When each of us became an RN , we took upon us the role of teacher of health.  Where does it say in any literature that smoking is "healthy"?     How many more people have to die before the doctors and nurses who smoke start believing the literature.  We are supposed to be the role models for the patients.  Does that mean that as the ex-smoker who smells the cigarette smoke on the nurse that that tells him, go out and start smoking again?    Yes.  

     Furthermore,  I get sick of all of the nurses I worked with who used this as an excuse to "take a break". There were so many nights I didn't even get lunch , let alone a cigarette break.   Just to get to a smoking area,  the nurses I worked with had to go down 6 floors and walk down long long corridors to get outside, this alone took 15 minutes one way.    So in ICU, that was a minimum of 45 minutes that this nurse was paid for and that I carried 4-6 Critically ill patients.   When I would ask for someone to cover my 30 minutes lunch do you think anyone would cover for me?  NO.    I  spent so many nights working without a break and I didn't even ask anyone for a potty break, I just ran into the bathroom and did it and came back out.  Don't say, you should bring it up at a meeting,   the team leaders WERE the smokers! The manager was a smoker.    They put it all back on me.    I felt like taking up Lollipops, just so I could say, I was going for a

"cigarette break", that way I could at least have a cup of coffee.   Get a new job...this is the only hospital for 50 miles.   This is why I left after just 2 years in Nursing.  I went from GRAD nurse to Intermediate, then ICU.   No mentorship, but I blossomed and saved many lives.  I jumped into codes, I learned everything, I gave everything I had, while 3-5 nurses were out smoking.   I loved nursing and can't wait to get a job where my love of caring for people can be utilized.   I am a team player, but sometimes, if you are not a smoker, you are not part of the team.  

You know what this just sucks!

Nursejenny1310 says ...

Well, the people I work with that don't smoke have no idea that I do. The only ones that know are the ones that I smoke with. I just make sure none of it is blowing on me, it's all blowing away. I wash my hands and brush my teeth or chew some gum afterwards and shower everyday. Also I don't smoke in my car. Seems to work.

Are you sure they really don't know and aren't just being polite/not saying anything?

Nursejenny1310 says ...

I am sure. They don't know. And I prefer to keep it that way, because believe it or not I am ashamed about my nasty habit despite the comments I have made. I just don't think it's right to lump us into the bad kid group, we are not in high school

I'm certainly not suggesting that smokers are "bad". However, I don't think that they get a "free pass" from the opinions of others because it might hurt their feelings. Everyone has flaws and downfalls- that's part of human nature. I am not an enabler, so I'm not going to pat anyone's back and tell them something is OK if I don't think it is. But neither will I condemn them for it. I've got enough of my own flaws to know better.

I dont smoke, I dont let anyone smoke in my home or car.  That being said, I wish people would stop picking on those who do smoke.  I know nurses who smoke and they DONT WANT TO BE SMOKERS.   Many hospitals and other healthcare facilities are implementing non smoking campus's.  Ok, they dont want to be smokers and people are calling them hypocrites  They know the risks as well. 

larwil56 says ...

I am losing patience with the double standard.  I do smoke on occaision and I am tired of nurses that are obese giving me

hell about my occaisional cigarette. Step on the scale, take a look in the mirror, then take a look around you at work.  I don't smoke at work,

but some of you are still fat at work.  Get to within 10% of your ideal body weight and then we'll debate which is worse

 

 

I don't smoke but I do concur...

I agree with the other addicted smokers. Just shoot me for it I guess. If our new President smokes, and it is a fact, what does this show? I am sure he has tried every tx in the world to stop yet he admits he cannot. (nothing bad about Mr. Obama. I am all for him).There are so many other people in high places that also should be setting examples especially for children. I am sure they are very aware of the health related complications the same as Drs and Nurses.  For all those that do not have one vice in their life then I applaud you. I will not judge you or put you down for your afflictions just try to understand them.

Nicotine is more addictive than food, alcohol, or other drugs. Smokers aren't bad people, quite the contrary. Smoking is a very social thing. The bad news is that smoking causes cancer and other lung ailments, not only for the smoker, but the second hand smoke can cause even worse ailments.

It's sad that something so enjoyable is also something extremely addictive and deadly. Health care people do not set a good example when they smoke. It encourages patients to think that it is ok. I do not think though that it is fair for smokers to be discriminated against, everyone has some problem in their lives.

I am an LPN and I did "after care teaching" also. In my opinion all addictions and bad habits STINK !!

 I don't think it is any more or less hypocritical than a doctor or nurse who is overweight, or who drinks alcohol.  We all have our vices wether it be laying out in the sun, drinking, smoking, or eating unhealthy foods.

When I was a waitress, I had a regular customer, a heart sugeon.  He would either eat hot wings, well done or a rare hamburger, he drank a beer with his meal, and smoked like a chimney stack.  Thought it was odd that he was a heart surgeon and chose to do this, but I did not judge him.

 I absolutely do not judge anyone. I will NEVER be the pot calling the kettle black, I know I live in a glass house, know what I'm saying?

 I was a smoker for a long time and know how hard it is to quit.  I also know how hard it is to say no to that second helping of food, or that last glass of wine when you have a nice buzz.  Come on people.  

Having a profession in medicine does not make you perfect, and it certainly doesn't make you less than human. As nurses, we should be able to put ourselves in other peoples shoes and be empathetic.  

How did this topic end up as a bashing for obese nurses?  Cant follow instructions from someone who doesnt practice what they preach?  Personally, I'm wondering how does any patient knows if their nurse practices what they preach?  Wait, thats for judgemental coworkers.  If a person goes by their appearance, and they start that getting on the scale thing, I hope the ACLU gets involved for discrimination.  I'm sure not a skinny twiggy, but I'm in good shape...........dont smoke, dont eat pork, and wonder how so many people could be so mean?  Georgia is upping the sales tax on cigarettes .60-$1 per pack.........well, they are trying to get it passed to assist with medicaide assistance. 

Honestly...no one has the right to judge anyone...God is the only one with that right. Especially subjects that dont concern us.

smoking is one of the worrest things ever happend to human beings, i don't want to judge those people who are smokers but, or am not saying something bad to this people either, but its always easy to start smoking but its not always easy to quit, i don't know why people choose to affect their health and their economy, smoking is nothing but always a trouble, if you are a smoker better quit now... you might say 'JUST LIKE THAT?" yeah you are right its not easy, it might be a pain in the butt but believe me you have no choice...

Totally hypocritical how can you try to save someone else's life but you are ruining your own?  If I had a nurse whom i know who smoked i would be inclined to think; "HOW MUCH DOES SHE REALLY CARE ABOUT MY HEALTH WHEN SHE DOES NOT CARE ABOUT HER OWN!!"  Also... How do you perform patient your smoking education?  The reasoning of "I will dye anyway, i might as well do it" is so stupid just think if every one had the same attitude we would be out of work!  WHY NOT JUMP OFF A 30 STORY BUILDING IM GONNA DIE ANYWAY.... same reasoning...  THE REALITY IS THAT SMOKING IS SLOW MOTION SUICIDE!!!You are disrespecting your profession and everything nurses stand for... P.S.  I used to smoke but when I wised up and realized that every illness pertaining to the respiratory system was caused by smoking and working around persons with chronic COPD and lung CA I QUIT!  there are plenty of nurses that have done the same... you or your circumstances are NO different than mine!  I got help and stopped!  Please get help if you smoke... you need it!

I have been trying to defend myself through out this topic while secretly wishing I didn't have to. I have had a desire to quit for a while and never attempted because my husband who also smokes never was ready. Well, you will all be glad to know, he is ready and so am I. We will both be quiting on jan. 31st. Wish us luck! And no worries, I will not turn around and start judging the smokers, personally I don't care. I am quiting now for my health, my family ( my 2 yr old recently learned how to say ciggarette. time to stop!) And for financial reasons. We are going to save all the money we would have used to put away for my husband and I to go on a cruise and take my little girl to Yellowstone.