Ring Around the Ashtray A Pocket Full of Smokes

I catch your drift, but as a non-smoker all of my life, I am sorry that the best info comes from being around the ashtray. Many years ago, we all had time for a quick break, and would head to the lounge for a few minutes. Now we hardly have time to go to the bathroom, or take a full lunch break. We have no time to build relationships with our co-workers, or hear some juicy news about the docs and administrators. ((Sigh)) And I don't expect to take up smoking any time soon!

Thank you for not coming down on smokers like they were "pond scum" and yes- it's the socializtion, venting, clearing ones scrambled brains, a stolen moment of mental escapism or reorganizing and rethinking a difficult problem/dilema/ patient that is the true reason for a "I need a smoke break"

I find that information exchanged during a smoke break is similar to information that is exchanged over a meal.It's common ground, something people are sharing in.

The whole idea of a smoke break is only OK so long as you do not need to smoke to be allowed to take one. Otherwise, it is purely discriminatory, encourages poor health habits, poor productivity, and causes divisiveness amongst staff: "why should I have to work extra hard to cover Sally's patients during her smoke breaks?"staff couldn't even smoke in their cars when they were parked on company property

You're so right about the smoke break being a time to learn about people and hear all sorts of juicy bits. I've also realized at my work place that when two or more people are in the break room, there are many stories that flow. The things I've heard...

Thanks for not being the "Cigarette Police"! I've quit smoking three times in the last two weeks and plan to keep on going until it sticks. But it makes my gizzard grind overtime when the finger-wagging and 50-cent lectures start flying. No, don't start; I KNOW!!! I've read/heard the full spectum of arguements, the research, the proof. Second-hand self-righteousness is just as bad for my health; I might get cancer of the attitude, a deadly malignant disease if ever there was one.

You are right! As health care professionals, we know the risks we take as smokers. However; you also have to realize that it is a physiopsychosocial addiction. I have done everything from cold turkey to Chantix and Wellbutrin to patches to hypnosis to E-Cigs... I have yet to break the habit despite a yearning to to do so.... Anyway, I digress... it is ultimately a forum for the nurses/care givers to get together, get to know one one another and to "suss out" a patiient's problem. I can't tell you how many times I have gotten really great advice or insight in this forum. In my opinion, one of the problems is that we as professionals, have no where to go and no one to talk to about the patient or problem. We are expected to be "on call" during our entire shift. It is a common and accepted practice to skip lunch, breaks, whatever...(and smokers do this as well.) Smoking is still one of those "they are gonna do it anyway", things, but this is where we connect and share. Why is it "OK" that I take a smoke break, but any other break is not acceptable? So I agree that it is the new water cooler, but maybe if the emphasis was on giving the nurse a break (smoking or non-smoking) we would have the same effect???For you "non-smokers" - I suggest you take a break with us once in a awhile. I would love to, and still am trying to quit, but there is a wealth of information and experience you are missing out on! Can't stand the smoke? Please, MAKE yourself take a break with a fellow worker! Smoker or non-smoker! A break is a break and it does accomplish the same thing. I'm just sorry that everyone feels they have to give us a "smoke break". EVERYONE needs a break! WE ALL need a few minutes off the floor and away from the demands of the patient. This is also a legally granted right. There is not a single state that says you are not entiltled to a minimum of a "lunch period". We all regularly give these things up for the best of the patient, but what if taking this time and discussing this patient, is actually a better use of time and energy? (Plus you get a break from the floor, connect with co-workers, and better the patient's outcome?)And yes, I know there are the ones who take advantage of smoke breaks, but I am not one of them and have only met a few "bad apples" in that vein. While our activity may be controversial, the desire to care for our patients, and the benefits, are not...Not only should every nurse take any allowed breaks whenever possible, she should take them with a co-worker! Really! I don't care if it is with respiratory or a PCA...you can discuss cases within HIPPA guidelines and they can be a fount of information....

Quote from manicmomEVERYONE needs a break! WE ALL need a few minutes off the floor and away from the demands of the patient. This is also a legally granted right. There is not a single state that says you are not entiltled to a minimum of a "lunch period". We all regularly give these things up for the best of the patient

Had a brief "interview" question from a family member before starting a PD case: "Do you smoke?" My reply, "well, I don't have to ; I can get through a 12-hour shift without smoking." The family member said, " No, she (pt.) does smoke and won't have a nurse who doesn't. The best way to get her to warm up to you is to sit down and have a cigarette with her." She was mildly confused and a Hospice pt. ( Bowel CA ) but did not want any one taking her to task for enjoying her one vice as long as she could.

Interesting blog. It always amazed me to see how some health professionals could put their bodies in such harm by smoking, you would think that they would be the first ones to advise against it. What is more interesting is the crazy gossip and chaos you mentioned you found out, with that kind of talk going on in the work place who needs to watch Jerry Springer anymore! LOL. Before I read your blog I had decided that if I wanted to be a nurse that I would have to be a healthy one to serve as an example to anyone looking on. So, no I am not a smoker or an alcoholic, I am guilty of consuming way too much sugar, I'm talking 5 brownies or such things along with a 12 pack of soda A DAY!!! I am very surprized that before my decision to cool this lifestyle I havent ended up with diabetis or overweight. Anyway, I said all that to say GREAT BLOG!

Great article! really informative

You are an awesome writer!! Loved your descriptives!!