on smoking...

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why is it that some health care professionals still smoke when they know for a fact (i think it is expected from them) that it harms their health? :confused:

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Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, LTC.

Because nicotine is addictive and it isn't easy to quit. (I am a former smoker, I quit 8 years ago... not easy!)

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Why target healthcare professionals? It's not as if we hold the closely guarded secret that cigarettes are *gasp* BAD FOR YOU... :uhoh3:

Every smoker out there knows it's bad for them.

Good luck out there.

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Why target healthcare professionals? It's not as if we hold the closely guarded secret that cigarettes are *gasp* BAD FOR YOU... :uhoh3:

Every smoker out there knows it's bad for them.

Good luck out there.

Many smokers know it is bad for you but dont know the reality of what it causes. In our position, we SEE the effects and we literally watch someone die from it. Actually seeing it happen and just knowing it happens are very different.

I know what the OP is saying though, because I find it very strange that all of the Resp Therapists on my unit are smokers....of all poeple to smoke, they are the last I would expect to see continue/start the habit.

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Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

I smoked for 13 years and it was VERY HARD to quit. Why does anyone smoke really? Because we are all people, nurses and other health care workers are not perfect and are all too human with very stressful jobs.

We all do a lot of things that are not good for us. I eat junk food too much which puts on weight which increases my risk for diabetes that runs in my family, I drink sometimes, I drive too fast at times, I mean really any of those things can kill me just as much as smoking can.

People who smoke are an easy group to pick on if you have never BTDT.

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Specializes in ER/Trauma.
why is it that some health care professionals still smoke when they know for a fact (i think it is expected from them) that it harms their health? :confused:
Why?

Because I can and I want to.

Has nothing to do with coping, addiction, stress, whathaveyou.

I enjoy a good smoke once in a while - especially my pipe.

That's why.

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

Smoking that old chestnut..........No matter how long we debate this issue, and lord knows we have done it hundreds of time on allnurses it all comes down to the same shocking conclusion..........................nurses are human beings too. I know that is too horrific to contemplate.......we have bad habits just like the rest of the human race :smokin:

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Specializes in ER/Trauma.

Infact, I think I'll go clean my old briar now. It's been a while since I cleaned it out...

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Specializes in NICU, ER, OR.
why is it that some health care professionals still smoke when they know for a fact (i think it is expected from them) that it harms their health? :confused:

Because healthcare professionals are human. I work with a woman who is 350 lbs, and 5'2. She doesnt smoke, but dont you think chain eating donuts can be just as dangerous? We also see the effects of obesity, and what it can do to the body. But its not a requirement that all nurses be fit and trim.

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I hate that people in general smoke. My mother smokes, she even ocassionally(sp?) smoked while she was pregnant. I however, understand why she does it and do not blame her at all. Though it is a horrible habit...

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

It is easy to go into denial about one's personal bad habits. I have a bad habit of drinking Coca-Cola and Pepsi, though I am fully aware that diabetes strongly runs in my family. Smokers are fully aware that their habit is dangerous to their health, yet they continue to smoke. Addiction is an uphill battle where only a few people come out on top.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I hate that people in general smoke. My mother smokes, she even ocassionally(sp?) smoked while she was pregnant. I however, understand why she does it and do not blame her at all. Though it is a horrible habit...
Both my parents smoked in the house during my growing-up years; as a result, I suffered from thyroid disease and frequent colds while in their care. The cyanide, found in secondhand smoke, severely messes with proper thyroid function. Secondhand smoke causes the immune system of children to 'fall asleep', making kids more susceptible to illness.

It is fine with me if adults choose to smoke, but they need to do the unselfish deed of refraining from lighting up inside the home and car in the presence of children who do not have any say in the issue.

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