Some of the US employers statements on smoking

[nsd_user663_17077]

Now, I am entering the nursing profession, and had mentioned the need for non-smoking before. Thought I would follow up on this with things I found while exploring employers:

nytimes.com/2011/02/11/us/1...

Hiring Non-Tobacco User Policy:

University Hospitals continually strives to provide the healthiest and safest environment for our employees, physicians and patients. In keeping with this mission, effective January 1, 2012, UH will no longer hire external candidates who use any form of tobacco products. External candidates will be required to confirm their non-tobacco use when expressing interest for a job opportunity. Those selected as a new hire will be tested for all tobacco use as part of the pre-employment lab screening process. Candidates who fail the tobacco screening may re-apply after 90 days.

CLEVELAND CLINIC: President and CEO Delos M. Cosgrove, MD, and Cleveland Clinic’s leaders stopped hiring tobacco users; made smoking cessation programs free to current employees; and, in January 2007, began offering free smoking cessation programs to residents of Cuyahoga County. In four years, the county’s smoking rate dropped from 28 percent to 18 percent. “I may have saved, by that decision, more lives than I did in 30 years as a heart surgeon,” Dr. Cosgrove told an interviewer on National Public Radio in September 2009.

Basically, as someone entering nursing, I really have no choice but to quit, and I must say this is a great incentive! I would say that this is probably the dominant reason I have been able to say no to the cravings: I am paying a lot for my degree, why would I then pay to do the one thing that will prevent me getting a job in my chosen field?

[nsd_user663_4558]

Good on you IITG.

I suppose it does at first seem an infringement against the persons' rights but the reasoning behind it is to support their health; and to promote healthy living in general. I agree with them.

However, there's always a however, what about overweight employees, drug and alcohol use or employees below a pre-established strength or fitness level?

The list could go on to build up a critique, but the smoking aspect is an exception I feel and an excellent move.

[nsd_user663_6426]

Wowser....a bit strict but I see why a healthcare institution would not like to tolerate smoking by it's employees as it's hypocritical. Like dicko says though "where does it end". That CEO would not employ obese candidates if he could get away with it. I guess you wouldn't be able to quit smoking using NRT as it would come up in the urine test....again a bit harsh when carbon monoxide levels could be tested instead. Good luck with the quit and job hunting at the end of your course.

Lisa

[nsd_user663_17077]

I agree, although they do have health and fitness requirements too - you have to show you can lift upto 70lbs and move fast etc, so I guess that covers the overweight people.

Regardless of the reasoning, a pretty good incentive for me!