Even this are going away next year in the hospital and clinics I work in. No on campus, inside or outside, employees or patients.
I'm surprised it hasn't happened in your state long before this. Your state is the cousin of Maine.
Posted on 09/30/2006 8:41:28 AM PDT by SheLion
GRAND RAPIDS -- Spectrum Health and Saint Mary's Health Care will require all their employees to not use tobacco at any time during their work shift beginning January 1.
The staffs of both hospitals will need to arrive without smelling of smoke, and they can't use any tobacco products until they leave hospital property after their shift.
Metro Health is also joining in the Smoke-Free Work Day Every Day campaign.
In 2003, the Grand Rapids hospitals became the first in the country to jointly declare their hospital campuses smoke-free. Today, more than 30 Michigan hospitals have smoke-free campuses.
This takes it a step further.
The three hospitals are working together to help employees quit the habit between now and the first of the year. The hospitals said the main reason for making this decision was to improve patient care.
"Everyday our staff tell patients who use tobacco to quit," said Bill Rietscha, Vice President of Facilities for Spectrum Health. "We can't say that with credibility while smelling of tobacco ourselves."
Tom Karel, the Vice President of Human Resources for Saint Mary's, echoed that. "We have delivered this message to each person who walks in a door at Saint Mary's, and this is the next step in a long term effort to ensure the health of our employees, patients, visitors and our entire community."
Among the other reasons the hospitals cited were the health risks to their employees and the reduced productivity related to smoking.
Not everyone is thrilled with the plan. Midge Birdsall has worked in health care for more than 30 years. She knows smoking isn't good for her, but she said the decision to quit should be hers and hers alone.
"I'm not doing something illegal so I have a problem with them telling me how to run my lifestyle when it's not affecting my work," she said. "I'm not sure how they can tell me I can't go off campus on my break. I guess I'll find out January 1."
24 Hour News 8 talked with a local labor law attorney who said the hospitals can fire employees who disobey the rules.
It's a growing trend. In January 2005, KVCC banned smoking for all new full-time employees. Lansing-based Weyco, a company that administers health benefits, also went smoke-free. Several employees left who refused to take a test to determine if they're using tobacco.
but, i dont work at home.
that time is family time. :D
"Hate to say this because I know many of you are smokers, but drive by any office or factory and look at people taking "smoke breaks" while their fellow employees are working."
Actually, our fellow employees are in the break room inside where we aren't allowed.
I can't turn my brain off.
i do enjoy what i do. i am especially proud
when i see my students exceeding their peers
because of the extra effort we can spend
working with them. :)
tough time transitioning ... runs in the family ;)
Personally, I think she works so hard because she's supporting the rest of the (*cough*nonsmoking*cough*) staff.
By that logic, an employee banned from showing up to work with strong body odor should be paid for the time he spent in the shower.
No one said that this rule has anything to do with logic.
"Everyday our staff tell patients who use tobacco to quit," said Bill Rietscha, Vice President of Facilities for Spectrum Health. "We can't say that with credibility while smelling of tobacco ourselves."
And this from the same mindset that forces AIDS counselors to be HIV positive and Alcohol Awareness counselors to be reformed drunks in order to qualify for employment.
A golden idea!
Huh? Doing my gwu homework, here. hush.
aw thanks! i just want these kids to succeed in school.
in just a month i've seen some really amazing progress.
the consistancy and structure really pays off. :)
We sure could use more like you.
so quit playing and get busy, silly. ;)
Yes, but can you drive a zamboni?
Even this are going away next year in the hospital and clinics I work in. No on campus, inside or outside, employees or patients.
i would LOVE too!!! got one sitting around here? :D
This is one of our pet peeves. We had smoking lounges where we work. Then we were kicked outside. In some instances, we can't even smoke 25 feet from the entrance.
The non smokers complain that they have to "walk through the smoke" to get inside the building. I sure don't know what they want to do with us next! All was well when we had smoking lounges out of the view of the public.
Can't keep the non smokers happy I am afraid.
It's a good thing we have people like you. Not all of us are cut out for that line of work. They are very lucky to have you.
Even this are going away next year in the hospital and clinics I work in. No on campus, inside or outside, employees or patients.
I'm surprised it hasn't happened in your state long before this. Your state is the cousin of Maine.
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