Smoking and Health Care Providers: Regulate?

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jan 22, 2014

All of our campuses have been 100% non-smoking for a number of years. This includes all buildings, parking lots, parking garages, etc. Any employee who wants to smoke has to do so outside the grounds. At the time the change occurred, employees that smoked were offered smoking cessation programs for free.

This is obviously a major inconvenience to anyone who wants to smoke - just not possible to take a 'quick smoke break' any longer so I guess they just do it when they can take a meal break. I haven't hear that anyone has actually been denied a job simply because they smoke, but they are informed of the policy and expectations when they apply for a job. People are terminated for violations of the smoking policy - just like any other policy violation.

Patients and visitors are not allowed to smoke on our campuses either. Patients are provided with appropriate smoking cessation assistance as needed. I am not aware of restrictions on rehab programs based on smoking.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jan 22, 2014

we are a non-smoking facility but people do go to their car and smoke then stink the rest of the day. Our insurance offers smoking cessation classes and free patches. People are not refused employment at this point if they are smokers.

ArtClassRN, ADN, RN · Jan 24, 2014

How do you handle co-workers (including those from other departments) who smoke and smell like it either by the smoke or heavy perfumes to mask it?

I have many coworkers who smoke, but I don't ever smell it on them.

Do you get annoyed when co-workers take smoke breaks in addition to their other breaks?

I get annoyed if coworkers take unauthorized or additional breaks for ANY reason. Smoking is no different.

Is there a Smoking Cessation program for employees?

Yes.

Does your facility no longer hire people who smoke?

My facility has no policy on hiring or not hiring smokers.

Do you believe smokers should pay a higher insurance premium?

Yep. But they don't at my hospital.

Do you agree with denying programs to patients (which could include co-workers) such as Cardiopulmonary Rehab until a patient is smoke free for at least 30 or more day

I would have to see the program specifics. However this does not sound terribly different than requiring abstaining from alcohol for certain programs.

amoLucia · Jan 24, 2014

It just amazes me to no end that smokers somehow always manage to find the time to go outside for a cig break. Yet the non-smokers still run their tails off without so much as a potty break! I wonder how that happens!?

I hate to see bashing of cig smoking employees. Just like the attempt to bash overweight staff. Drug & alcohol use does impair judgment so there are safety issues for those who partake and then come in to work. All are bad habits with deleterious effects. Which do we jump on first?

TraumaSurfer · Jan 24, 2014

I hate to see bashing of cig smoking employees. Just like the attempt to bash overweight staff. Drug & alcohol use does impair judgment so there are safety issues for those who partake and then come in to work. All are bad habits with deleterious effects. Which do we jump on first?

Bashing? No it is now a reality of employment issues as more hospitals are using smoking as a reason not to hire. Florida has several hospitals participating in "no smoking" and recently some of Pennsylvania's hospitals have joined the anti-smoker wagon.

http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20130822/BUSINESS/130829800#gsc.tab=0

Pennsylvania hospitals' ban on hiring smokers prompts debate | Reuters

Why we won't hire smokers â€“ USATODAY.com

But then Fire Departments and a some high tech companies have had "no smokers" in their hiring policies for several years.

As far as weight, I believe San Francisco is the only city which has made obesity to be protected in the work place unless if absolutely hinders you doing your job.

Texas Hospital Won’t Hire Obese Applicants Â« CBS Houston

As health care reform and insurance change evolve, I think we will see more of this.

TraumaSurfer · Jan 24, 2014

double post

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2014

How do you handle co-workers (including those from other departments) who smoke and smell like it either by the smoke or heavy perfumes to mask it?

I only have one colleague that smokes that I'm aware of, and I haven't smelled it on those from other depts. I barely smell it on her when she comes inside, and it doesn't last long. We do have a fragrance-free workplace though, so nobody can wear perfumes to mask it.

Do you get annoyed when co-workers take smoke breaks in addition to their other breaks?

Any smoke breaks taken have BEEN their authorized breaks. They don't take smoke breaks in addition to other breaks. I'm a breastfeeding mom so I am very protective of my breaks (well it's usually just one--I pump on my lunch break, usually don't take 15's). I don't really care if anyone gets annoyed w/ me for taking mine, so I'm not going to begrudge others taking their legally entitled breaks. Even if it's to do something unhealthy, vs. breastfeeding which is very healthy.

Is there a Smoking Cessation program for employees?

I think so.

Does your facility no longer hire people who smoke?

Not that I'm aware of...I was hired there about a yr ago and don't remember being asked about my smoking status. I might have been by Employee Health, but I met w/ their RN after I was hired.

Do you believe smokers should pay a higher insurance premium?

One could make an argument for it. Drivers pay higher auto insurance premiums (premia? hehe) after MVC's; smoking is a risky behavior also. Although so is obesity or drinking excess EtOH...

Do you agree with denying programs to patients (which could include co-workers) such as Cardiopulmonary Rehab until a patient is smoke free for at least 30 or more days?

No