What Strategies Can Nurses Use to Support Smoking Cessation?
- Education: Providing patients with information about the harmful effects of smoking and the benefits of quitting. - Motivational Interviewing: Engaging patients in conversations to explore their readiness to quit and to build their motivation. - Behavioral Interventions: Teaching patients coping skills to manage cravings and avoid triggers. - Pharmacotherapy: Recommending or prescribing medications like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion, or varenicline. - Follow-up and Support: Scheduling regular check-ins to provide encouragement and address any issues that arise during the quitting process.
