DETROIT – The rule will soon be no smoking or no job at Beaumont and Henry Ford hospitals in Metro Detroit.
The two major medical centers are following a policy already announced by the Detroit Medical Center.
Beaumont and Henry Ford will both institute a no-nicotine hiring policy, turning away applicants who smoke.
Beaumont vice president for human resources Jay Holden said the hospital is practicing what it preaches.
"We think it's the right thing to do and we think we have an obligation to promote health and wellness in the community. We will let people know up front that if you have nicotine in your system, you will not be eligible to be hired," Holden said.
The screening process will only apply to new employees. Both Beaumont and Henry Ford currently prohibit employees from using tobacco or smelling of tobacco during their work shifts.
"We offer a large number of smoking cessation programs and support services to help them quit," Holden said.
The no-nicotine policy will take effect at Beaumont and Henry Ford hospitals on Jan.1.