Survey of smoking prevalence among Canadian nursing students and registered nurses.

Patterns of tobacco use are described for members of the Canadian Nurses Association, and students enrolled in the graduating classes of Canadian nursing schools outside Quebec. Seventeen percent of the RNs and 30% of students reported being current smokers. Forty-six of RNs and 10% of students started smoking in nursing school. Although RNs' smoking rates are lower than in any previous survey, students' rates remain high. Smoking prevention and cessation programs are needed in educational institutions.