NursingLink

I think it's none of anyone's business if a doctor or nurse smokes.

i think its their life they  know the possible outcome....if they want to change they would

Its none of anyones business...just as long as none of them preech about the harm smoking does...then theres a problem.

Back in the day, it was my job as a candy striper to empty all the ashtrays in the patient rooms.  Later as a Unit Secretary, we had a doctor, a cardiologist, who would bring us donuts every Sunday and sit in the nurse's station and smoke with all the nurses.

Times have changed huh?  I regrettably am a smoker   .  I quit for 11 days last year.  Then my daughter came home!  (LOL, not her fault, mine of course)

Anyway, I am going to quit or at least try my best on January 1st.  I have asthma, I can't breathe and am disgusted with myself.  I hide from my co-workers and hate that I smell like smoke.  I especially feel bad around the kids at school, if I smell.  Due to the asthma, I can't cover it up with perfume, because it sets me off coughing too.

When I first started Nursing School I thought "how can I be a nurse and smoke?"  Then I saw many of my friends actually started smoking in Nursing School! 

I am disgusted with myself, as a nurse I feel like a hypocrite.  I don't think we should smoke, but what can I say?

I don't smoke but I just think that the smell is terrible on a doctor or nurse who is taking care of a patient. Just doesn't appear "clean and sterile" to me.  You know the smoke always "attaches" to your clothes, hair, breath, etc.

I would find it offensive to have my doctor or nurse stink like smoke and then come to my room to take care of me. It would just give me a different impression. I'd rather smell some CERTS or something. lol

Ponza says ...

This is a can of worms! Smoking IS a major health risk. What about doctors and nurses who drink ? The ones that over eat  and are obese? The ones who are promiscus ?  We all know and work with people who fall into these categories or labels, are they all disgusting too? Smoking is a terrible habit and an addiction.  It is no longer socially acceptable or politically correct.  It is, however ,a personal choice.

 

 

I saw on the news where some state up north <Im thinking New York> is upping tax on cola's..........but not diet cola's.    

I am very happy I was able to quit smoking.  It smells bad and is a huge risk for heart disease and cancer as you all well know.  But,  Man, I do miss it at times................if I was sure an asteroid like the one who killed off the dinosaaurs were gonna blow us up, or that black hole the mayans predicted sucked us into the 'outer limits', Id buy a carton and smoke em.  Until that black hole or asteroid hits, I'm a nonsmoker.   Another point......................its cool that we could set good examples to people as well.   Nagging wont help anybody quit smoking though.  I was nagged and it did no good..........took bronchitis, pneumonia and emergency gallbladder surgery.  I dont advise that route!    Try holding your sutures and while you cough up oysters...........that'll do it every time.  Good luck to those who want to quit!

 I feel that smoking is such an insult to one's health and everyone around the smoker.

Healthcare professionals need to do a self-assessment as to their own health.

We all know the end products of smoking.  I never smoked, never tried it. It is

a time waster, money waster, and a compromise to all participants including the

second-handers.

 How can one do patient teaching for someone with this problem if you yourself

have the problem? Healthcare professionals need to set an excellent example in

all aspects of their lives. When I was a patient and someone came in to take my

vitals, check my IV, or draw blood, and they were a smoker-it would immediately

disgust me as they smelled of tobacco smoke. Not therapeutic at all!!!

MAMADAWN says ...

I don't think anyone should smoke, but doctors and nurses are people too, and sometimes they can have a hard time quitting.  We should lay off them.  They are no different than other humans who have trouble giving up the bad habit.

I agree and nagging doesn't help anybody quit smoking.   Being supportive and sharing gum <I had to have gum when I quit>; give them congrats on another day smoke free and if they 'fell off the wagon, maybe still be supportive of their effort.

Each person has the right to choose. I was personally embarrassed by pt family members seeing outside smoking.But  It took recieving the sad news that my ex-husband was dying with liver & lung cancer for me to quit (4months ago). My 3 children are in their 20's, their father passed away 5weeks ago. This was a motivating factor for me to quit. I believe each person has to be motivated by something within before they are moved to action.

I think as a person that does not smoke, when a person that smokes comes in from smoking, that is the first thing you smell.  For someone who is sick, do you think  they want to smell that.  Its just horrible!!

Wow, I have to agree with you Lea & Lunar, and maybe everyone else too...LOL.

Very good points made by all! I think there needs to be good examples out there, you know, role models to set the standards and provide teachings to the victims of addiction. Yes, I am going to call them victims (having been a smoker for practically 10 years) because there is injury involved but it is most important to realize that it is also the victim who's at fault for conducting such self injurious behavior. I can only hope that there is enough love in the world for all professionals to promote healthy behaviors and take care of their own bodies as to show what a healthy template looks like, right? Otherwise it would sadly seem that the smoking health professional can not be taken seriously (or maybe it'd be viewed as a sign of weakness- simple character flaw!), if they are unalbe to practice what they preach.

That is my opinion, youall!

Who feels otherwise?

Health Professionals are human beings with the same frailities all other humans have.  It is unfair of many of you, to hold any one of us to such high standards, make unkind statements and are so generally unforgiving.

I am a smoker...I hate it that I smoke ..I have tried to quit several times....patches,gum,etc.etc.....

I wont give up on quitting.Smoking is an addiction in my opinion...If at first you dont succeed try try again....

I also agree with Ponza......There are many other " vices" that lead to self-destruction that are not harped on continually...like drinking and obesity....and addictions to certain meds......

I am a smoker....if you have never smoked and quit, please don't judge us who smoke...I would say 98% of us would just stop today if it was that simple.  It is an addiction just like any other drug, a person who does crack everyday can not just stop, someone who drinks everyday can not just stop, smoking pot, poppin pills, eating way to much, drinking 4 cans of pop (soda) a day, the 3rd pot of coffee of the day, there are so many bad habits that harm our body!  I do everything I possibly can do, wherever I am to say away from people who are non-smokers.     Good luck to all that try to quit this year, congrads to the ones who have already....I know how hard it is...I am a smoker.