Holy Redeemer Hospital New Hire Smoking Policy

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hello everyone, I am finding that many hospitals in the Philadelphia area will not hire you if you smoke, they even go as far to test you for it. I don't want this to turn into a heated conversation but I am amazed that this is allowed where in NJ it is not. My question is, does any one know if Holy Redeemer Hospital tests you for nicotine? I can't find online anywhere that they do or in the online application. It did not ask me once. I am in the process of quitting but it is extremely difficult. Could someone please let me know if they know?!

Thank you everyone! -Maryanne

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I'm not saying it's a good idea to smoke, but can an employer discriminate against something that is legal for someone to do on their off time? I can see saying "No smoking during working hours" but during off time? It's not like drinking which is legal, but can impair you.

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Specializes in Trauma, Orthopedics.
I'm not saying it's a good idea to smoke, but can an employer discriminate against something that is legal for someone to do on their off time? I can see saying "No smoking during working hours" but during off time? It's not like drinking which is legal, but can impair you.

Yes they can and it is not discrimination. Smokers are not a protected class.

Not sure about Holy Redeemer, but Penn does not test for nicotine (to my knowledge) despite their anti smoking policy. Pretty sure CHOP does.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
I'm not saying it's a good idea to smoke, but can an employer discriminate against something that is legal for someone to do on their off time? I can see saying "No smoking during working hours" but during off time? It's not like drinking which is legal, but can impair you.

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/nicotine-test-for-908867.html

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Specializes in CCRN.

The best thing you can do is call them and ask them. If there is a question anywhere on the application that asks about smoking, don't lie about it. Lying on an application can be grounds for termination if they discover it. Good luck!

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I agree with you. It is discriminatory; however, in some states smokers are not included on the discriminatory list. In New Jersey, my neighbor state, smokers are on the protected list. I am not saying smoking is a good thing but what people do in their own homes should be personal. I did not want this to turn into a heated debate. I only wanted to see if someone had an answer for me on whether Holy Redeemer bans hiring smokers. Thanks!

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Yes they can and it is not discrimination. Smokers are not a protected class.

Not sure about Holy Redeemer, but Penn does not test for nicotine (to my knowledge) despite their anti smoking policy. Pretty sure CHOP does.

Hm. Very interesting. I'm sure this has been debated ad nauseum and I have no desire to start a debate.

ETA- I didn't think anyone was trying to start a debate!!! I was just typing my thoughts!

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Specializes in hospice.

At least one major hospital system here in AZ tests for nicotine and refuses to hire anyone who tests positive.

I'm sure one consideration is that smokers (and to a lesser extent, dippers) will cost a hell of a lot more to their benefit plans in the long term.

For me as a lifelong nonuser of tobacco, it cuts down on competition for jobs. I also see it as health promotion, because if people want to work there badly enough, they'll quit.

The assertions that things done in off time shouldn't affect work are frankly ridiculous. Tons of off-work actions impact employment and licensure in pretty much every profession.

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