Power of one: nurses and tobacco control.

OBJECTIVES

To review major events in cigarette marketing and smoking practices, and to examine courses of action that can be taken by nurses to impact public health and safety.

DATA SOURCES

Journal articles and news reports relating to the tobacco industry and tobacco regulations.

CONCLUSION

Every segment of society suffers economic and health consequences of tobacco use, yet the tobacco industry continues to successfully market and promote the use of tobacco. Successful approaches to control tobacco use can be initiated at the federal, state, or local level.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Any nurse can take positive action toward tobacco control in numerous ways: by increasing awareness of the need for tobacco control; initiating personal action such as education and contacting legislators; and supporting public action through joining groups or coalitions whose efforts are directed at tobacco control.