Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
Vol. 43 No. 11 November 2005
By Linda S. Matthews, MSN, RN, CNAA, BC; Beth Diaz, RN; Paula Bird, MSN, RN, CNAA, BC; Alan Cook, MD; Anne E. Stephenson, MD; John E. Kraus, MD, PhD; Brian B. Sheitman, MD
ABSTRACT
In contrast to general medical hospitals, psychiatric hospitals often allow patients to smoke cigarettes. In addition to obvious health concerns, smoking can also interfere with clinical assessments and therapeutic activities. Implementation of a smoking ban on an acute male admissions unit did not result in any increase in aggressive behaviors. In addition, staff attitudes following the ban improved, and most staff members believed the ban was both ethical and beneficial to patients. Our research indicates that banning smoking on an acute admissions unit is feasible and well tolerated by patients and staff, although it may require extra vigilance for smoking-related contraband.
AUTHORS
Director of Nursing, Ms. Diaz is Unit Nurse Manager, Ms. Bird is Director of Nursing, Dr. Cook is Unit Chief of the Crisis Unit, Dr. Stephenson is Internist for the Crisis Unit, Dr. Kraus is Service Chief of Adult Admissions, and Dr. Sheitman is Clinical Director, Dorothea Dix Hospital, Raleigh, North Carolina.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Linda S. Matthews, MSN, RN, CNAA, BC, Assistant Director of Nursing, Dorothea Dix Hospital, 3601 MSC Center, Raleigh, NC 27699; e-mail: linda.matthews@ncmail.net.
