Editor's Note Although job creation slowed markedly last month due to twin hurricanes and a labor impasse, healthcare employment led overall job creation in October, according to a Nov 1 report from CNBC. That article cites the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), also released Nov 1.…

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Editor's Note Although women are underrepresented in high-compensation medical specialties, new research shows a significant increase in female applicants and matriculants to surgical specialties specifically. Published September 30 in JAMA Network, the study found that the proportion of women entering high-compensation surgical specialties rose from 28.8% to 42.4%. In contrast,…

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Editor's Note Healthcare employment in the US rose by 45,000 from September to October, according to the latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), released October 4. That is compared to an overall monthly gain of 254,000 in August and below  the average monthly gain of 57,000 over…

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For many healthcare facilities, operational costs are steadily rising, and no clearcut solution is in sight. However, some hospital systems are gradually reclaiming control over their budgets by finding ways to stabilize their finances and improve workforce morale. During the pandemic, many hospitals turned to short-term contract labor as a…

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Takeaways Providers are generally seeking to reduce use of travelers through strategies such as float pools, training programs, and cultural reforms. However, travelers remain useful as a bridge to permanent staff and for difficult-to-fill positions. Best practices for selection, onboarding, team integration, and performance evaluation are essential for maximizing return…

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Editor's Note A new report by Mercer projects a national surplus of 30,000 nurses by 2028, but significant shortages will remain in some states and rural areas where healthcare access is already limited, according to a September 15 report in MedCity News.  For example, New York is projected to face…

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Editor's Note Data from Fitch Ratings indicates hospital wage inflation is “leveling off,” Becker’s Hospital Review reported September 9, calling the report “good news” amid continued payroll increases and labor shortages. According to Becker's, key takeaways of the data include: Year-over-year average hourly earnings growth for hospital employees dropped 3%…

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Editor's Note Healthcare employment in the US rose by 31,000 from August to September, according to the latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), released September 6. That is compared to an overall monthly gain of 142,000 in August. Healthcare employment also trended up in ambulatory healthcare services,…

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Takeaways • Surgical volume continues to increase for most organizations. • Staffing remains a challenge, although some parameters, such as recruiting and turnover, have improved slightly. • Filling an open RN position takes an average of 77 days, and filling a surgical technologist position takes an average of 120 days.…

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Editor's Note A bill in California that aims to increase oversight of private equity healthcare investments is receiving support from consumer advocates, labor unions, and the California Medical Association and opposition from hospitals worried about losing funding sources, the Los Angeles Times reported August 9. Sponsored by Attorney General Rob…

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