Nurses and smoking: review and implications

An analysis of smoking behavior among nurses shows unacceptably high levels of smoking, despite some evidence of a downward trend. In this article, the nature of tobacco dependence is examined, and an extensive review of demographic and causative factors associated with the smoking behavior of nurses is presented. The impact of smoking on the practice of nurses, particularly related to their ability to serve as health educators and role models, is critically examined. Areas for potential research and inquiry, along with some overall strategies for intervention, are identified.