Working on a smoke-free campus

Nurses General Nursing

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I was wondering if anyone had any information or advice about working at a smoke-free hospital. This was newly started back in Novemeber and for me I don't see the point. I was wondering what are other hospitals policies on when a patient wants to leave the floor to smoke. This is what I don't get- we tell everyone that it's a smoke free campus, however we can not stop the patient from leaving the floor and going outside the ER and lighting up. The only action the nurse takes is having them sign a release of responibility if something happens to them while they are off the floor- but there are no consequences for actually smoking on hospital property. I don't understand why a hospital would take such a stance then not enforce it.

Also, are there any current smokers working at a smoke free facility that feel as though there is discrimination against them?

Nurse smiling, "I'll be right back, I'm going for a quick smoke break". That's okay.First time, second time, third...fourth...fifth...??!!!

What??!! Come back and MAN your halls. Yay for the smoke-free.

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Also, are there any current smokers working at a smoke free facility that feel as though there is discrimination against them?

Discrimination against smokers: cry me a river. We're employed at will, and we're employed as advocates of health. I agree with the other non-smokers above. I don't get to leave the unit (unless I go to "smoke") while all the cancer-promoting nurses/aides go outside across the street and leave everyone else to watch their patients because of their addiction.

Let me kick it in the lounge for 15-20 minutes with a coffee 5-6 times a shift for a break and we'll talk. At least I won't stink and it won't affect anyone else's health but my own.

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Specializes in OB, NICU, Nursing Education (academic).

our hospital and the local college campus are both smoke free, and (go figure) we're in kentucky!

i applaud smoke-free efforts. it is hypocritical for an institution (of health or higher education) to ignore the well established findings about the detrimental health effects of smoking to the smoker and non-smoker as well......there's no such thing as second hand chocolate cake effects.

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Specializes in Corrections, neurology, dialysis.
The designated smoking areas would force them to walk a little further out and contain some of the smoke. and Im sure people are gonna give a lot less fuss when they just have to walk a little as opposed to telling them they cant smoke at all. I would think the compliance rate would increase.

So true. There is a chain of hospitals here that bans smoking on all their campus. As a result people just gather outside the door and smoke. No one bothers to enforce the ban because they're worried about customer service. If there was a designated smoking area at least it would get them away from the door.

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

Our hospital is planning on going smoke free. I don't smoke, never have. But I am worried about how this is going to impact all of the staff. I see the entire respiratory department out at the smoke area as I walk in and hold my breath. There are alot of staff who actually go out hourly, but quickly. If they have to clock out and leave and I have to watch their patients, I will refuse. I don't get a lunch break as it is. I take my break by lingering in the potty! lol.

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Specializes in Med-Surg Nursing.

Our campus is smoke free but patients and visitors smoke RIGHT in front of the entrance to the ER. There's a sign RIGHT by the entrance saying No smoking but obviously people can't READ! Staff smoke on the property as well and as far as I know they haven't been disciplined for it. Basically it's pointless because NO ONE enforces it.

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I'm a student nurse right now who doesn't smoke but used to years ago, when I was a patient in the ER with chest pains which of course included breathing problems my nurse disappeared for awhile then came in wreaking of cigarette smoke it was not only making it harder for me to breath normally but I was so disgusted by the smell I became instantly nauseous with a headache and so did my husband. Obviously it still bothers me that she could be so thoughtless of not only me but her other patients since of course by being in the ER were also acutely ill or worse. Of any place to become smoke free I would think hospitals should have been the first to make that decision. Living in Florida most restaurants are already smoke free along with the hospitals, smart move on their part.:up::up::up::up::up::up:

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Specializes in LTC, Acute Care.

Why are smokers so compelled to huddle up right in front of doors in which people have to enter and exit? It happens everywhere, I swear. Is is terribly difficult to move a couple of feet over so us nonsmokers can at least duck away from the smoke cloud?

Our campus is smoke free but patients and visitors smoke RIGHT in front of the entrance to the ER. There's a sign RIGHT by the entrance saying No smoking but obviously people can't READ! Staff smoke on the property as well and as far as I know they haven't been disciplined for it. Basically it's pointless because NO ONE enforces it.
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smoke-free = good business, most ppl prefer to spend their time and money in a smoke free environment. a health care provider that isn't smoke free is a joke, makes no logical sense when dealing with health care.

i've declined employment due to a health care provider not being smoke free, it just speaks for itself about their true stance on health, safety and setting a healthy example.

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.
Why do ANY nurses smoke?

Same question could be asked why would they be overweight, why would they use illegal substances, why would they drink alcohol, why would they not exercise regularly, etc.

Answer - We are all human and many of us have a weakness of some kind.

But, back to the OP. I do smoke, wish I didn't, have tried every available method to quit and never quite make it. One day, I WILL get there. Mean while, I don't smoke in my house or anywhere else around my kids or my non-smoking parents. It is all about respect & if more smokers could have been a little more respectful years ago we wouldn't be in this state of Taboo now.

I agree, smokers shouldn't be huddled around the doors, that is just inconsiderate. I also don't agree with the "smoke huts" & wouldn't be caught dead in mine at work. Might as well just roll around in bon fire and go back into work. Yuck.

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Perfectly said, that we all have weaknesses. Of course, some are more acceptable than others, but I believe that smoking and weight issues fall under this category.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.
This is interesting- they won't fine anyone here. And we are not next to a busy street- the patient simply walk out side the ED, and smoke near the entrance there.[/quote

Smoking is not allowed by law in public places, hence the fine. If you are an empoyee management can also suspend you,.Outside the ED door is still hospital property.

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