Smoking cessation interventions in nursing practice

Smoking cessation treatment by nurses in clinical practice significantly increases the number of smokers who are able to successfully quit the behavior. Nurse-managed cessation interventions have been shown to be effective with smokers, yet many nurses lack the knowledge to identify smokers easily, to identify those treatments that are most efficacious, and to deliver appropriate interventions. This article highlights recent developments in smoking cessation treatment that can be integrated into nursing practice. Attention is given to cessation techniques in special populations, including youth.