Question about applications

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · May 16, 2006

I graduate my LPN school in about 5 weeks, so I started to fill out some applications, and when I went to a hospital, they asked me if I smoked on the application! Is this allowed? Why would it matter? Thanks in advance!

Unlike questions about your marital status and religion, questions about whether or not you smoke or use drugs are permissible. It may also ask your permission, right on the application, to submit to drug testing.

Personally, being a non-smoker who is extremely sensitive to smoke on other people's clothing and hair, if a facility prefers nonsmokers I'm all for it.

All too often people who smoke heavily in their cars come to work smelling like an ashtray, which isn't good for anyone in their vicinity.

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · May 16, 2006

I agree! I hate the smell of heavy smokers. It's all over. I don't like people who wear perfume at work either.

There are two hospitals in my town that are completly tobacco-free! You cannot smoke at all. If you are a smoker when you apply, they will give you a nicotine patch.

Let's not forget, that this is a voluntary application. If you are a smoker, then you can apply elsewhere. Smokers cost insurances a lot of money, and that's why they are trying to keep from hiring them. They are trying to keep their rates down. My sister is a smoker, and it's no secrete that she's used a lot more of her insurance on albuterol, zithromax, nebulizers at home and chest x-rays, then I have. I only cost my insurance a few checkups a year. It's all about the bottom line.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · May 16, 2006

One of my local hospitals is totally smoke free (not even allowed to smoke in parking lot). Another is following shortly. I could go on and on about how great I think the NS policies are, but you get it already :)

Anyway, I would imagine if a hospital IS looking at implementing a no-smoke policy, they'll have better compliance in the end by just not hiring the smokers to begin with. And lying on an application (that you sign under a statement saying you've been truthful) is quite possibly grounds for dismissal.

During my student days (so recently and blissfully behind me, lol), we couldn't wear perfume, fragranced deodorants or hair products. No scented lotion, nada. And if you came in smelling of smoke, well, you were going home for a shower! I don't know of that ever happening to anyone, but the threats were quite real, so I don't think anyone ever tried to push it.

Lizzypooh · May 16, 2006

The hospital that i work at as a housekeeper is implementing a no smoking in public places policy. That includes the smoking hut! Now, i'm a non-smoker, so i know that if i don't want second hand smoke i should STAY THE HECK OUT OF THE SMOKING HUT!

Also, they're getting rid of the ashtrays outside, well geez, where are people going to put their butts?? on the ground!

And we're not just talking about staff making a mess, it's the visitors and patients too!

Trauma Columnist · May 16, 2006

Many hospitals today are going totally non-smoking. I know in IL by July 2007, all hospitals in my area will be totally non-smoking. The patients and new staff will have to sign an acknowledgement that this is okay with them.