Implications of smoking bans in the workplace. A nursing perspective

1. The occupational health nurse is in a strategic position to promote changes in smoking policies, participate in effective planning and implementation of policy changes, and encourage workers to participate in smoking cessation programs. 2. Nursing process, including data collection and assessment, development of a plan, implementation, and evaluation, provides a framework for action for the informed occupational health nurse. 3. Those policies that are part of an overall health promotion program, including individualized health risk assessment, are most successful in encouraging employees to stop smoking. 4. Development of or changes in smoking policies are emotionally laden issues that require considerable planning, effective communication, and involvement of employees at every level of the organization.