I don't think it's out of the question, but I would hope that nurses who feel the need to drink and smoke excessively can recognize the negative effects it can have on their health (we are healthcare providers, right?) I think the first year is definitely the hardest and it can be easy to give in to temptation.

I think education is the answer. Nurses should strive to be role models for their patients. How can you tell a patient they need to quit drinking or smoking if you do it yourself?