2 replies to this topic

[NawlinsGirl]

I read this article and wanted to know if anyone else had any similiar situations at their hospitals ?

My hospital recently went non-smoking. If a pt really wants to smoke, we are supposed to let them go AMA. Well, some of the nurses have been letting them go out to the parking lot and turning a blind eye. Guess what. A pt went out to smoke, while he was out there he drank some alcohol, came back to his room, aspirated and died. I thought I would post this so maybe it would prevent other deaths. I am a little shaken up about it, to be honest.

[aussie-margaret]

AMA - what is this ?

I work in NSW Australia - night duty - there is a courtyard for the smokers - but I am hesitant with this as it is down the corridor and can't be seen.

Last week there was a elderly chain-smoker who walked out several times a night to the courtyard - he was not the steadiest on the feet, but would become aggressive and loud if denied. The pt would walk off anyway

Security guard went with the pt a few times.

It is a problem. There is a problem whatever you do. Staff can't leave the ward just because a pt wants to smoke for hours on end. Would have been good to have a camera in the courtyard to keep an eye on the pt.

[mattsmom]

This is every nurses' worst nightmare with a smoking patient who insists on going outside....how awful.

We actually insituted a new policy regarding this: new admits who are smokers must sign a waiver ...stating they understand should they leave the hospital, they do so at their own risk. If they must go outdoors to smoke a family member must assume responsibility and they must not expect staff to accompany.

Of course we always offer a patch, gum, etc..plus some Xanax if indicated to discourage visits outdoors.

"Smokers rights' is a hot button issue today isn't it.