Only tobacco free employeess??

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in LTC.

I'm not a smoker but I do not think it is right to disqualify a nurse due to a smoking habit.

I do think there should be parameters on smoke breaks. I really don't like that some smokers take 5 to 10 ten minute smoke breaks on the clock. Its just not fair but somehow its acceptable.

elkpark

14,633 Posts

Rumor has it, the CEO of the Cleveland Clinic has mentioned stopping hiring obese people, but was told there was no way to make that legal!

It's not rumor -- I saw a magazine interview with him in which he said that during the interview (not that I recall at the moment where or when I read the interview :) -- but I'm sure it would be easy to find if someone really wanted to). Frankly, I wouldn't mind working someplace with that policy, either.

jbluehorseh

131 Posts

Specializes in Chemo.

Not only is this legal, but many places like fire departments make you sign a contract not to smoke. I am not a smoker, so it not a big deal to me. We would all be better off if there were no smoking. I say this because I had 4 young patients (all smokers) this week who were diagnosis with lung cancer not to forget the countless patients I see with COPD. It really bothers me to hear people say this is not Fair, cancer is not fair.

jbluehorseh

131 Posts

Specializes in Chemo.
I agree with you guys. What's next, can't drink wine?? It's all employees. I agree that we shouldn't use it at work but what people do legally outside of work is no one's business. And this is coming from someone who abhors the habit.

ACLU wise - we are not forced to work here (and those already working here it will not apply to) so I'm wondering if it is even something they could interfere with.

Not only is this legal, but many places like fire departments make you sign a contract not to smoke. I am not a smoker, so it not a big deal to me. We would all be better off if there were no smoking. I say this because I had 4 young patients (all smokers) this week who were diagnosis with lung cancer not to forget the countless patients I see with COPD. It really bothers me to hear people say this is not Fair, cancer is not fair.

Ruas61, BSN, RN

1,368 Posts

Specializes in MDS/ UR.

What's next? You supply a DNA sample so they can see your genetic predisposition. It's becoming a scarey world in so many ways.

TheChair1

56 Posts

With the changes that we are seeing in this country in terms of how healthcare will be delivered and managed, this type of a move from hospitals does not really surprise me. I agree with those who have suggested that such a practice has more to do with the bottom line financially speaking than anything else. The economy is bad and many people are rushing into healthcare in general (not just nursing). With this influx, barring potential employees who smoke or are significantly overweight for example will in some sense give those individuals who do not engage in such activities an increased chance at securing a job. Times are indeed changing and pretty soon those of us who want to work within healthcare systems will have to practice what we preach so to speak. I'm afraid to say it but it seems as though we all better foster the mentality of survival of the fittest folks (no pun intended)! With that said, i am going to stop socially smoking and make sure that I do not get fat because I am willing to do whatever it takes to have a nursing job one day soon.

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