Columbus Children's Hospital Nicotint Testing?

LV3677 · Jul 5, 2015

In my [limited] experience, most places that require nicotine testing will notify you during the application process that you will be tested for nicotine. If you're not a smoker, you have nothing to worry about. Hospitals that are doing nicotine testing want their employees to demonstrate a healthy lifestyle.

If you pop positive for cotinine (the metabolite that they test for in urine to determine if you've used nicotine products) you may be denied employment, depending upon the facility. One hospital that I applied to stated that employment was contingent on being nicotine free.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Jul 5, 2015

Smoke is something that gets into everything. Your clothes, your hair, it lingers on your skin. I can smell right away when someone has smoked. Even if they wash their hands, you can still smell it, and it is a very unpleasant smell. Would you want someone treating your child who reeks of smoke?

When my son was born almost 10 years ago, my dad smoked. When he would come to my house I would make him go outside to begin with, but when my son came along I really pushed for him to quit because I didn't want him smoking and then transferring that smell to my son. I had read some articles way back saying there is such a thing as third hand smoke. Which would be my dad smoking outside, then coming in and holding and snuggling with my baby. I haven't looked at any recent research on the matter, but when you are a new mom, you don't chance it.

i think that and for health insurances are the two biggest reasons. The cost of health insurance more than doubles for smokers. That's a lot of money.

I admire those who quit. I know it is not easy. My dad 10 years later still struggles with it. But, his health has drastically improved. He had the worst cough every, single day. That's all gone now. I am very proud of him and what he has done for his grandkids. He gave them the gift of more time with him. I know that's a little of topic, but today is his birthday and I think about how far he came with that!!

dream'n, BSN, RN · Jul 5, 2015

My opinion is that hospitals set a lot of "rules" on hiring since the recession started in '08. Simply, supply of nurses and demand for nurses was waaay off kilter. BUT if the numbers ever tilt the other way (I'm praying for the day), most of these "rules" will go bye-bye. Maybe then we will see sign-on bonus' again and this only BSNs can apply crap will also be gone.

jdarling · Aug 16, 2015

I work for Nationwide Children's and they don't test for it. They only did a urinalysis for drugs. I think insurance is cheaper if you don't smoke. And then there are always other opportunities to keep your ins payments down. But Nationwide Children's is a smoke free zone. You have to walk all the way to the street to smoke. Not sure where employees go if they smoke. Never had to find out. Haha

enuf_already · Aug 16, 2015

My opinion is that hospitals set a lot of "rules" on hiring since the recession started in '08. Simply supply of nurses and demand for nurses was waaay off kilter. BUT if the numbers ever tilt the other way (I'm praying for the day), most of these "rules" will go bye-bye. Maybe then we will see sign-on bonus' again and this only BSNs can apply crap will also be gone.[/quote']
I believe Ohio hospitals adopted a lot of their smoking policies to be in line with the state law to protect workers and the public from the effects of secondhand smoke. Smoking is prohibited in public buildings (workplace, restaurants, etc).
Hospital campuses are smoke free and a lot of campuses include all property outside until it becomes public property, such as the sidewalk.
Smoke-Free Workplace Program Main Page
I have been a nurse for many years. It has been my experience that the rules don't become more liberal or revert back to previous rules because they need nurses.
Hiring bonuses, if they returned, would mean nurses in the area offering bonuses would be working even shorter than they already are.

BeatsPerMinute, BSN, RN · Aug 16, 2015

This is becoming a common thing. I work with a large health system on the East Coast and they have a no tobacco policy. Test positive for nicotine (whether it be from Cigs, E-cigs, Huka, nicotine gum) and you're denied employment. My place did a blood and saliva test. From my understanding it's r/t insurance. Smokers have higher rates. Plus they're (not always) but more likely to have sick days, develop health issues, ect... It's about money. And I can imagine it would annoy patients if you smoke and the smell lingers on you, even if you only smoke at home.