smoking students

Tweety, BSN, RN · Oct 13, 2004

I would deal with it by minding my own business. Why get resentful over someone elses stuff. You're not the one doing their eval, so let it go and do the best you can and enjoy the fact you're a nonsmoker and don't feel compelled to leave your work station to suck on a ciggarette. (I'm a nonsmoker, I detest smoking btw.)

Now that I'm on the floor and not a charge nurse I have to let go of what others do. Sometimes I wonder how someone who has been at work one hour is done with 7 assessments and meds and is going on a smoke break or sitting and charting, but I can't deal with their stuff. I've got enough business of my own. :)

crb613, BSN, RN · Oct 13, 2004

It seems like we have more students than ever who are smokers. This always becomes an issues during clinicals when they want to go on a "smoking break". Naturally the non-smokers become resentful of all the extra break time they get. How do others handle this situation?

I am a smoker and have never asked for a break. I do try to consider others who don't smoke and use Febreze to take care of the smoke smell. I was in clinicals today with 4 non smokers I took care of 3 clients (baths & the whole nine yards) they took care of only 1 each. I feel like I did my part.

EmilyCCRN · Oct 13, 2004

My nursing program has a no-tolerance policy regarding the use of tobacco while in uniform--we aren't allowed to smoke at any time while in our scrubs and/or while being at the clinical site. We are also not allowed to wear perfume or to have "bad breath". The whole point is to not cause the patients any discomfort or harm (i.e. nausea, allergic reactions, etc.).

nursecathy · Aug 9, 2005

It seems like we have more students than ever who are smokers. This always becomes an issues during clinicals when they want to go on a "smoking break". Naturally the non-smokers become resentful of all the extra break time they get. How do others handle this situation?

We no longer have a problem with smoking as our facility is smoke free. I tell my students to wait until after clinicals. I do know that some of them sneak to their vehichles during lunch breaks. I have had more than one complaint about them smelling of smoke. I inform them up front that no smoking is allowed in the clinical area. Some of the still-smoking staff walk across the street to a non-hospital owned curb. I tell my students that they should not be seen standing across the street smoking. Mine go home at 2:30. They can survive that long!

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Aug 9, 2005

At my school, it's either everyone goes on break together or no one does. There is no special treatment for smokers or lack thereof. It is the fairest thing to do or esle, I have to agree with the "too bad too sa, get a patch theory". :)

leopold · Aug 9, 2005

I'm guilty, I'm a smoker, but I would never think of taking a break unless all my classmates had one. That's just so incredibly unfair. Usually, when I do clinicals I'll have a cigarette at lunchtime but I come on the floor with the knowlege that that's all I'm going to get -- if that. And the nurses I've worked with never seem to take breaks at all (even for lunch it's just sit down a couple minutes and gulp down a sandwich while doing paperwork) so I think that nursing students should get used to the idea that they probably won't get a chance to smoke on the job.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Aug 9, 2005

I'm guilty, I'm a smoker, but I would never think of taking a break unless all my classmates had one. That's just so incredibly unfair. Usually, when I do clinicals I'll have a cigarette at lunchtime but I come on the floor with the knowlege that that's all I'm going to get -- if that. And the nurses I've worked with never seem to take breaks at all (even for lunch it's just sit down a couple minutes and gulp down a sandwich while doing paperwork) so I think that nursing students should get used to the idea that they probably won't get a chance to smoke on the job.

You are very considerate Leopold. At my school it has always been like that and we all go outside and onside we all have a conversation together while some smoke and other are at the side away from it. It is the best solution IMO. :)

Pudgy · Aug 15, 2005

I don't let them go for "smoke breaks." Our school has a policy that they are not allowed to smoke in their uniform.

Mymimi · Aug 15, 2005

Our time in the clinical area is soooo valuable, I don't want to let the students off to go smoke. They need to use every minute to learn. I totally agree with the smell. I am very thankful that I don't smoke anymore. Actually, I am for a completely non-smoking hospital environment!

lvc

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Aug 16, 2005

I think this policy sucks. Smoking may not be what some agree with, but it is not illegal. If you are over 18, and you choose to smoke, you should be able to do so in designated areas. If I was in this class, I would just go out to lunch and smoke off of hospital grounds, or just walk off of the hospital campus. That is not under your jursidiction, and you cannot penalize someone for doing that (as long as its on break time, and they are back in time).

That argument does not hold water. Earrings, visible tattoos and wearing one's hair down is perfectly legal...however, neither is permitted in many nursing schools and while on duty at many hospitals. Perfume and artificial nails are legal but not permissible. Alcohol use is legal off duty, but if you were to imbibe on your break, you would lose your license.

Just because it is legal does not mean that it is permissible in clinical or while on duty at the hospital.

lauritasol · Aug 16, 2005

Our hospital campus just went completley smoking free and I am so thankful for it. I am bothered by those that smoke and take numerous breaks to do so while you watch their patients, but what bothers me even more is when the return and stink so incredibly bad! I hate that their patients have to be cared by a nurse that reaks from cigarette smoke in their hair, breath, clothes, hands or whatever... that smell just doesn't come off even with hand washing and mints! It's just putrid, so I'm thankful for the new policy, although I'm sure some nurses/students will still find somewhere to smoke! :eek:

daisybaby, LPN · Aug 16, 2005

Just because it is legal does not mean that it is permissible in clinical or while on duty at the hospital.

Well said!