Nursing Jobs in Arizona Grow Along with Nation

Nursing jobs in Arizona and across the country are continuing to grow.

A recent report from American Traveler found that nursing jobs - including registered nursing and travel nursing positions - have increased by 56 percent over the last year. This is great news for anyone wondering what RN jobs Phoenix has to offer.

The majority of that growth is due to larger employers that are recovering from the recession and beginning to hire again, as well as an influx of ambulatory outpatient care centers that have opened throughout the nation.

"It looks like healthcare is back in business," Deborah Bacurin, RN, clinical resource manager for American Traveler, said in a statement. "The demand for ambulatory nurse jobs has skyrocketed and almost half of all jobs created in September went to healthcare."

Here are some key findings of the report:

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that hospital job growth during the first nine months of 2011 was four times that of 2010.
• Of all the jobs created during September, 42 percent were healthcare related.
• The number of ambulatory healthcare jobs doubled last month.
• About 344,000 new healthcare jobs should be created by the end of the year, more than in manufacturing and construction.

"It's a really good time for nurses to consider a career in travel nursing, and for some to look beyond the hospital," Mary Kay Hull, vice president of recruitment for American Traveler, said. "New business models have pervaded healthcare. These include not only ambulatory care centers, but skilled nursing facilities, outpatient surgery clinics and various types of physician practices subject to a seasonal census.

"The nurse jobs are out there," she continued. "They pay good and come with great benefits. On the other hand, healthcare employers are looking for the 'cream of the crop.' They've raised performance standards for nurses and are keeping better track of where and how they spend labor dollars."

Physician, Nursing Jobs Arizona Recognized

Those with physician and nursing jobs Arizona were recently recognized for their excellence in patient care.

Physicians at Arizona Heart Institute were recently awarded the Aetna Aexcel-designation for its top performance in general surgery, cardiology, and vascular surgery. The Aexcel designation recognizes physicians in 12 specialties who have met certain clinical performance and efficiency standards.

In order to be considered for the designation, physicians must meet a certain minimum patient volume and pass clinical performance criteria. Physicians are evaluated based on five specific categories, including:

• Hospital readmission rates
• Health complication rates
• Outcomes
• Cost for service
• Number and types of services performed

"We are extremely proud to be recognized as top performers in these clinical specialty areas at Arizona Heart Institute," Dr. Mark Kestner, chief medical officer for Abrazo Health Care, said in a statement. "These particular categories speak volumes to our patients who seek high-level medical care for general surgery, cardiology and vascular surgery needs."

Arizona Heart Institute is part of Abrazo Health Care, the second-largest healthcare system in Arizona. Abrazo runs five acute care hospitals; one cardiovascular hospital; one free-standing dedicated cardiovascular outpatient facility; two health plans; school-based health centers; and Abrazo Medical Group.

Sales Jobs Phoenix Arizona Bolstered by Retail Growth

The number of sales jobs Phoenix Arizona (http://jobs.bestwestern.com) has to offer should see an increase thanks to a recent boost in retail sales.

A recent report from the National Retail Federation found that retail sales increased by .4 percent during September and by 5.7 percent when compared to last year. This is great news for the economy, because it means consumers are once again spending money.

"The American consumer and the retail industry continue to lead this recovery, and strong September retail sales are just what the economy needs right now," Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the NRF, said. "The unexpectedly strong sales increase in September may work to dampen fears of a double-dip recession and could indicate an economic and employment rebound."

A separate report from the U.S. Department of Commerce - which includes non-general merchandise like cars and restaurants - found that sales increased by 1.1 percent over the month and by 8.6 percent over the year.

Here's a look at how sales fared during September:

• Clothing and clothing accessory stores - +1.3 percent
• Furniture and home furnishing stores - +1.1 percent
• Health and personal care stores - +.3 percent
• Electronics and appliances stores - +.2 percent
• Building materials and garden equipment stores - -.1 percent

"Despite stagnant unemployment figures and a shaky stock market, American consumers are holding their own," NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said. "While September's sales figures were strong, retailers' fourth quarter growth will continue to depend heavily on the labor market and consumer confidence, both of which continue to experience weakness."

Sales Careers Phoenix Bolstered by Halloween

Many sales careers Phoenix should be supported as consumers gear up for upcoming Halloween festivities.

 The 2011 Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey from the National Retail Federation found that holiday spending will reach $6.86 billion this year. About 68.6 percent of Americans plan to celebrate Halloween, spending an average of $72.31 per person.

"Eager to shake off the summer heat and forget about the economy for a few days, Americans are looking forward to having some fun this Halloween," Matthew Shay, president and CEO of NRF, said in a statement. "Many retailers have already stocked their shelves with Halloween merchandise and, given the popularity of the holiday this year, consumers should not hesitate when they find something that would make their celebration complete."

Some interesting findings of the survey include:

• The average consumer will spend $26.52 on costumes.
• A total of $1 billion will be spent on children's costumes, while $1.21 billion will be spent on adult costumes, and $310 million will be spent on pet costumes.
• Consumers will spend an average of $19.79 on decorations, $21.05 on candy, and $4.96 on cards.
• 43.9 percent plan to dress in costume, up from 40.1 percent last year.
• 34.3 percent plan to attend a party, up from 33.3 percent during 2010.
• 22.9 percent plan to visit a haunted house, up from 20.8 percent last year.
• 49.5 percent plan to decorate their home or yard.
• 14.7 percent plan to dress their pets in costume.
• 73.5 percent plan to hand out candy.
• 47.8 percent plan to carve a pumpkin.
• 32.9 percent plan to take children trick-or-treating.
• 32.1 percent say the state of the economy is affecting their Halloween plans.
• 87.1 percent plan to spend less overall.
• 18.9 percent plan to make a costume, while 16.6 percent plan to use last year's costume, and 40.2 percent plan to buy less candy.

"Thanks to creative costumes and décor for consumers of all ages, Halloween has become one of the most anticipated holidays of the year for many people," said Pam Goodfellow, consumer insights director for BIGresearch, said. "As a non-gift holiday, even people on the strictest budget can enjoy themselves this Halloween."