haven't even dangled at bedside yet demand to go out and smoke. And they have a hx of asthma.

[tonchitoRN]

my school is a no tobacco school. this includes no smoking in your car in the campus parking lot. the security has the right to write a ticket with a hefty fine if caught.

sorry i do not emphathize this time. if you have to smoke don't. tuff sh**.

[Q.]

I worked at a facility that had such a policy, and I was all for it. As someone else mentioned, there is nothing worse than walking into work and having to do so while walking through a thick cloud of smoke, with about 10 or so people standing around puffing. Secondly, I feel it looks poorly upon the organization; here you see a nice looking facility with landscape, etc - all things to have a "professional" image, and then right by the front doors are employees standing around, smoking. I think it looks horrible.

As far as someone aligning this to drinking Coke or eating a candy bar; yes these are personal vices but drinking a Coke and eating a candy bar effects ME and ME only - not anyone else.

[Q.]

Originally posted by OBNURSEHEATHER

First, I want to address people that take public transportation. I can see 2 reasons why one might do this. One is that they can't afford a car. With cigarettes as expensive as they are, I bet that would add up to a good go-to-work car payment. The other reason one might carpool or use public transportation is that they are being aware of our environment and pollution. Yeah, light up another one.

And as for security issues, I am not responsible for your safety when you leave work. If you want well lit parking, then fight for it. Don't fight to continue smoking in a herd in front of the facility. Let's channel that energy into something effective.

Heather

Very well said.

[Gomer]

Originally posted by Venti Cappucino

I have a few legal questions, and maybe someone knows the answers.

1. Can a facility discriminate in hiring, as far as smoking goes? I live in a 'right-to-work' and 'at-will' state, and my understanding is that down here, they have the right to choose to only hire non smokers, as well as fire you for just about any reason, other than those that are protected Federally. On that matter, if an employer can demonstrate a compelling reason, can they require that employees be non-smokers (either in the entire building or on a specific unit).

Smoking/smokers doesn't/don't fall under anti-discrimination protection. Yes, a company can refuse to hire a smoker and/or require employees to be non-smokers. Some have cited higher insurance rates for smokers cost the company more money, therefore smokers have a negative impact on the company. Others have done it due to the "no-no's" of their religion....no smokers, no coffee drinkers, no boozers, etc. -- all no hires. And some, simply because the BOSS doesn't want smokers.

Smoking is a foul, nasty habit which I do on a daily basis...but I'm not protected by law because of my own stupidity.

[Flo1216]

I don't know....I have to say that I get really annoyed at the staff members who are always disappearing from the floor to smoke. I don't get to leave the floor whenever I feel like it. Why should someone with a bad habit get paid for all of the extra breaks that they take? I personally don't care if my coworkers smoke or not as they know the risks involved and it is their choice to destroy their body, as long as it doesn't affect ME. Like when I am answering the phones for the UA, covering up for the RN who is supposed to be on the floor, or cleaning the other CNAS patients when I have my own patients to take care of because they are outside having a " respiratory treatment" It's not fair.

[OBNURSEHEATHER]

Originally posted by Gomer

Smoking is a foul, nasty habit which I do on a daily basis...but I'm not protected by law because of my own stupidity.

:chuckle Well said.

[baseline]

I agree that if a patient is well enough to go outside to smoke, they are well enough to go home! I too hate walking thru the smoke to get into work. HEAR HEAR HEATHER!!!