The role of nurses in reducing the use of tobacco

Smoking is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the UK, and the government has funded a range of local and national smoking cessation initiatives. Supporting people as they attempt to give up smoking requires specialist skills and knowledge, often provided by nurses who have received appropriate training. However, non-specialist nurses can also play a role in cutting smoking rates by encouraging patients to consider giving up and directing them towards specialist services. This article focuses on the role that hospital-based nurses can play in encouraging patients to give up smoking.