Susquehanna Health is committed to providing a safe and health 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.
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.
General Rules
- The use of tobacco and tobacco products is prohibited within any Susquehanna Health building and on any Susquehanna Health property of the Williamsport, Muncy and Divine campuses.
- The sale of tobacco is prohibited within any Susquehanna Health building or on any Susquehanna Health property.
- No person may smoke in a personal vehicle parked on Susquehanna Health property.
- Employee compliance will be monitored and disciplinary measures initiated when necessary.
- 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 Susquehanna Health property. The cards provide an opportunity to educate. The card can be used as a cue to format discussion regarding Susquehanna Health's tobacco free policy.
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 nurse 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 nurse will make referral to Respiratory Therapy for tobacco cessation counseling.