Yes, it really is amazing how many medical professionals smoke. I, too, was really embarrassed when I came in and had to get close to someone to care for them. How disgusting. The patients with COPD or other smoking related illnesses were so anxious and I felt helpless when I cared for them. I so wanted to make them feel better. When I started working as an RN, most of the doctors smoked, there were ashtrays at the nurses' station, docs often lit up while they were talking to their patients. It's a miracle that I made it THIS long.
You are doing GREAT...staying close and reaching out is so helpful.
Ellen
