Smokers

[MindySue]

I notice while looking at job opportunities that in MO that most, if not all, of the hospitals will not hire smokers. Some claim to give a nicotine screening. I may get some backlash on this but lets be honest, I know there are alot of smoking nurses. Does this mean just not on the property? Walk across the street or what? Is this for real?

[beckyboo1, BSN, RN]

The SSM network of hospitals does not hire smokers...whether they smoke at home or across the street from the property. I'm not sure how they test for this. Also I'm not sure about other healthcare systems in the state.

[elkpark]

Yes, it's for real. A growing number of healthcare providers are refusing to hire smokers, and testing for nicotine the same as they test for (other) drugs of abuse. This means no smoking at all, including on your own time in your own home. Hospitals (and other employers) are legally entitled to set whatever conditions of employment they see fit, as long as they're not violating state or Federal employment laws, and smokers do not have any legal protection for their addiction.

[MindySue]

WOW, looks like I need to quit! I am so worried that smoking is going to hold me back. I feel like quitting is near impossible! I know that it isn't and if I dont change my thinking, it will be but it seems being a smoker can hinder my career anywhere.

[Boogitybooboo]

I did not know this either! Very good to know now. Thanks for posting OP.

[Humando]

If you are a smoker and plan to work in the STL area, you should quit now.