Missouri hospital to stop hiring smokers

Starting next year, smokers need not apply for jobs at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

The hospital will no longer hire smokers as of Jan. 1, the Southeast Missourian newspaper reported. Applicants will be tested for nicotine as part of a pre-employment screening.

The hospital website's "Current Openings" page now includes the nicotine-free hiring policy. Those logging onto the employment site see this message:

"Because it is important for health care providers to promote a healthy environment and lifestyle, effective January 1, 2011, Saint Francis Medical Center has a nicotine-free hiring policy. Applicants will be tested for nicotine as part of a pre-employment screening.