This course provides District of Columbia nurses, HHAs, CNAs, and other covered healthcare professionals with practical guidance on smoking, vaping, tobacco use, secondhand exposure, client safety, respectful communication, and role-appropriate support for tobacco cessation.
Developed by: Scott Strachan RN, BSN
Target Audience
District of Columbia Board of Nursing covered professionals, including RNs, LPNs, APRNs, CNAs, HHAs, nursing assistive personnel, home care staff, and other healthcare professionals who provide client care, observation, documentation, or health-related support.
Teaching Method
Self-directed learning completed independently, with scenario-based reflection.
Overview
Smoking, vaping, and tobacco use can affect respiratory health, cardiovascular risk, medication response, wound healing, oxygen safety, fall risk, home safety, and overall client well-being. In home care, facility care, and community-based support settings, healthcare professionals may observe tobacco-related concerns before other members of the care team. This course focuses on practical, role-appropriate actions that support safety without diagnosing, shaming, or making assumptions.
Learners will review common forms of tobacco and nicotine use, including cigarettes, cigars, vaping products, smokeless tobacco, and nicotine products. The course addresses secondhand and thirdhand exposure, safety concerns involving oxygen and flammable materials, respectful communication, documentation, reporting, care plan follow-through, and referral to appropriate resources. The course is designed to support DC public health priority education for covered nursing and direct care roles.
Learner Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
Disclosure
The planner(s) and author(s) of this educational activity have disclosed that there are no relevant financial relationships with any commercial interests related to the content of this course. This course is developed for educational purposes and does not receive commercial support.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this course is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the content is not guaranteed to be free from errors or omissions. Participants are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional for specific advice related to their circumstances. The creators and presenters of this course disclaim any liability for decisions made based on the information provided.
We will send you a one-time access code.