Hendrick Health System to implement no-hire policy for tobacco users

Hendrick Health System will soon join a growing number of Texas hospitals in not hiring tobacco or nicotine users. In a move to be a role model for the community, Hendrick will no longer hire anyone using any type of nicotine products, effective March 1.

“We are committed to our community’s healthcare, and believe we need to lead by example,” said Tim Lancaster, president and CEO of Hendrick Health System. “By not hiring tobacco users we hope to encourage a healthy lifestyle to our current employees, as well as to our patients and their families.”

According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco usage kills an estimated 443,000 Americans each year. The use of nicotine products is one of the leading causes of preventable and premature death; therefore, quitting tobacco/nicotine use can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, tobacco usage generates more than $95 billion in direct medical costs.

Under the new policy, a question will be added to the job application asking if an applicant uses tobacco/nicotine products. If the applicant indicates that they do, the application will be rejected. The applicant will be encouraged to consider taking steps to stop using nicotine and will be allowed to re-apply in six months.

As part of the current hiring process, all applicants are screened for illegal drug use. Beginning in March, an additional test will be included which will determine whether or not the applicant uses tobacco or nicotine products. If the results indicate a positive for nicotine, the conditional offer of employment will be withdrawn. The applicant can re-apply after six months from the positive test date.