Half of Nursing Students in Italy Smoke

Health professionals play an important role in educating the public about smoking, right? WRONG if you're in Italy, where 45 percent of nursing students and 25 percent of medical students smoke cigarettes.

A few years ago Italy placed a ban on smoking in all public establishments. I was skeptical of this new law, as many laws in Italy seem to be there just for show, but I must give props to Italy for strictly enforcing it. However, apparently it hasn't deterred people in health professions from smoking (besides, how else would Italians stay so thin).

In fact, I remember when my first child was born at a clinic in Rome. The labor was long and treacherous, and it was so nice how the Obstetricians stayed by my side all through the night EXCEPT when they had to run out for a smoke. When the baby started showing signs of distress, they deliberated and decided to do an emergency C-section- but not before a cigarette and espresso break. Only in Italy! But honestly, if a doctor who has been up with me all day and all night needs a nicotine and caffeine infusion before slicing me open, I'm not going to protest!

More information on the University of Milan Survey on Italian health professionals who smoke.