It’s been touched on before but the news keeps coming – not only is the health care field one of the most dominant sources of new jobs but the industry’s move to digital records is fueling a growth in information technology jobs that is almost unmatched in any other sector.

An article on azcentral.com (the website for the Arizona Republic newspaper) states that the Department of Labor expects the health care field to add 50,000 jobs to help with the conversion to digital medical records. States are implementing electronic health information exchanges that allow doctors to share information seamlessly. The federal government is also helping by providing $116 million in workforce training grants to community colleges and graduate-level programs.

Hospitals in Arizona have already begun the process of conversion and are boasting bigger health care IT staffs. The current trend appears to be that larger practices are hiring their own IT workers and smaller and medium-sized practices are relying on consultants or software vendors. And what’s more, many of the IT workers are current health care force employees.

GateWay Community College in Phoenix, which benefitted from a federal grant to help students cover tuition costs, has enrolled 225 students in six certificate programs through the Management of Clinical Information Technology program. They include:

• Consulting
• Implementation Support
• Technical Support
• Technology Training
• Implementation Management
• Workflow/Management Redesign

Heidi Hutchins, director of the Management of Clinical Information Technology program at GateWay said the program initially was filled with laid-off IT workers at the height of the recession. But now, most of the students are current health care workers who are adding to their skill set, looking for a promotion or even a new job.

“Most of the high-skilled IT folks have found other jobs,” Hutchins said. “A lot of the folks we are seeing are working in health care.”

Banner Health, Arizona’s largest hospital system, has hired about 60 IT workers over the past year with some coming from outside the company and others within the company who were clinical workers looking to get into the IT field. Banner has seen nurses, physical therapists and other clinical workers converting to IT jobs. And, current health care workers seem to respond better to a former clinical worker who is trained in IT because they know medical language and understand how doctors and nurses do their jobs.

“IT people have changed over time,” said Tina Angle, a recruiter for Banner Health. “They are almost sales people. They really have to interact with physicians and the clinical aside of the house.”

Stay tuned to HosiptalDreamJobs.com for all the latest health care job postings whether it’s in IT or on the clinical side of care. Results of a recent survey taken by thousands of job seekers put HospitalDreamJobs in the top 30 of among 150,000 job boards and social media sites, according to The Leader Board.

If you’re looking into a healthcare career then you’ve come to the right place. Hospital Dream Jobs is your source for the latest news and trends affecting the healthcare industry and we also periodically give you tips and insight into finding that perfect job. If you’re in the process of going to school or looking into a career change and wondering whether a job in healthcare is right for you, it’s always best to make a list of pros and cons and ask yourself the right questions.

In an article posted on explorehealthcareers.org, six questions are posted which we think, based on your answers, are good indicators of whether you should continue your pursuit of being a doctor, nurse, physician’s assistant or whatever health career you may be looking into. Check them out below.

1. Do you like to deal with people?

In some sectors, it’s all about people. Nurses, pediatricians and occupational therapists need to have what is commonly referred to as a “warm bedside manner.” If interacting daily with people, and sometimes very sick people, does not appeal to you, a career in healthcare isn’t over, you just might prefer being in the medical lab, working in pathology or even medical illustration.

1. Are you comfortable with science?

If high school chemistry was more or less a foreign language that you barely escaped with a C-, then perhaps taking college level courses of the same fare is not the best idea. Most health careers require you to be a strong science student and some require intensive work in chemistry, physics and biology, just to name a few.

1. Are you prepared to keep up with developments in your field?

Getting a diploma doesn’t mean that your education and studies are over. Most health professionals need continuing education credits and to really stay up on the fast paced changes in the medical world, you’ll need to study and learn throughout your whole career.

1. Are you comfortable in a health care setting?

If you have your sights set on working in a hospital or doctor’s office, then you’ll need to be prepared to deal with sick and dying people. If dealing with patients is not your thing, then you might want to turn your attention to pharmacies, laboratories, and medical libraries just to name a few.

1. Are you a team player?

Successful patient care requires a team working and communicating together. If you prefer working alone or don’t like being managed or managing then you might have difficulty finding your niche in healthcare.

1. What lifestyle do you envision?

If you thrive on long days and high stress, life and death decisions, then a career in the emergency room might be for you. If you’d rather have set hours with a work life balance, there are other careers in healthcare that will suit you. Carefully study the hours and demands of whatever position you are looking into, if it’s something you might have a hard time embracing then perhaps your focus should fit more with what you can live with.

And whatever career you decide on, always check out Hospital Dream Jobs for that dream career in whatever health profession you choose.

If you’re looking for a career in healthcare you’ve come to the right place – now and in the future. According to a 24/7 Wall St. article, healthcare jobs rate quite favorably for being the best paying jobs during the decade of 2008-2018. Much of this is accredited to the Baby Boomer crowd (the first Baby Boomers turn 65 this year) whose large number will increasingly need more healthcare professionals to care for them.

The jobs reviewed were taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ National Employment Matrix which provides projected growth between 2008 and 2018 for 750 major job categories. The study identified jobs that are going to add the largest number of new positions (greater than a 20 percent increase) and then selected those with a median annual income of at least $60,000.

Of the top 10 jobs identified, dental hygienists rank #9 on the list. Dental hygienists work alongside of dentists, clean teeth and assist in surgery. Total new jobs expected between the years of 2008-2018 are just under 63,000 (a 36.1 percent increase) and the position has a median income of $68,250. Those who live in Michigan, Idaho and Utah will have a leg up as these are the states with the most dental hygienist jobs per capita.

Coming in at #5 are physicians and surgeons. This career path is exploding not only from the expected increase in population (several million a year) but a high number of physicians and surgeons are also expected to retire during the 2008-2018 period. The increase in demand has been calculated at nearly 22 percent and the median income for this position is between $94,000 and $153,000. It was noted that the level of training is one of the most difficult but the potential payoff is high. Those living in New Mexico, West Virginia and Wyoming will fare better at findings jobs than in other parts of the country.

The #1 job is Registered Nurses with an expected 581,500 (a 22.2 percent increase) new jobs opening during the years of 2008 and 2018. Registered Nurses, or RNs, provide basic medical treatment, manage patient records and are the primary providers of long-term care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes, “Growth will be driven by technological advances in patient care, which permit a greater number of health problems to be treated, and by an increasing emphasis on preventive care.” Like dental hygienists, the demand for RNs is being fueled by the Baby Boomers who, as they age, will push the demand for nursing care. The median income is $64,690 and people living in Rhode Island, South Dakota and Massachusetts will have the best chance at finding a job in this field.

The job market in the healthcare industry is better than ever-with much opportunity attached. Even the experts agree.

So, a career in healthcare is what you really want. You love the idea of helping people from within the medical profession. But, the sight of your own blood makes you faint. Therefore, a career in healthcare is out.

Not so fast. There are a number of healthcare related jobs that allow people just like you to assist doctors, nurses and their patients, and you’ll never have to touch a needle. If this sounds like a good deal, then perhaps a Medical Coding profession is the career for you. Medical coders work in the offices of clinics, hospitals and private practices. Coding professionals are considered key players in the healthcare workplace as they fulfill a part of the overall healthcare team to help provide the highest patient care.

There are several variations to being a medical coding professional. But first, a medical coder is someone who translates healthcare providers’ diagnostic and procedural phrases into coded form for reporting purposes to a healthcare insurance company. Medical coding professionals work in a variety of healthcare settings, including inpatient and outpatient facilities and in non-provider settings like third-party payers and healthcare software vendors.

Typical medical coding positions include Hospital Outpatient Coder, Hospital Inpatient Coder, Hospital Coding Manager and Professional Fee Coder. These positions generally have the same responsibilities just in different settings. For example, whether you are an Inpatient or Outpatient Coder, you will assign codes for diagnoses, treatments and procedures according to the appropriate classification system of the healthcare provider. A Coding Manager has typical managerial duties as far as hiring, training and managing the overall coding database. A Professional Fee Coder has similar responsibilities to the Inpatient and Outpatient Coders but focuses on the cost of healthcare services.

 A successful coder will have completed an American Health Information Management Association  (AHIMA) approved Coding Certificate program and have an associate’s degree or two years equivalent work experience. Certification programs are often taught online which allow people to work their day jobs while studying for the certification tests. Coders should be very good with numbers and attentive to details.

The demand for medical coding professionals is expected to rise and grow much faster than the average field. There are a number of certifications and accreditations available for medical coders so knowing what is available and which one will serve you best is crucial for anyone looking into a medical coding career. Don’t forget to check out our job board to see the current listings for medical coders!

First, all of us at Hospital Dream Jobs would like to wish you a happy, healthy New Year. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide the information and inspiration you need to follow your dreams as you pursue a career in healthcare. 2011 is sure to be memorable as a new legislative session gets under way in Washington and healthcare reforms begin to take shape. This week I decided to take a look at what is going on in the world of Physician Assistants.

In November, PA Karen Bass made national headlines when she was elected to Congress, the first PA to serve at this level. No stranger to the spotlight, Ms. Bass made history in 2008 when she was elected to be the Speaker for the California Assembly – the first African American woman in the country to serve in this legislative role. The American Association of Physician Assistants (AAPA) issued a press release after Bass’s election saying they looked “forward to the patient-centered health care perspective Bass is likely to bring to both the U.S. House of Representatives and the impending debates about health care reform implementation.”

Bass was a PA at the Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center where she practiced in an integrated team-based model of health care delivery that allows physicians, PAs and other non-physician providers more time with patients. This approach is considered by some to be the wave of the future as our healthcare system struggles under the burden of ever-rising costs, decreasing numbers of physicians and burgeoning numbers of patients.

As licensed and certified health care professionals, PAs practice medicine with physician supervision and bring a wide array of knowledge and skills to patient care. They perform a variety of procedures from conducting physical exams to diagnosing illnesses to assisting in surgery and more. In a survey conducted by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) 94% of PA’s employers reported that PAs helped increase the number of patients seen and 91% said that PAs enabled them to allow patients more time to ask questions during their office visits. In this same survey, 99% of the employers raved about the high-quality, compassionate care provided by their PAs.

 In 2010 the Six Key Elements of a Modern Physician Assistant Practice Act (elements address licensure, prescriptive authority, scope of practice, supervision requirements, chart co-signature requirements and the number of PAs a physician may supervise) was introduced.  Many state PA chapters hope to emphasize these elements to their state policy makers as the states look at making these and other changes to the delivery of patient care in advance of implementing federal health care reform.

This is going to be a groundbreaking year, not just for PAs, but for everyone working in healthcare and we at Hospital Dream Jobs look forward to accompanying you on the journey as you forge ahead in your healthcare careers!

I talk a lot about being a stand-out on the job as one of the ways to help you get a job and keep a job. One of the ways to stand out is to take the high road when faced with conflict or criticism on the job. This will help you to develop a reputation for being thoughtful, mature and resilient.

My friend Pamela recently found herself in the painfully classic position of being hired into a management role over someone who had been there longer and felt the position should have been hers. Amy, the management wannabe, shares her bitterness vocally and regularly in Pamela’s presence, continually complaining of how the boss treats her unfairly and also pointing out every one of Pamela’s mistakes.

Rather than react emotionally as would certainly be one’s natural inclination, Pamela has listened impartially, nodded empathetically, and after she feels Amy’s had enough venting time, redirects Amy’s attention to a task or project that needs immediate action.

It’s a daily challenge, trying not to be distracted or influenced by Amy’s negativity, but it may pay off in the end. Pamela’s boss said to her in passing one day, “You’ve been very indulgent with Amy’s behavior. We value her work, but we’re aware of what’s going on and this will be dealt with. Thanks for your patience.”

Adam was training for a new job and after three weeks was called into the boss’s office for a meeting. The training period had been rough and Adam was feeling discouraged, especially when his boss, John, raked him over the coals. His judgment was called into question as was his commitment to the position. Adam felt unfairly judged on many counts and was quite hurt and angry. But he listened impartially, took notes, repeated back what he heard to be sure he understood, apologized for his mistakes and perceived offenses and presented his side of the story.

He went into work the next day determined not to nurse his hurt feelings and to think the best of John (John was, after all, a highly talented man whom Adam respected and had wanted to work with). Not long into the day, John said to him, “I really appreciated that we could talk yesterday. That we could tell each other how we feel, get it all out in the open and move on without having to come in today walking on pins and needles – that we can work together without feeling uncomfortable.”

Adam gave himself a big pat on the back. This was a big step for him because had the previous day’s encounter taken place just a few years earlier, it probably would have become a major confrontation. But now Adam is glad that he had the foresight to react as he did.

The moral of the story? Take the high road. Or as they say at my daughter’s elementary school: STP – Stop Think Plan.

1. Stop – Don’t react emotionally. Stop the behavior when possible.
2. Think – Listen and carefully consider the situation and the other person’s feelings.
3. Plan – Be intentional about your words and actions.

My final words of wisdom: If you’re not sure how to handle a conflict in the workplace go to your supervisor, your HR manager or ask a respected friend for advice.

One way to stay ahead of the competition in this tough job market is to continually expand your specialized knowledge and skills. This is true of all fields, but in particular for people in the medical field. Even doctors will only stay employed or keep their practice open if they have a consistent number of patients who are happy with services.

Recently, I signed up for a new health plan and was given a huge directory of doctors. I went through those names one-by-one narrowing it down to 3 or 4.  Then I hit the internet to learn more about them. I was looking for the standouts.

To be a standout, you should:

1. Expand your knowledge and skills, keep your resume and bio current, and make sure that any directories and marketing materials that include your bio are kept current as well.
2. Try to regularly scan the headlines of your favorite publications, and schedule time each week to go back and read the articles that seemed most relevant.
3. Follow your peers and various organizations on Twitter and Facebook. This can also help keep you in the loop.
4. Don’t just go to whatever seminar flies across your radar that fits into your schedule and fulfills your CEUs. Instead, try to be proactive and stay aware of current trends that are relevant to your client base.
5. Consider some new types of education. This week I read about the University of Carolina’s Nutrition in Medicine program, now available online and accessible to med students and practicing physicians across the nation. This fills a void left by med schools that offer little or no nutrition education and could help you be a standout.

How important is it to be a standout? Do you have other ideas on how to be one?  Let us know in the comments section. We look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Recently we were pleased to meet with Paul Knoch, an HR administrator with 17 years of experience in the industry.  Paul told us about the challenges and fun parts of his job, as well as how the economy is affecting current employees and applicants.

HDJ- What draws you to a candidate in an interview?

Paul- First impressions do count. I look for a confident demeanor as well as the usual first impression things like how they are dressed, if they are on time, etc.

HDJ- What makes the caution flag fly for you?

Paul- If someone appears really nervous (some nervous is normal) or if they interrupt. I had an applicant interrupt me many times on the phone and when she talked with the department manager, she did the same thing. When we didn’t hire her, she asked why. I told her why. By the way, she was interviewing for a customer service position.

In addition, someone who is trying too hard, who is overly friendly or tries to oversell themselves doesn’t work for me. Being too forward, taking a phone call during the interview (that has happened) or appearing distracted are also red flags. In a competitive market, those behaviors will quickly put someone to the bottom of the list.

HDJ- Do you have a lot of applicants right now?

Paul- It has doubled or tripled from a year or two ago. Also our turnover has decreased. So it makes it tough with not as many positions open.

HDJ- How have things changed?

Paul- One change I have seen is that people are less likely to quit a job even if they aren’t totally satisfied with it. With fewer jobs available, I think employees aren’t confident that they will find a better job so they are more willing to try to make things work where they are at.

Another change is that it’s an employer’s market right now with all the massive applicants available. Five or six years ago it was the opposite and employers were throwing perks out to entice employees to come on board.

HDJ- Have you seen many people apply from out of state?

Paul- Currently, fifty percent of applicants come from out of state. With our organization, people commonly come because they want to find meaning in their job. It’s not about money. It’s about being part of an organization that they care about and support.

HDJ-Has the recession made your job harder in any way?

Paul- The recession has been tough on all of us I think. I really feel for the people who call and share their life situation, hoping for a job even when we don’t have openings. It’s heartbreaking. I think most people who call are realistic and know we can’t create a position but they are trying to make contacts. One thing I have done is refer some to other organizations that might have openings through a network of emails.

HDJ- That’s certainly above and beyond. What’s difficult about your job?

P- Probably the most difficult part is walking the line between what state and federal laws require and what feels appropriate and compassionate in a situation. They don’t always line up. Sometimes I have to treat people based on HR laws and what I want to do is feel compassion and help people. Also, sometimes ADA and FMLA conflict each other. For instance, privacy laws say you can’t access people’s medical records. And yet, in a situation like FMLA, medical records are needed.

I have done things that I think are right and they may not necessarily be “HR-approved”. Sometimes you have to be courageous. It might mean talking to an employee about a situation instead of letting them go. It might mean that there is a grey area and I have to determine what is best, compassionate and within regulations all at the same time.

HDJ- What do you enjoy about your job in Human Resources?

Paul- I work with great people. There is a lot of variety and fun in my job. I interact, lead staff events, provide training, connect with them on social sites and more. Even the challenging part of confronting someone is good because I can help someone learn and grow and develop as worker-especially the younger people. To some small degree, I am helping with that.

Jobs are a big part of our life. But job satisfaction is less than fifty percent. And a lot of times it stems from how the employee is treated versus what they are being paid. So it’s very rewarding when things that I have intentionally done create a positive impact.

HDJ- This is great information, Paul. Thanks for your time!

It’s a tough economy right now and certainly not the easiest time to find employment.

Take for instance, two close family members of mine. They are both well-educated and experienced in the film production industry. But six years ago, they moved from California to Oregon. This year, they moved back to California and are struggling immensely to find jobs in their arena. After four months, one of them finally found a starter position in administration in the industry but it is low-pay and his entire paycheck won’t even cover their rent. And she found herself interviewing for a barista position the other day-discouraged that her Dream Job in the film industry is not yet to be found. I stress that they are very experienced in their arenas. But apparently six years out of state was detrimental to getting their Dream Jobs back-in spite of the networking and industry volunteering they are doing while there.

I encourage you to keep your job skills and networking current-even if you are gainfully employed and think you will be there forever. If this economy has taught us anything-it is that no job is truly secure. We’ve seen huge companies take losses and close and people with twenty years plus seniority kicked to the curb. Our economy and employment rates may improve-but no one else will watch your back better than you.

Although the biggest argument I hear against this is the lack of time to network, etc, I want to stress the priority of it to you. If the unthinkable happens, you will regret not finding the time to keep current. So make it a goal and invest some time in this now by:

1. Remain educated in your field. Don’t hesitate to take continuing education workshops or even take classes toward an upper degree in your field. If the time comes, someone with current education is much more valuable than someone who hasn’t continued their education in many years. Education, of course, will benefit you personally too.

2. Stay online. Odd, I know. But while you’ve likely been happily employed for the past several years, the job search has moved mostly online. Familiarize yourself with job listings, who is hiring in your industry and don’t hesitate to look at the financials of public companies. Scour industry websites, newsletters and blogs. Learn as much as you can.

3. Improve your platform online. When a Twitter friend I know was laid off from his insurance position, he held over 50 “informational interviews” with various companies. Basically, he messaged us and asked for one to learn more about the companies we are with. Many of us gave him some time and due to this network, he has had several job offers. So dig up that old Twitter account and start making yourself valuable to your followers online. Already on Facebook or Linked In? Find friends in your industry and become a resource to them. Join the groups and answer questions when you can. Also consider other social sites in your industry.

4. Make some contacts. Remember that doctor you met at a conference last year? You still have his business card in your briefcase. Set aside a couple of hours each month to connect with people via email or phone, even if you just leave a voicemail. Or send them a card in the mail with your business card and thank them for the time they spent with you/class they taught, etc.

5. Stay technologically current. This can be difficult, but is important. You will be at an extreme disadvantage in future job searching if you don’t use email, know how to navigate a website, can’t use Microsoft Excel etc. What’s an I-Pad? Find out, if you don’t know. For good technical advice, read some tech blogs and keep up with the changes in the industry. Also consider learning software specific to your industry.

6. Keep your resume and references current. Keep your resume on the computer and add to it as you increase your learning, skills and job duties. And remember that someone who was a reference when you were job searching six years ago may not remember you well today. Find current references who can and will give a glowing report.

Following these tips will serve you well when and if you need to find a new job. You will already be halfway to your goal.

Job search video on how to effectively network and find hidden jobs. Please note that there is a short 10 second advertisement before the video plays.

Click to view the video: Finding Hidden Jobs