Tobacco Free Hiring Policy

Susquehanna Health is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment and to promoting the health and well being of its Employee Service Partners. Effective January 1, 2010, SH has adopted a tobacco-free hiring policy that will promote a healthier workplace and will not hire tobacco users.

Please read the policy details below:

Introduction:

Susquehanna Health is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace and to promoting health and well being of its employees, visitors and patients. As motivated by our desire to provide a healthy environment for our employees, visitors and patients, all buildings and offices owned or operated by Susquehanna Health shall be tobacco free. In addition, all grounds of the Williamsport, Divine and Muncy campuses of Susquehanna Health shall be tobacco free. Beginning January 1, 2010 Susquehanna Health will not hire tobacco users.

Policy:

It is the policy of Susquehanna Health to prohibit the use of tobacco and tobacco products in all company buildings, as well as on all grounds of the Williamsport, Divine and Muncy campuses in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all employees, visitors and patients. As of January 1, 2010 all new service partners will be tested for nicotine use as part of their post offer, pre-employment drug screen. Those who test positive for nicotine use will not be hired.

Scope:

The Tobacco-Free Workplace policy applies to, but is not limited to:

  • All buildings owned or operated by SH
  • All grounds owned and operated by SH at the Williamsport, Divine and Muncy Campuses
  • All company-sponsored off-site conferences and meetings
  • All vehicles owned or leased by the company or on SH property
  • All visitors to company premises
  • All contractors and consultants and/or their employees working on company premises
  • All employees
  • All volunteers
  • All physicians

General Rules:

  • The use of tobacco and tobacco products is prohibited within any SH building and on any SH property of the Williamsport, Muncy and Divine campuses.
  • The sale of tobacco is prohibited within any SH building or on any SH property.
  • No person may smoke in a personal vehicle parked on SH property.
  • Visitor compliance will be monitored and is the responsibility of all staff. Informational cards will be available for all staff to give to visitors who are observed smoking or using tobacco products on SH property. The cards provide an opportunity to educate. The card can be used as a cue to format discussion regarding SH’s tobacco free policy.
  • Susquehanna health does not hire tobacco users. If a new service partner tests positive for nicotine use during their drug screen, they will not be hired. They may be reconsidered for employment after 90 days if they have ceased using tobacco products and do not test positive for nicotine.
  • If the individual, after this 90-day period, is offered another position and again tests positive for nicotine, they will not be considered for future employment with SH for a period of one year.
  • Employee compliance will be monitored and disciplinary measures initiated when necessary (see SH Disciplinary Policy # 304).

Clinical Staff Responsibilities/Inpatient Smokers:

Physicians:

  • The attending physician should discuss the tobacco free environment policy and assess and discuss the need for Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) with the patient, and if indicated, write an order for NRT using the NRT physician order form.

Nursing:

  • Upon admission, the RN will ask each patient if they currently use tobacco and document the response on the nursing assessment document. For those patients that respond affirmatively, the RN will make referral to Respiratory Therapy for tobacco cessation counseling.

I agree, if employed, my employment shall be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen to include testing for nicotine use. I understand that if I test positive for nicotine use, I will not be hired.

I hereby acknowledge that I have read the above statements, understand them and agree with them.


RESOURCES AVAILABLE

The Great American Smokeout Web site contains user-friendly tips and tools towards a smoke-free life. In addition to tip sheets and calculators, the site also offers downloadable desktop helpers to assist with planning to quit and succeeding in staying tobacco-free. Smokers who want to quit can also call the American Cancer Society Quit For Life® Program operated and managed by Free & Clear® at 1-800-227-2345

Additionally, West Branch Drug and Alcohol provides the "Freedom from Smoking" cessation program. This resource offers both one-on–one and group meetings. For more information, call 570-323-8543 or toll free at 888-941-2721.