How To Find A Medical Job Without Prior Experience

By Andrea Santiago

The medical field has remained one of the most recession-resistant industries throughout the recession, and is the only industry that has continued to add jobs throughout the recession.Therefore, many jobseekers want to find a job in the healthcare industry during a recession, as other industries shed hundreds of thousands of jobs monthly. Many would-be healthcare professionals don’t have time, money, or even the desire to go to med school or nursing school to be a doctor or nurse. And that’s ok, because there are hundreds of jobs, especially in entry level clinical roles, or in non-clinical support roles, that may be a nearly perfect fit for your existing skill set. How do you transfer into a lucrative and secure position in the growing field of healthcare?

The biggest challenge is breaking into the industry getting your foot in the door, without any medical job experience or advanced education in a medical related area. Many companies often want to recruit people who already have healthcare experience, especially for more senior roles.

Here are a few tips that will help you navigate your career into the healthcare field:

  • Research: Staying on top of industry news and trends, including companies, key players,and buzz, is very important when trying to break into the medical industry for the first time. There are hundreds of excellent healthcare industry news sources, many of which are specialized in a certain field within the medical industry. This will help you not only to find out who is hiring, but also you’ll be able to speak intelligently about the industry in an interview or when networking with medical professionals.
  • Network: You will want to connect with as many people in the healthcare industry as possible. Whenever you are trying to make a major career transition, it’s not WHAT you know, it’s WHO you know. Combining face-to-face networking and online networking is essential. Volunteer, join healthcare professional associations, anything that gets you in front of other people. Online, you can target your social media profiles and job search efforts toward the healthcare industry.
  • Assess Your Skills – Especially Transferable Ones: Determine what transferable skills you can bring with you from your current industry, into the healthcare field. For example, healthcare also needs skilled workers in information technology (IT) roles, accounting and finance, sales and marketing, human resources, or administration and secretarial jobs. Those are just a few of the most common examples, but think about what skill set you have that could translate into a role that could support the healthcare field. Working as a medical receptionist, or filing clerk are a couple of other examples of popular entry-level medical jobs. Once you get your foot in the door of a medical office, you can prove your interest and work ethic, and get great on-the-job training in other roles.
  • Consider Taking a Step Back: Whenever someone transfers from one industry to another, often it requires taking a step down, depending how far along you are in your non-medical career. It’s like transferring from one college to another, or switching majors in college not all credits transfer at an equivalent rate. The same goes for changing careers you may have five years of experience in a non-medical career, but you have zero in the healthcare industry, so you may have to take a step down in pay, or career level. Once you get established in your new medical career, you may be able to catch back up.
  • Find a Mentor: Identifying a great mentor can help tremendously in advancing your career. The best way to find a mentor is to start working in a medical office or hospital, even in a very entry level job, and demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow into higher level positions. A mentor should be someone experienced in the healthcare industry, who is well-connected and can boost all of your efforts in networking, job search, navigating the political aspects of the healthcare and educational system, and more.

Source: http://healthcareers.about.com/od/gettingthejob/a/BreakInToMed.htm

You may think you know exactly what to expect from a career in healthcare. After all, healthcare is one of the most glamorous professions society has to offer, so TV and movies provide endless depictions of the busy daily lives of nurses, surgeons, EMTs, and hospital administrators.

But some of these depictions are more realistic than others. And rarely do we see TV shows that dramatize the lives of those in medical billing or medical equipment sales. When was the last time you saw a movie featuring a day in the exciting, glamorous life of an onsite medical expert who reviews claims for an insurance provider? Probably never, because this wouldn’t be much of a blockbuster, but this is just one of many satisfying and challenging real-life careers the healthcare industry has to offer. Before you make a commitment to this field, prepare for a few surprises.

1. Healthcare doesn’t always offer clear directions, simple answers, or happy endings

Dr. House always comes up with the answer by the end of the hour. But in real life, a vast percentage of the workings of the human body are still shrouded in mystery, and having a degree doesn’t give a practitioner magical insights into every aspect of medical cause and effect. Dead ends, incorrect diagnoses, and mistakes happen every day in this profession, and the results can be very challenging on an emotional level. Medical professionals need to walk a complicated line between compassion and professional distance.

2. Healthcare jobs aren’t always secure

Over and over again we hear similar phrases about the security of medical positions: “You don’t see many surgeons out of work,” “there’s no such thing as an unemployed nurse,” “jobs are everywhere in medical technology,” and so on. Unfortunately, none of these are one hundred percent true. Unemployment strikes the healthcare profession just like any other industry, and while many of these careers are in high demand, that demand varies with circumstance and geographic location. The opportunities available to a healthcare professional may exist, but they still may require an employee to move across state lines.

3. The options for healthcare professionals are extremely diverse, and getting more so

You may be entering healthcare with one specific, narrow goal in mind. For example, you may have your heart set on becoming a pediatric cardiac nurse with a special focus on emergency care. But as you complete your education, you’ll be exposed to a wider range of professional options than you probably imagine. A few years down the road, you may end up doing something entirely different, but equally satisfying.

4. A large number of healthcare professions don’t involve patient interaction at all

If you love the idea of helping people, but aren’t comfortable with clinical situations, emotional distance (see item 1), or the sight of blood, there are still plenty of professions that offer all the rewards and challenges of healthcare, but none of the patient contact. Consider becoming an epidemiology researcher, a medical publisher, or working in a pathology lab, just for starters. You can also think about medical and pharmaceutical billing, research, sales, or education and outreach.

Don’t Let Anything Stand in Your Way

If you’ve made up your mind to step into the healthcare profession, approach this challenge with clear eyes, and don’t let occasional surprises throw you off track.

Source: http://www.livecareer.com/news/Career/Four-Surprising-Facts-about-a-Career-in-Healthcare_$$03610.aspx#.Ua_m9LWkp4Q

Earning your degree is such an accomplishment. It is almost as if the moment you add those letters to the end of your name, you can literally hear the doors opening. Knowing what to do to get your foot in those open doors, make a name for yourself, and thrive in an ever-changing health care industry is your next big step.

FINDING A JOB IN A COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY

Mastering the hard skills required of your job is only part of the equation. Interpersonal skills are just as important because your ability to become a respected and trusted source of knowledge and talent will surely help you grow in your career.

Finding the right job takes a lot of research. It is this research that will help you launch your job search with realistic expectations.

You probably have a good idea about what your day will entail, thanks to practicum placements or internships, but don’t forget to look at issues like job prospects in your area and in other communities of interest, prospective employers and what they offer (e.g., advertised benefit packages), and salary ranges for new grads (and for future reference, experienced workers).

For basic salary information in different locations, reference sites like Salary.com or PayScale.com. And, if you’re thinking about looking beyond your hometown for a job, take advantage of online relocation tools.

As your research reveals your specific interests in the field of rheumatology, you will want to prepare yourself to apply, and interview, for different positions, and your resume; or CV will need to be in tip-top shape. Many universities have career service centers that offer assistance in preparing this all important document, and there are companies that specialize in helping job seekers look their best on paper. No matter what approach you take to preparing your resume; or CV, it is important to write, rewrite, review, and ask for suggestions. Thisalong with your cover letteris often your first and only chance to make a great impression. Don’t be hasty to hit send or drop it in the mail. Take your time to make certain you’re representing yourself in the best possible way.

Another important step to landing your first job is networking. Once you have your resume; or CV ready to share, jump right into networking. A great place to start is with your school contacts – former instructors can act as references, and they, and your old classmates, are the start of your valuable professional network. Job fairs offer another great opportunity to network and to see what’s available at home and further afield, and the ACR offers several opportunities each year for networking at different meetings.

ON THE JOB

Now that you have your foot in the door it is important to establish yourself in your new setting.

Master the basics: Don’t think that you know nothing. On the flipside, don’t think that you know everything, and experienced, older staff are out-of-date and know nothing.

Be patient with yourself: Many of the skills you need can only be learned on the job, and only time and experience can turn you into a seasoned professional.

Learn the rules: Attend orientation sessions, read the policy and procedure manuals, and ask your supervisor or more experienced staff if you have questions.

Be flexible: Health care work environments can be places of controlled chaos, and your plan of action may have to change in an instant. Learn to accept this unpredictability, and don’t let it stress you out. Focus on completing your tasksin order of urgency and priorityand delivering the best patient care possible.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Even doctors can request a consult when faced with a difficult diagnosis!

Be proactive about learning: Ask questions, learn new procedures, model yourself after skilled, experienced staff members, and make an active effort to grow in your career. Take the time to fully understand what is going on and why. Read professional journals to stay up-to-date about new developments. Go beyond the continuing education requirements for your license and attend in-services and professional development seminars or enroll in additional courses that will grow your skill set.

Join a professional association. Professional associations, like the American College of Rheumatology, offer many membership benefits, such as information on the latest trends in your field, access to educational programs, online discussion forums, and the chance to expand your network.

Accept responsibility for any mistakes you make: Everyone makes mistakes. The best plan of action is to correct them, learn from the experience, move on, and avoid dwelling on them.

Manage your stress: Working in health care can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Try to leave your work at work. Maintain your health by eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Watch for the early signs of burnout, and take action to prevent it. Use all of your vacation time each year, and give yourself the chance to relax and rejuvenate.

Keep track of your progress: Start a log of your work accomplishments, including procedures you’ve learned, problems you’ve solved, and the technical and soft skills you’re acquiring. This will help boost your confidence, and also makes it easier to remember these accomplishments during your reviews as well as update your resume; and sell your skills at your next interview.

Set clear boundaries regarding your work: You cannot compromise the care delivered to all patients to accommodate one particularly demanding patient. If you cannot take on tasks outside of your job duties, learn to say “no” without feeling guilty.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

Mastering the hard skills required of your job is only part of the equation. Interpersonal skills are just as important because your ability to become a respected and trusted source of knowledge and talent will surely help you grow in your career. Below are some tips on building the right kind of interpersonal relationships in your new position.

Observe the basic rules of good professional conduct: Dress professionally, arrive on time, and show courtesy and respect for all staff members and patients. Give others due credit for their work, and show your appreciation for any help or advice you receive. Don’t engage in malicious gossip or other destructive behaviors.

Be assertive, and communicate effectively: Assertive and positive communications, both giving and expecting to receive respect, will set the tone for successful conversations that will lead to a successful career.

Engage in problem-solving rather than complaining: Avoid complaining about how difficult your tasks are – even when your supervisor is out of sight. It is better to go to your supervisor and explain the problem, how you’ve tried to handle it, and what you feel you need to get the job done.

Try to make friends among your coworkers: Having friends at work can decrease your stress level and provide you with emotional support during difficult times.

Find a good mentor. A mentor can be invaluable in helping you to navigate your career path.

Maintain a positive attitude and enjoy yourself: You made the choice to become a rheumatology health care professional for a reason. Don’t forget that reason, whatever it was, and strive to enjoy the profession you have worked hard to join.

There are so many things to consider when you first begin your job search. It is important to treat you first job with great care. Look for opportunities to learn and grow; find ways of becoming a respected source of knowledge and talent, and eventually, you will find that your “job” has become a “career.”

Source: http://www.rheumatology.org/Education/Careers/Articles/Career_Development_Articles_-_Advice_for_Health_Care_New_Grads/

Health care has consistently been a bright spot in today’s recovering economy, and 2014 looks to be even brighter. Several factors will serve as boons for health care: Industry standards are changing as the Affordable Care Act comes into effect, emerging technologies will grow more common in health care facilities, and the economy is slated to continue growing. Perhaps most significantly, the aging baby boomer generation will continue to require care, which will affect the number of workers in the field. All of these elements will help one of the labor market’s strongest sectors welcome more workers in 2014.

CareerBuilder and MiracleWorkers.com — its job site for workers in a range of health care disciplines and experience levels — compiled the 10 best occupations in the industry for 2014. With increased access to services and an aging population, demand for health care labor will continue to grow this year, which is good news for job seekers in the industry. The best-paying, fastest-growing jobs are often found in allied health occupations, but nursing and certain specialty areas are expected to post strong job numbers as well.

The list was based on occupations that grew 6 percent or more from 2010 to 2013, are projected to add jobs in 2014, have at least 30,000 total jobs and fall within a higher-wage category of $22 per hour or more.*

1. Diagnostic medical sonographer Total employment in 2013: 60,273 Added 5,672 jobs from 2010-2013, up 10 percent Median hourly earnings: $31.77

2. Medical scientist (excluding epidemiologist)Total employment in 2013: 100,742 Added 9,076 jobs from 2010-2013, up 10 percent Median hourly earnings: $37.09

3. Physical therapist assistant Total employment in 2013: 72,445 Added 6,388 jobs from 2010-2013, up 10 percent Median hourly earnings: $25.08

4. Nurse anesthetist Total employment in 2013: 36,179 Added 3,010 jobs from 2010-2013, up 9 percent Median hourly earnings: $71.43

5. Marriage and family therapist Total employment in 2013: 42,238 Added 3,056 jobs from 2010-2013, up 8 percent Median hourly earnings: $22.40

6. Physical therapist Total employment in 2013: 208,096 Added 14,975 jobs from 2010-2013, up 8 percent Median hourly earnings: $37.96

7. Nurse practitioner Total employment in 2013: 110,545 Added 7,832 jobs from 2010-2013, up 8 percent Median hourly earnings: $43.26

8. Health educator Total employment in 2013: 58,626 Added 3,599 jobs from 2010-2013, up 7 percent Median hourly earnings: $23.46

9. Occupational therapist Total employment in 2013: 113,478 Added 6,368 jobs from 2010-2013, up 6 percent Median hourly earnings: $36.27

10. Respiratory therapist Total employment in 2013: 120,082 Added 6,728 jobs from 2010-2013, up 6 percent Median hourly earnings: $26.86

Technology and education changing the industry: Many of these jobs are seeing growth due to more widely available technologies, which enable more facilities to offer new services and hire more workers, accordingly. Similarly, as the Affordable Care Act continues to roll out, these new national health care options will result in more patients with health care providers, and these employers will need to meet the demand.

The addition of these new roles and evolving technology will also result in an emphasis on education and research roles, such as medical scientist or health educator. These rising roles focus on making new advancements in health care and sharing proven care information with the public.

For job seekers who want to be part of a growing field, develop some of today’s most sought-after skills and gain experience with the latest technology, health care could be the path to follow. As the economy continues to strengthen and 2014 gets underway, the health care industry will continue to be an important part of job creation and employing in-demand skilled workers.

Source: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-3604-Job-Info-and-Trends-Top-health-care-jobs-for-2014/

Check out these hot health care careers that are projected to grow at a rapid rate through 2020.

By John Loos

Loving what you do is great, but knowing your career will be there tomorrow is even better. And when it comes to booming fields, the health care industry is one that’s primed for growth.

In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the health care and social assistance industry should create 28 percent of all new jobs between 2010 and 2020. And when it comes to the industry itself, heath care is expected to increase by 33 percent (that’s 5.7 million jobs!) between 2010 and 2020.

Want to prepare to take your place in the health care field? Check out these five in-demand health care careers – and their educational paths.

Career #1 – Medical and Health Services Manager

If you want to take your leadership skills into the growing health care field, consider pursuing a career as a medical and health services manager.

As a medical and health services manager, you might plan, direct, and organize health services in an entire health care facility, or a specific department or clinical area, says U.S. Department of Labor. Daily duties could include handling a facility’s finances, creating work schedules, and making sure that health care services are delivered efficiently.

Growth by the numbers: The Department of Labor projects 22 percent job growth for medical and health services managers between 2010 and 2020. This is faster than average for all occupations the Department tracks. The increased number of clinics and outpatient facilities will require more managers to run them, says the Department.

Click to Find the Right Health Care Administration Program.

Education options: Look into earning a bachelor’s degree in health administration. According to the Department, prospective managers have this credential. But master’s degrees in health services, long-term care administration, public health, or business administration are also common.

Career #2 – Medical Assistant

If you are interested in working in a doctor’s office, consider preparing for a career in the in-demand field of medical assisting.

As a medical assistant, you could play a role in helping patients’ visits go smoothly from when they first walk in the door. Your duties might include measuring vital signs, assisting the physician with examinations, recording health information, and scheduling appointments, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Growth by the numbers: The need for medical assistants should continue to expand, as the Department of Labor projects 31 percent job growth between 2010 and 2020.

Click to Find the Right Medical Assisting Program.

Education options: Even though medical assistants can learn on the job, some employers may prefer candidates with formal education such as a certificate or associate’s degree in medical assisting, says the Department.

Career #3 – Registered Nurse

Ready to put your helpful nature to use in the largest health care field? Look into prepping to pursue a career in registered nursing.

As a registered nurse, you could work closely with patients by providing care, education, and emotional support. You might give patients medicines and treatments, observe their conditions, or perform diagnostic tests, says the U.S. Department of Labor.

Growth by the numbers: But even with such a large number of nurses, the Department of Labor projects the nursing field will continue to add 711,900 jobs between 2010 and 2020, an increase of 26 percent. A rise in preventative care and advancements in technology are expected to keep nurses in high demand, adds the Department.

Click to Find the Right Nursing Program.

Education options: To pursue a registered nursing career, you could earn a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (BSN), an associate’s degree in nursing (ASN), or a diploma from an approved nursing program, says the Department. From there, you’ll need to take the national licensing exam.

Career #4 – Physical Therapist Assistant

Want to enter an in-demand health care field where you could really play a hands-on role in helping patients restore their physical functionality? If so, a career as a physical therapist assistant could be a good fit.

Under the supervision of a physical therapist, you could help patients regain movement as they recover from injuries, illnesses, or surgery. Your role in the rehabilitation process could include assisting patients with techniques (massage, stretching) and therapeutic methods like electrical stimulation and mechanical traction, says the U.S. Department of Labor.

Growth by the numbers: The Department of Labor projects the employment for physical therapist assistants will increase by 46 percent between 2010 and 2020. An increased number of elderly patients for therapy services could be a major factor in the rising need for physical therapy assistants, adds the Department.

Click to Find the Right Physical Therapy Assistance Program.

Education options: To get ready to pursue a physical therapy assistant career, most states require candidates to earn an associate’s degree in physical therapy assistance from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, according to the Department.

Career #5 – Pharmacy Technician

Prefer a health care career that is less hands-on? Consider pursuing a career in the growing pharmacy technician field.

Pharmacy technicians can be responsible for counting pills, filling prescriptions, providing customer service, and fulfilling administrative tasks under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Growth by the numbers: The Department of Labor projects 32 percent job growth between 2010 and 2020. A continued increase in older customers who tend to buy more prescriptions could play a role in this booming field.

Click to Find the Right Pharmacy Technician Program.

Education options: Although most pharmacy technicians learn their duties on the job, some candidates earn a certificate through a pharmacy technician program, according to the Department.

Source: http://education.yahoo.net/articles/booming_health_care_careers.htm

Looking for a career with legs? Here’s why healthcare is a great choice.

1. You’ll be in demand!

Healthcare is the fastest growing job sector in the workforce. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2004, of the 30 fastest growing occupations in the entire labor market, about half are jobs in the allied health fields. Think of the job opportunities there will be.

2. Healthcare pays

According to the U. S. Department of Labor, with an associate degree, in some fields you can make as much as $80-100,000 (if you rank in the top 10% of salaries). If you go for a higher degree, you can also make a good living and do more than just pay your bills.

3. Choices, choices, choices

There are lots of different opportunities in healthcare something for everyone. You can work in med tech, labs, or directly with patients in hospitals, homes, or clinics.

4. Get a free education

You can get your education paid for. Due to the staffing shortages in the industry, you can find employers and government scholarships to cover your educational costs.

5. You’ll feel needed

Working in healthcare make a difference in people’s lives. Caring for people and helping others lead healthy lives is satisfying and important.

6. Meet different people

Healthcare workers interact with different people everyday, including patients, doctors, medical staff. In some fields, you’ll interact with researchers, technology experts, or scientists.

7. Health care is exciting

You never know what’s going to happen, and have to stay one your toes, solve problems and make good decisions. Every day is different.

8. You can move up

There are lots of opportunities for advancement in healthcare. You can get promoted or move up to related healthcare fields that pay more. Physical therapists and paramedics make up a large part of programs for future physician assistants, a job that pays $80-100,000.

9. Variety

You can change specialties. If you’re interested in pediatrics or prosthetics, you can move into those areas when the opportunities arise.

10. The world is your oyster: travel far and wide

You can take it on the road! Healthcare jobs are in demand everywhere. With portable skills, you can go where you want.

Source: http://allhealthcare.monster.com/careers/articles/127-10-reasons-to-get-into-a-healthcare-career

It’s rewarding working in the medical industry. There are various career opportunities for people from all educational backgrounds. Therefore, individuals who do not want to be around blood can work as administrative specialists. Even though all medical jobs can be stressful, it’s a very rewarding field to work in.Excellent Job StabilityHealthcare professions have exceptional job growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that half of the 20 fastest growing jobs are located within the field of healthcare. You can get a job in this rapidly growing industry. The country’s population is aging. More Americans are in need of continued medical treatments. Therefore, there will always be people relying on medical professionals. You can get employed anywhere nationwide.Earnings and BenefitsMedical professionals earn competitive wages and typically enjoy flexible work schedules. Most healthcare workers receive generous benefits, including health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid vacations. Healthcare professionals employed at hospitals usually earn more money than workers at other clinics. Healthcare workers who do not supervise others earn hourly wages averaging $18.08. If you specialize or obtain additional education, your earnings will increase. Hospitals operate 24/7, so hospital employees work early morning, afternoon, and night shifts to meet hospital demands. If you’re a night person, you could request to work nights. You determine where and what time to work. Some hospitals provide tuition reimbursement and paid training to employees committing to work for a specified period of time following graduation. Many hospitals offer continuing education via college programs. Fast Paced EnvironmentEvery day differs in the healthcare industry. This field provides many challenges. You’ll meet new patients daily. Each one has varying struggles and issues to be assessed and resolved. You frequently handle life and death scenarios. Hospital life can be fast-paced. You’ll be pushed to your limits working at a hospital and learn how to solve problems. Additionally, you’ll be constantly learning new things. Technology is altering how medical specialists provide care, so you must stay up to date with new technology and procedures. An Opportunity to Help people in the healthcare industry, you assist and work closely with people every day. Families trust you with the lives of their loved ones. You assist people recovering and healing from serious injuries and diseases, so many people will be appreciative of the consideration with which you perform your duties. Patients are struggling with various health problems. They’re concerned about their families, health, and overall wellbeing. Many healthcare workers develop personal relationships with patients. Patients remember how you cared for them and vice versa. Is there greater service that can be offered than helping one recover from health problems? Individual lives are changed by the work of medical professionals. Employment in the healthcare industry is rewarding. Most healthcare jobs are secure and well paying. It can be demanding work, but assisting others is worth it. Begin a career in this rewarding field today.

Source: http://www.healthcareercenter.org/working-in-healthcare.html

Two new CDC reports that discuss healthcare-associated infections were covered on one of last night’s national news broadcasts, in several major US newspapers, by wires, and on several websites. All of the articles quote Dr. Mike Bell, deputy director of the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion at the CDC, and many quote CDC Director Tom Frieden. NBC Nightly News (3/26, story 11, 0:20, Williams) reported that CDC data indicate that “one in 25 hospital patients pick up an infection during their hospital stay.”

According to the AP (3/27), the “report suggests hospital infections are not as common as previously” believed.

USA Today (3/27, Painter) reports that “the report, based on a survey conducted in 183 hospitals in 10 states in 2011, updates a previous estimate of 1.7 million infections a year.” The earlier “estimate, issued” about seven years ago, “was based on different study methods, so the numbers can’t be directly compared, officials say.” However, “‘the trend looks like there are fewer infections,’ than in the past, says…Bell,” who added, “It makes sense because of all the efforts we’ve made to reduce infections.”

The New York Times (3/27, Tavernise, Subscription Publication) reports that “Dr. Bell said that improvements at hospitals were an important part of the drop in infections, but added that other forces were at work, such as changes in the” US’ “medical landscape.” The Times points out that “more than 60 percent of operations are performed outside of hospitals, in outpatient facilities…and much of the care that used to happen in hospital wards is shifting to nursing homes.” This may “account for part of the drop in the rate of infections only hospitals are included in the report and Dr. Bell said health officials were working to broaden their data collection to include nursing homes and outpatient facilities.”

The Washington Post (3/27, Bernstein) reports that the research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, indicated that “the most common infections are pneumonia (22 percent), surgical site infections (22 percent), gastrointestinal infections (17 percent), urinary tract infections (13 percent), and bloodstream infections (10 percent).”

The NPR (3/26, Harris) “Shots” blog reports that researchers found that among those who acquired an infection, approximately 11 percent died.

McClatchy (3/27, White, Subscription Publication) reports that in a statement, Frieden said, “Although there has been some progress, today and every day, more than 200 Americans with health care-associated infections will die during their hospital stay.”

According to the CBS News (3/27, Firger) website, the CDC released a second report, “based on data between 2008 and 2012,” that “found some common infections at hospitals are becoming less prevalent.” This report indicated that “there was a 44-percent decrease in central line-associated bloodstream infections.”

Modern Healthcare (3/27, Rice, Subscription Publication) reports that this report also found “a 20% decrease in infections related to 10 surgical procedures, including colon surgery, cardiac surgery, hip and knee replacements, and abdominal and vaginal hysterectomies.” Additionally, “between 2011 and 2012, there was also a 4% decrease in hospital-acquired MRSA and a 2% decrease in hospital-onset C. difficile infections.” While “most infections were decreasing nationwide, some, such as catheter associated urinary tract infections, have increased.”

Source: AMA News Today

At least half of job seekers with mobile devices spend three or more hours searching for jobs on their devices each week, according to CareerBuilder’s Candidate Behavior study.

If you want to break it down by device, nearly half (49 percent) of candidates use their smartphones and nearly 3 in 5 (59 percent) do so via their tablets.

The 2013 Candidate Behavior Study, a survey of 5,518 job seekers and 2,775 hiring managers nationwide,highlights the disconnect between what candidates expect during the job search process and what employers deliver.

Source: CareerBuilder / Deanna Hartley

Have you considered a career in nursing? It’s a very rewarding career, both monetarily and emotionally. Making a difference in people’s lives and bringing them hope and cheer is not something that you can achieve in just about any career. Read on to know why the nursing career is so rewarding.

1. There is great demand for nurses at present and this demand is projected to rise by 2020, by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The job opportunities in this career field will be astounding for the right candidates.

2. Nurses make excellent wages; an average registered nurse makes more than $52,000 a year and more experienced and specialized nurses make over $72,000.

3. A nurse can work in different kinds of establishments, each offering unique work environments. For example, a nurse can work in hospitals, schools, home care facilities, government agencies, and so on.

4. Nurses can work in flexible schedules, and take up shifts as desired. Shifts are between 4 to 12 hours a day, and a nurse can opt for the best shifts to accommodate other side jobs or education opportunities.

5. As a nurse, you’ll make a huge difference in people’s lives. A caring and compassionate nurse is considered as a guardian angel by patients. This can be a very satisfying and gratifying career for the compassionate.

6. As a nurse, you get the opportunity to interact with patients, medical staff, doctors and administrators every day. This gives you the opportunity to learn from other careers and add to your knowledge base, while sharpening your interpersonal skills.

7. You’ll never know what’s going to happen at any given point in time. there’s constant excitement and challenge in a nurse’s life. You have the opportunity to make swift decisions, learn each day and never get bored, as each day is different.

Read more at: http://nursinglink.monster.com/education/articles/311-20-reasons-why-you-should-be-a-nurse