Many people struggle with quitting smoking and registered nurses are some of them. About 16 percent of the nation’s 2.3 million nurses smoke—the highest rate among all healthcare professionals—according to an article in Research in Nursing & Health.
It is speculated that many nurses begin smoking in nursing school to combat stress. Then they enter the nursing profession as smokers with little time and resources to spend on quitting. Irregular shifts can also deter them from attending support groups.
That’s why NurseTogether wants to support you in your journey to becoming smoke-free. Here are 8 time-tested techniques to help you through your first cigarette-free days. These tips can also apply to smokeless tobacco.
Sign a smoke-free contract with yourself.
Copy this paragraph on a piece of paper:
“My quit date is ________. I commit to making every effort to stop smoking by using the knowledge, tools and resources I can find, and most importantly, my own self-will. Signed _________________”
Then post this contract somewhere you can see it several times each day.
Tell your friends or talk to someone.
A support group is critical in helping you get through the next few weeks. A website was created just for nurses who want to quit. It's called Tobacco Free Nurses and it can found at
http://www.tobaccofreenurses.org/. You can also call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for a person to talk to. If you’re looking for more support online,
www.smokefree.gov is a great website to visit.
Wait five minutes before you light up.
Focus your mind on something else and declare your pack off-limits until five minutes elapse. You may be checking your watch a lot at first, but later you will marvel that your urge to smoke passed away.
Wear a rubber band.
Snap the rubber band whenever you have an urge to smoke. It will remind you that the cigarette you were considering has a negative effect.
Modify your daily routine.
Change the order in which you do things—particularly at the times you normally smoke. Avoid situations where smoking is involved such as drinking establishments and breaks where other registered nurses are smoking.
Call your dentist.
Have your teeth cleaned as soon as possible after your quit day. The cleaning will leave your mouth fresh and will motivate your smoking cessation routine.
Keep your mouth busy.
I’m not saying you should gossip. Instead, chew gum or suck on a plastic coffee stirrer or cinnamon stick. You can also grab some crunchy veggies such as carrots or celery to keep your mouth and hands busy.
Don’t give up!
Don’t feel defeated if you give into a craving. Many people quit for good only after several tries. Every attempt towards quitting smoking is a little time off cigarettes and that is a positive step. Keep trying and one day you will one of the registered nurses who are smoke-free!|
- See more at:
http://www.nursetogether.com/smoking-cessa...
Posted By: Jeni Fa
Monday, May 19th 2014 at 11:10AM
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