Smoking cessation programs in the workplace. Review and recommendations for occupational health nurses

Abstract

The worksite offers occupational health nurses unique opportunities to assist workers in their smoking cessation efforts. For nurses to be effective in this endeavor, they must be knowledgeable about the various quit smoking strategies that have met with some success. Based on the review of the research, there is no "magic bullet" to offer smokers who want to quit. Occupational health nurses have an opportunity, therefore, to use multiple approaches and design programs to fit the specific needs of the smokers in their practice. Published reports of nurses' involvement in workplace smoking cessation programs are sparse. It is crucial that occupational health nurses spearhead smoking cessation efforts at the workplace and communicate the results of these enterprises.