Simulation Training for PT Jobs Arizona

Those considering the PT jobs Arizona (http://rehabjob.abrazohealth.com) has to offer among their future career options may want to participate in some simulation training.

A recent study from the University of South Florida found that gynecological medical students who practice on a patient simulator score significantly higher on their final exams than students who only receive lectures.

Although this study is aimed solely at gynecological students, it proves that simulation training can have benefits for any medical student, including those interested in physical therapy.

The USF study is one of many that has examined the effects of obstetric simulation training on student confidence, comprehension, satisfaction, and comfort in performing common obstetric procedures. However, it's the first study to evaluate simulation effects on final examination scores.

"The simulation training engaged the students early on," Dr. Shelly Holmstrom, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at USF Health and lead author of the study, said in a statement. "As a result, they may have been more invested in the clerkship and absorbed the information more effectively and comprehensively. That may explain why these students scored higher on their oral and written examinations."

The study followed 113 students in the USF four-week maternal newborn clerkship. Some students were assigned to attend traditional lectures on delivering a baby, while others participated in a hands-on delivery simulation.

Students were asked to complete confidence assessment surveys before their assignments began and four weeks after training. The exam scores of the simulation and non-simulation groups were then compared.

The results found:

• More than 52 percent of students in the simulation training felt confident enough to perform an independent or minimally-supervised delivery after training, compared to only 16 percent of students in the lecture group.
• After performing three actual deliveries, there was no difference in confidence levels between the two groups.
• Students in the simulation group scored higher on their oral and written exams.

Phoenix Sales Jobs Supported by Back-to-School Shopping

Although sales won't be as high as last year, back-to-school shopping will still support many Phoenix sales jobs (http://lazboyjobs.com).

The National Retail Federation Back-to-School survey found that total back-to-school spending will reach $68.8 billion this year, marking the second-largest consumer spending event for retailers, second only to the winter holidays. However, students and their families are planning to spend less this year.

Families with children in kindergarten through 12th grade will spend a total of $22.8 billion this year. Each family will spend an average of $603.63 on necessities, which is a slight decrease from the $606.40 spent last year.

Families of college students will spend an average of $808.71 on necessities - from apparel and furniture to electronics and food items - which is down from $835.73 last year.

"Families aren't opposed to spending on what they need, but parents want their children to take a good look around at what they already have before deciding what to buy for back to school this year," Matthew Shay, president and CEO of NRF, said in a statement. "Retailers understand consumers are extremely focused on value and are taking this opportunity to offer substantial savings on merchandise."

Nursing Jobs in Arizona: Top Nursing Homes

There are plenty of nursing jobs in Arizona at some of the state's top nursing homes.

Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report released its list of the top nursing homes in the nation. A total of 27 nursing homes throughout Arizona were considered to be among the best in the nation, receiving top ratings in a number of fields.

All of the homes included on the list received five starts - the highest available rating - from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Each nursing home's overall rating is based on its performance in health inspections, nurse staffing, and medical care.

The nursing homes in Arizona included on the list are:

1. Vi at Grayhawk (Scottsdale)
2. Christian Care Nursing Center (Phoenix)
3. La Hacienda at La Posada (Green Valley)
4. Beatitudes Campus (Phoenix)
5. Copper Mountain Inn (Globe)
6. Good Samaritan Society-Peoria Good Shepherd (Peoria)
7. Good Samaritan Society-Prescott Valley (Prescott Valley)
8. Life Care Center of South Mountain (Phoenix)
9. Weyrich Healthcare of Westminster Village (Scottsdale)
10. Advanced Health Care of Scottsdale (Scottsdale)
11. Cook Health Care (Youngtown)
12. The Forum at Desert Harbor (Peoria)
13. Health Care Center-Forum Tucson (Tucson)
14. Maryland Gardens Care Center (Phoenix)
15. Northern Cochise Nursing Home (Willcox)
16. Park Avenue Health and Rehabilitation Center (Tucson)
17. Scottsdale Nursing & Rehab Center (Scottsdale)
18. Glencroft Care Center (Glendale)
19. Hacienda Nursing Facility (Phoenix)
20. Life Care Center of North Glendale (Glendale)
21. Palm Valley Rehab & Care Center (Goodyear)
22. Mountain View Care Center (Tucson)
23. Phoenix Mountain Nursing Center (Phoenix)
24. Caremeridian-Phoenix (Phoenix)
25. Sierra Winds (Peoria)
26. Sonora at Splendido (Tucson)
27. The Health Care Center at Friendship Village (Tempe)

Dallas Hotel Jobs Among Industries Growing

Dallas hotel jobs (Click here) are among those seeing significant increases over the last month and year.

During May, the Dallas area's unemployment rate climbed from 7.7 percent to 7.9 percent, after falling from 8.1 percent the previous month. However, the area's rate was still lower than the national average at the time of 9.1 percent.

The Dallas-Plano-Irving area employed a total of 2,070,700 workers during May, which is up from 2,063,100 workers during April and a 2.5 percent increase from last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Several industries added jobs over the month, led by the professional and business services industry, and followed by trade, transportation, and utilities; leisure and hospitality; government; financial activities; education and health services; information; and other services.

Many industries also saw an increase in jobs over the year, with the professional and business services industry growing the most, followed by mining, logging, and construction; education and health services; trade, transportation, and utilities; financial activities; leisure and hospitality; and other services.

Here's a look at how each industry fared over the month and year:

• Mining, logging, and construction - -1,400 jobs/+5.4 percent
• Manufacturing - -400 jobs/-1.3 percent
• Trade, transportation, and utilities - +2,600 jobs/+1.8 percent
• Information - +100 jobs/-5.6 percent
• Financial activities - +1,000 jobs/+4.6 percent
• Professional and business services - +2,900 jobs/+7.3 percent
• Education and health services - +100 jobs/+4.8 percent
• Leisure and hospitality - +1,400 jobs/+.9 percent
• Other services - +100 jobs/+.3 percent
• Government - +1,200 jobs/-1.1 percent

Some Fundraising Jobs Pay Six Figures

Did you know that some nonprofit and fundraising jobs pay more than six figures?

A recent report from The Canadian Press analyzing nonprofit salary data from the Canada Revenue Agency found that several top employees are earning six-figure salaries. Every charity throughout the nation is required to disclose the earnings of its 10 highest-paid employees.

Salaries are broken down as follows:

• Roughly 300 employees bring in more than $350,000 per year.
• More than 6,000 employees earn salaries above $120,000 per year.
• About 12,000 workers see salaries between $80,000 and $120,000 per year.
• Some 163,000 employees make less than $80,000 per year.

There are currently about 85,000 nonprofit organizations throughout Canada. These groups include everything from traditional charities that raise money for various causes to hospitals, school boards, and colleges.

Many organizations justify paying such high salaries by saying that it's important to have top talent in charge, and top talent typically costs top dollar.

"If you really want those charities to have an impact and make a real difference, you're going to need to bring in the best people to work in that sector," Marcel Lauziere of Imagine Canada, a group that advocates on behalf of Canadian charities, said. "It's not only in government and in business. So you will have to pay salaries that are commensurate to that."

A handful of organizations employ at least 10 people earning $350,000 or more, including: La Salle Manor, Regina Qu'Appelle Regional Health Authority, the University of Saskatchewan, and Mount Sinai Hospital, as well as a number of churches and religious and community groups.

Some Fundraising Jobs Pay Six Figures

Did you know that some nonprofit and fundraising jobs pay more than six figures?

A recent report from The Canadian Press analyzing nonprofit salary data from the Canada Revenue Agency found that several top employees are earning six-figure salaries. Every charity throughout the nation is required to disclose the earnings of its 10 highest-paid employees.

Salaries are broken down as follows:

• Roughly 300 employees bring in more than $350,000 per year.
• More than 6,000 employees earn salaries above $120,000 per year.
• About 12,000 workers see salaries between $80,000 and $120,000 per year.
• Some 163,000 employees make less than $80,000 per year.

There are currently about 85,000 nonprofit organizations throughout Canada. These groups include everything from traditional charities that raise money for various causes to hospitals, school boards, and colleges.

Many organizations justify paying such high salaries by saying that it's important to have top talent in charge, and top talent typically costs top dollar.

"If you really want those charities to have an impact and make a real difference, you're going to need to bring in the best people to work in that sector," Marcel Lauziere of Imagine Canada, a group that advocates on behalf of Canadian charities, said. "It's not only in government and in business. So you will have to pay salaries that are commensurate to that."

A handful of organizations employ at least 10 people earning $350,000 or more, including: La Salle Manor, Regina Qu'Appelle Regional Health Authority, the University of Saskatchewan, and Mount Sinai Hospital, as well as a number of churches and religious and community groups.

Hotel Corporate Jobs Phoenix Get Boost from Tax Cuts

The development of a new downtown hotel will support a number of new employment opportunities, from hotel corporate jobs Phoenix to retail positions to construction roles.

Earlier this year, the Phoenix Community Development and Investment Corporation approved a tax credit that will allow RED Development to build the new Kimpton Palomar Hotel at CityScape, creating thousands of new jobs along the way.

RED will receive $34.3 million in tax exemptions from the New Markets Tax Credit Program, which provides companies and organizations with commercial real estate loans that are below market rate in an effort to encourage neighborhood revitalization.

"CityScape is creating thousands of construction jobs, opening retail, restaurant, entertainment and office doors and attracting thousands of long-term sustainable jobs," Mayor Phil Gordon said in a statement. "This loan fills a financing gap that allows CityScape to deliver on a promise of sustainable jobs, future growth and expansion."

The new hotel is part of the second phase of the CityScape project in downtown Phoenix. City officials and many businesses have invested almost $500 million in that project so far.

"Projects like the Kimpton Palomar Hotel demonstrate our commitment to serve by creating jobs and revitalizing downtown, which is located in one of the poorest census tracts in Maricopa County," Jerome Miller, deputy city manager and chairman of PCDIC, said. "With our New Markets Tax Credit allocation, the PCDIC board is working with our investor partners to create economic opportunities for under-served communities in Phoenix by providing below market rate commercial real estate loans."

As part of the tax credit agreement, RED will offer a $1 million endowment to benefit low to moderate-income students who are pursuing four-year degrees at accredited universities, as well as the recruiting efforts of construction subcontractors.

The following projects also have received funding under the NMTC program:

• Riverside Industrial Center - $44.5 million
• Spectrum Mall - $37.5 million
• Arizona Bridge to Independent Living - $16.5 million
• Native American Connections - $6.1 million
• Hacienda Skilled Nursing Center - $6 million
• YMCA - $6 million
• Clarendon Hotel - $4.2 million
• Phoenix Rescue Mission - $4 million

Child & Family Therapy Jobs

At hand is currently a intense call for for child & family therapy jobs.

Couple and family unit therapists career with folks, kinsfolk, couples, and groups to reference and handle a quantity of mental and emotional problems. Therapists' goals are to aid relatives alter their thoughts and functions, heighten conversing and comprehension amongst home members, and avoid issues.

These type of experts are different from some other therapy employees since they focalise the most on gaining knowledge of a group's feelings and moves with their own surroundings as opposed to uncovering a specific intimate head confrontation.

Even though the concentration of development vital to become a therapist varies by state, a quantity of therapist employees obtain at the least a high's grade. In addition, all states neccesitate wedding and kinsfolk therapist workers to get the proper authorization so they are capable to get practicing.

As a therapist person's career environment could deviate depending on their occupation, a number of workers career in an company where they are able to go to see their clients on a usual basis. These departments are generally established in a undisclosed office, neighbourhood medicinal system, day treatment programme site, or infirmary.

Thither existed around 27,300 matrimony and family unit therapist people in the u.s.a. in 2008, and that quantity is probable to develop by 14 pct as of 2018, in accordance to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The majority of therapists are solely-employed and operate in cluster bureaus or not public businesses.

During 2008, the middle earnings for union and domestic therapy workers was $44,590 per twelvemonth. The lower 10 pct of folks brought in fewer than $27,810 per twelvemonth and the high 10 percentage of folks received more than $70,830 per year.

Twelve-monthly salaries were the best for laborers working in:

• Commonwealth governing - $50,770
• Local governance - $48,220
• Out patient upkeep businesses - $46,830
• Bureaus of added wellbeing pros - $41,220
• Single and kinsperson services - $39,690

King Soopers Jobs Benefiting from Rising Food Prices

Although rising food prices may be inconvenient for shoppers, they may ultimately result in the creation of more King Soopers jobs (Click here).

Officials from The Kroger Company, which owns many King Soopers and City Market stores throughout Colorado and supports many Denver jobs (http://denver.jobing.com), are predicting that food prices will soon begin increasing. While this is bad news for consumers, it's good news for grocery stores, as higher revenues support more jobs.

While food prices have been declining for many consecutive quarters, a benefit for struggling shoppers, an ever-improving economy and a growing customer demand are slowly driving prices back up, according to an article by the Denver Business Journal.

At the recent Barclays Capital analyst conference in New York, Kroger CEO David Dillon said that modest level of inflation is having a positive impact on his business. In fact, rising food and gas prices are allowing the company to create more jobs for local employees.

Kroger expects to see its sales increase by 3 to 4 percent this year and expects its overall earnings to range from $1.80 to $1.92 per share. Those increases could eventually result to an increase in revenues and the creation of even more jobs later in the year.

Cincinnati-based Kroger is currently the largest traditional supermarket chain in the nation. The company had total sales of $82.2 billion last year.

The company operates under almost 24 different names throughout many states. Kroger operations feature everything from grocery and multi-department stores to convenience stores and smaller jewelry stores in malls.

Arizona Pharmacy Jobs: Becoming Certified in Pharmacy IV

Professionals with Arizona pharmacy jobs (Click here) may benefit from becoming certified in IV drug delivery.

At the most basic level, pharmacists are responsible for preparing and distributing prescription drugs to patients. However, these employees can take extra training in order to gain new skills and be able to perform more services in the pharmacy or their place of work.

Many pharmacists choose to become certified in pharmacy IV, which allows them to create and administer intravenous medications and other hazardous drugs. Some states even require pharmacists to receive this certification before they can begin practicing.

Students will benefit the most from taking a course through the National Pharmacy Technician Association, which offers many courses recognized by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, the organization that sets the standard for pharmaceutical education.

According to an article by Education-Portal.com, most IV certification courses focus on seven to nine skills that students will need in order to safely and efficiently prepare and administer intravenous medications to patients.

A typical IV certification course will teach students how to:

• Perform mathematical calculations that are used to compound sterile products.
• Correctly clean and use laminar flow hood.
• Handle sterile products and make them stable and compatible.
• Use the correct aseptic techniques to safely prepare, handle, and store chemotherapeutic chemicals.
• Determine the risk levels of sterile pharmaceuticals.
• Appropriately handle and dispose of biohazardous materials.
• Discuss parenteral drug therapy and the principles of sterility.
• Differentiate between the various IV drug delivery methods.
• Adhere to state and federal regulations on compounding sterile pharmaceuticals.

Sales Jobs Phoenix Could be Affected by Blockbuster Takeover

The number of sales jobs Phoenix (Click here) has to offer could soon decline after a popular satellite television company takes over a struggling video rental service.

DISH Network Corporation recently announced that it has completed the acquisition of Blockbuster, Inc. for about $228 million. Blockbuster currently operates more than 1,700 stores throughout America, including several in the Phoenix area, and one that supports Gilbert jobs (Click here).

DISH is the second-largest satellite television service in America, behind only DirecTV. The company hopes it can use Blockbuster's resources and name-brand recognition to build on its current and future offerings for customers.

"With its more than 1,700 store locations, a highly recognizable brand and multiple methods of delivery, Blockbuster will complement our existing video offerings while presenting cross-marketing and service extension opportunities for DISH Network," Tom Cullen, executive vice president of sales, marketing and programming for DISH Network, said in a press release. "While Blockbuster's business faces significant challenges, we look forward to working with its employees to re-establish Blockbuster's brand as a leader in video entertainment."

According to an article by the Phoenix Business Journal, DISH Network plans to keep at least 500 Blockbuster stores in operation, while the remaining stores will most likely close. However, the company has not yet specified which stores will remain open, so it's unknown how many Phoenix sales jobs (Click here) will be affected.

Many stores in the Phoenix area have already closed or are planning to close soon. At the company's peak in 2004, Blockbuster operated about 9,100 stores, but then filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy last year after facing stiff competition from other video companies.

Denver IT Jobs Lost as SOE Closes Local Office

Some Denver IT jobs (Click here) could be lost as a popular gaming company closes its local office.

Sony Online Entertainment recently announced that it will close the company's game development studios in Denver, Seattle, and Tucson. The studios are being closed in an effort to reduce costs and streamline the company's global workforce.

A total of 205 jobs will be lost during the process, although the company has yet to say how many of those positions are in Denver, according to the Denver Business Journal. The local studio, which develops online digital property and role-playing games, has been in business for 10 years.

The job losses shouldn't have a huge affect on the statewide or local economies, both of which are continuing to recover on a monthly and yearly basis from the economic recession.

During March, Colorado's unemployment rate dropped from 9.3 percent to 9.2 percent, which is only slightly higher than the national average of 8.8 percent. Denver had an unemployment rate of 9.7 percent during February.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Colorado employed a total of 2,228,200 workers during March, which is up from 2,227,700 workers during February and a .5 percent increase from last year.

Employment in the Denver-Aurora-Broomfield area came in at about 1,184,600 workers during March, which is up from 1,176,000 workers during February and a .9 percent increase from last year.

SOE employs about 700 people nationwide. The company claims that the job cuts and closures of its game development studios will not impact players wishing to access the company's wide array of live games.

"This strategic decision will have no impact on SOE's current portfolio of live games," company officials said in a statement. "This strategic alignment of development resources better positions SOE to remain a global leader in online gaming and deliver on its promise of creating entertaining games for players of all ages, and servicing the 20 million players that visited SOE servers in just the past year."

PT Jobs Phoenix: Renewing Your License

There are some very important steps to consider when renewing your license for PT jobs Phoenix. Visit http://rehabjob.abrazohealth.com to see current openings.

The Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy is responsible for licensing physical therapy professionals throughout the state. The board sets the standards for physical therapy practice, continuing competence and testing, and limitations of practice.

In order to become a physical therapist in Arizona, you first have to obtain the proper education, pass the National Physical Therapy Examination, and meet a number of state requirements. You'll then have to renew your license at various times throughout your career.

Here are some steps to follow when renewing your license, as suggested by the board:

• Be on time - Make sure you fill out all the proper paperwork and apply for a license renewal before your current license expires.
  
• Provide citizenship information - As of 2008, any person applying for a license from a state agency must provide proof of citizenship or authorization to work in the United States.
  Consider renewing online - Physical therapists who already have their citizenship information on file with the board can renew their license online.
• Pay the appropriate fees - As of 2010, physical therapists must pay $160 to renew their license, while physical therapy assistants must pay $55. There also is a $3 convenience fee for those renewing online.
  
• Have the appropriate payment method - Those renewing their license online can use a credit card, while those renewing by mail must submit a check.
• Verify receipt of your renewal application - Confirm online, or by using certified mail, that the board has received your application for a renewed license.
• Don't miss the deadline - If you miss the deadline to renew your license, you will not be able to practice as a physical therapist until you submit a separate form and pay an additional fee to have your license reinstated.

Sales Jobs in Phoenix Real Estate Improve

Those with real estate sales jobs in Phoenix are beginning to see some more activity in the housing market.

The most recent Home Sales Report from the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. found that home sales are growing, according to the Phoenix Business Journal. This is great news for those with sales jobs in the industry, who have continued to suffer the long-lasting effects of the economic downturn.

The report found that a total of 9,933 home sales were made in the Phoenix area during March, which is the most sales in the last 66 months and the fifth-highest number of sales since 2001. The uptick in sales shows that consumers are realizing the value of affordable housing.

"Clearly buyers are taking advantage of the phenomenal affordability of Valley housing," the report notes. 

However, the housing market itself isn't getting much better, according to the ARMLS Pending Price Index. Although the median home price is expected to reach $113,000 this month, which is up from $110,000 in March, it's expected to drop back to $103,000 in May and hit only $109,000 in June.

The actual average price that homes are selling for is expected to look pretty similar. That number is expected to hit $163,000 this month, which is up from $157,800 during March, but then drop to $150,000 in May and barely climb to $152,000 in June.

"While the declines in pricing signal good news for buyers who want to take advantage of the lowest pricing of the decade, they are unwelcome news for sellers who endure the ill effects on their equity," the report adds.

Fundraising Jobs in Churches See Donations Improve

Those with fundraising jobs (Click here) in churches are starting to see an improving economic picture.

The most recent State of the Plate survey found that more people are donating money to churches. Overall, 43 percent of churches reported an increase in giving during 2010, which is up from 36 percent the previous year. Only 39 percent of churches saw a decrease in donations last year.

Despite the fact that more people are donating, an overwhelming majority of churches are still concerned about potential changes to nonprofit tax deductions. In fact, 91 percent of church leaders said that a federal change in the taxation process would negatively affect church donations.

"Charities and churches have been hit hard by the economy the past three years," Maximum Generosity Founder Brian Kluth, who started the State of the Plate survey, said in a statement. "If the government's plan to change the rules on charitable tax deductions goes through, giving to charities and churches will likely be negatively affected."

The federal government has said it wants to review the nonprofit taxation process and make churches more financially independent. Because of this, many churches are already taking steps to become more financially responsible on an internal level.

The survey found that 94 percent make financial statements available to church members, 73 percent have a finance committee, 56 percent conduct an annual internal audit, and 36 percent have had a CPA audit in the past three years.

A total of 1,507 churches participated in this year's State of the Plate survey. The survey was started by Maximum Generosity in 2008 in an effort to gain an insight as to how the recession was affecting church donations, budgeting, generosity initiatives, and community programs.

RN Jobs Phoenix at Top 15 Hospitals

Anyone wondering what RN jobs Phoenix has to offer may want to consider working for one of the top hospitals in the area. Visit http://nursingjob.abrazohealth.com for more openings.

U.S. News & World Report recently released its list of the Best Hospitals for 2011. This year hospitals were ranked in each of the nation's 52 largest metropolitan areas. In the Phoenix area - which also includes Glendale, Scottsdale, and Mesa Arizona jobs (Click here) - 15 of the city's 48 hospitals are considered to be top-ranking.

Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, which was ranked first in Phoenix, also was ranked nationally for six different specialties. Mayo Clinic Hospital was ranked nationally for four specialties, while St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center was ranked for one specialty.

The best hospitals in the Phoenix area include:

1. Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center
2. Mayo Clinic Hospital
3. St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
4. Banner Desert Medical Center
5. Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
6. Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center
7. Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center
8. Banner Estrella Medical Center
9. John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital
10. Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center
11. Banner Heart Hospital
12. Arrowhead Hospital
13. Banner Baywood Medical Center
14. St. Luke's Medical Center
15. Sun Health Boswell Hospital

The list was compiled by ordering hospitals based on the number of nationally ranked specialties and then by the number of other specialties that are among the top 25 percent nationally. That means nationally-ranked hospitals automatically performed better than others.

San Diego Government Jobs Recognized for Transparency

Those with San Diego government jobs are being recognized for their willingness to share information with the public.

The Sunshine Review recently named the City of San Diego's website as one of the most transparent government sites in the nation. The city received a "Sunny Award" for getting an A+ score and ranking among the top 100 government websites on the Sunshine Review's Transparency Checklist.

"This award recognizes our effort to engage our citizens through electronic media," Mayor Jerry Sanders said in a statement. "Our web team redesigned the city's website last year to modernize the look and to enhance accessibility and usability for our citizens. We're proud that people have noticed."

The Sunshine Review, a non profit organization that supports open government, reviewed more than 6,000 local and state government websites to see how well they share information with the public. With 20 websites on the list, Florida received the most Sunny Awards, followed by Texas with 12, Utah with 10, Illinois with seven, Virginia with six, and California with five.

The sites were ranked using a 10-point transparency checklist that includes:

• Budgets
• Open meeting laws
• Elected officials
• Administrative officials
• Building permits and zoning
• Audits
• Contracts
• Lobbying
• Public records
• Taxes

"We hope the city of San Diego website will continue to serve as an example of transparency in the future," Sunshine Review President Mike Barnhart said.

Nursing Jobs in Arizona See Top Yearly Growth

Anyone looking for nursing jobs in Arizona or other healthcare positions should have no trouble finding work, as the education and health services industry continues to outperform others. Check out http://azjobs.cancercenter.com to see some current openings.

During February, Arizona's unemployment rate remained at 9.6 percent for the fourth consecutive month, after dropping from 9.8 percent in November 2008. Unfortunately, that means the state's rate is higher than the national average, which sits at 8.9 percent.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Arizona employed a total of 2,380,400 workers during February, which is up from 2,378,300 workers during January. However, it's the same number of employees the state had during February 2010, as only three industries added jobs over the year.

Not surprisingly, the education and health services industry continues to outrun any lingering effects of the economic downturn, increasing by 4.1 percent over the year to 354,600 jobs. That's the most growth experienced by any industry during the 12-month period.

Employment in the leisure and hospitality industry increased by 2 percent between February 2010 and February 2011, making for a total of 255,900 workers. Employment in the trade, transportation, and utilities industry grew by .8 percent to 472,900 jobs.

Every other industry - with the exception of mining and logging, which remained steady with 11,000 employees - continued to lose jobs throughout the last year. The construction industry saw the biggest drop, decreasing by 5.8 percent to 107,500 jobs.

Other industries that saw an over-the-year decrease in employment include:

• Other services by 3.6 percent to 85,800 jobs
• Financial activities by 1.5 percent to 161,700 jobs
• Professional and business services by 1.5 percent to 333,700 jobs
• Information by 1.4 percent to 36,100 jobs
• Government by 1.2 percent to 413,000 jobs
• Manufacturing by .1 percent to 148,200 jobs

On a month to month basis, five industries managed to add jobs during February, including: mining and logging; trade, transportation, and utilities; financial activities; education and health services; and government.

Retail Grocery Jobs at Center of Colorado Beer Battles

The ongoing battle of alcohol sales in Colorado could ultimately end up hurting retail grocery jobs and Denver restaurant jobs, among others.

A recently-passed law aimed at keeping low-strength beer out of restaurants and bars has already been overturned. The reversal comes after state officials were notified that the new measures were placing too many restrictions on local businesses, costing the local economy tons of jobs and revenue.

About two months ago, the Colorado Department of Revenue instituted a rule enforcing the state's existing alcohol laws. Those laws allow grocery stores to only sell low-strength beer, while liquor stores, bars, restaurants, and breweries are able to sell full-strength beer.

The law further prevents establishments that are allowed to sell high-strength beer from selling any beer below 4 percent ABV. The recent enforcement of the law required that brewers test, confirm, and report the alcohol content of all their products.

However, the new focus on this existing law quickly caused problems, as local brewers began complaining it was harder for them to do business in the state. The Colorado Brewers Guild claimed the testing aspect of the law could cost small breweries hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

Those complaints led DOR Executive Director Roxy Huber to issue an emergency ruling voiding the new enforcement of the law. That ruling drops the testing requirement for brewers and allows the DOR to test beers made by certain companies.

"My intent, as I've been instructed in this administration, is to think about business when you make decisions,"  Huber told the House Committee on Economic and Business Development. "Even though I try to always think about business, I try to listen when they say I've gotten it wrong."

According to the Denver Business Journal, some critics think Huber overturned the law on the direction of Gov. John Hickenlooper, who founded and owned Wynkoop Brewing Company. Opponents argue that while the reversal may help the brewing industry, it will end up hurting smaller convenience stores, and could end up costing jobs.

Some officials are pushing for the introduction of a bill that would allow convenience and grocery stores to sell full-strength beer in order to better compete. The United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 7 have already come out in support of such a bill.

Texas Sales Jobs Supported by Exports

The amount of money brought in by exported goods not only supports numerous Texas sales jobs (Click here), but has kept the state ahead of the rest of the nation for many years.

A new report from the U.S. Department of Commerce found that Texas was the number one exporting state in the nation last year, a designation the state has earned for nine years in a row. The state's exports bring in hundreds of billions of dollars and support countless jobs, from sales employment opportunities (Click here) to manufacturing positions.

"Texas' ranking as the nation's top exporter for nine years running is a testament to our strong economy and the importance of upholding low taxes, reasonable regulations, a fair legal system and an equipped workforce," Gov. Rick Perry said.

"Although Texas has not been immune to the global recession, our commitment to these priorities has helped make us the best place to live, work and raise a family, and businesses looking to escape over-taxation and over-regulation know they can come to Texas for a better chance at success," he added.

During 2010, exports from Texas brought in more than $206.6 billion, a 26.7 percent increase from the $162.9 billion worth of exports during 2009. Computers and electronics, chemicals, petroleum and coal, machinery, and transportation equipment were the state's top exports last year.

Mexico was the biggest recipient of exports from Texas, importing $72.3 billion worth of goods. That was followed by Canada at $18.6 billion, China at $10.2 billion, Brazil at $7.1 billion, and South Korea at $6.4 billion.