A new partnership could end up creating more Arizona nursing jobs.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America and Health Options Worldwide are teaming up to expand healthcare options and accessibility to cancer patients at regional hospitals in Phoenix, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Tulsa.

The new partnership will allow HOW clients to access both diagnostics and treatment options at CTCA facilities. The centers offer a number of unique, state-of-the-art care options, including nutrition therapy, naturopathic medicine, pain management, oncology rehabilitation, mind-medicine and spiritual support.

"One key to high quality and better cost across USA healthcare is empowering patients to know the quality, price and value offered by their healthcare providers," Steve Bonner, president and CEO of CTCA, said in a statement. "HOW is at the heart of this innovation though their presence on the Internet.

"Our partnership with HOW advances our shared commitment to empower patients with information to make healthcare decisions that help them achieve their life and health goals," he continued. "We have integrated our new diagnostic package into this agreement in response to what we know patients value: rapid answers; personalized, quality care; and a commitment to their needs."

HOW is an online healthcare management system that provides comprehensive solutions for employers and insurers, including affordable medical travel for sick or injured patients, and proactive wellness options for healthy patients.

"We are excited to align with Cancer Treatment Centers of America and better equip patients with the resources they need to find the treatment facility that gives them the best chance to beat their cancer," HOW President David Goldstein said. "Our online health and wellness system not only helps patients identify healthcare providers, but also helps employers facilitate medical travel for their employees - all based on their individual needs."

Labels: Arizona nursing jobs

Those with Arizona nursing jobs will be better prepared for a public health emergency thanks to a new round of federal funding.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently awarded an $11,894,000 Prevention Health Emergency preparedness grant to the State of Arizona. The funding will help to ensure the safety of state residents in case of a public health emergency.

All 50 states, eight territories, and four cities are sharing the CDC Public Health Emergency grant. Funds are aimed at advancing public health preparedness for laboratory testing; surveillance and
epidemiological investigation; community preparedness; distribution of protective medicine in an emergency; emergency operations coordination; and emergency public information and warning.

"Although Arizona is already well prepared in the event of a public health emergency, this funding will
add an additional layer of protection to ensure a rapid response," Gov. Jan Brewer said in a statement. "Arizona received high marks on the last CDC report card on public health preparedness. I have no doubt that, with continued cooperation between the state and local and tribal officials, Arizona will remain a leader in emergency preparedness."

About 83 percent of the funding, which is being handled by the Arizona Department of Health Services, will be given to local governments and tribes for resources and training supplies. This will benefit those with registered nursing jobs Arizona (Click here) and other healthcare professionals.

A good chunk of the money will be used to enhance an existing statewide communication system that allows ADHS to coordinate with local hospitals and county health departments during a public emergency.

"These funds will allow Arizona’s public health system to remain poised and on its toes," ADHS Director Will Humble said. "We have, and will maintain, the critical infrastructure needed for a coordinated and effective response to any public health emergency."

Labels: Arizona nursing jobs, Registered nursing jobs in Arizona

Many Arizona nursing jobs will be created by a new cancer therapy clinic.

Mayo Clinic is planning to build a new multi-site Proton Beam Therapy Program with locations in Phoenix, Ariz., and Rochester, N.Y. Those facilities will create thousands of new jobs and treat about 2,480 patients each year by the time both sites open in early 2016.

The new facilities are being funded in part by a $100 million gift from Philanthropist Richard O. Jacobson, a long-time patient of the clinic. Both projects will cost more than $400 million to complete and Mayo will ask for help from other philanthropists to cover the cost gap.

"My dream has always been to establish a major new facility for Mayo Clinic," Jacobson said in a statement. "I began going to Mayo for my care when I was a child and continue to get my care there. Mayo Clinic makes a profound impact on people."

Proton beam therapy is considered to be advanced when compared to traditional radiotherapy, because the proton beam only targets the tumor, sparing the surrounding tissue and organs. Mayo's proton beam program will use the most advanced technology available, causing fewer side effects for patients.

"Our goal is to reduce the burden of cancer for patients and family members," Robert Foote, M.D., chair of Mayo Clinic's Department of Radiation Oncology, said. "We want to preserve normal organ function and optimize patients' quality and length of life."

Currently, more than 20,000 patients receive cancer care at Mayo Clinic. The hospital system has three cancer programs in Phoenix, Rochester, and Jacksonville, Fla. All of those locations will benefit from the clinic's proton beam technology.

Labels: Arizona nursing jobs

Anyone looking for Arizona nursing jobs may have had better luck during May, as the state's education and healthcare industry was among the few that added workers.

During May, Arizona's unemployment rate increased from 9.5 percent to 9.6 percent, which was the same rate the state experienced during March. Despite the recent increase, however, Arizona's rate was slightly lower than the national average at the time of 9.7 percent.

Arizona had a total non-farm employment of 2,417,000 workers during May, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is up from 2,410,400 workers during April and only a .7 percent decrease from last year.

Five industries saw a monthly increase in employment during May. The government industry added the most workers, growing by 10,100 jobs over the month, for a current total of 430,100 employees.

Other industries that added workers between April and May include: education and health services by 1,600 jobs; other services by 1,100 jobs; construction by 600 jobs; and mining and logging by 200 jobs.

Four industries experienced a yearly increase in employment during May. Surprisingly, the mining and logging industry grew the most, increasing by 3.7 percent over the year, for a current total of 11,200 jobs.

The education and health services industry increased by 2.9 percent to 336,900 jobs, while the government industry grew by 1.2 percent, and the leisure and hospitality industry rose by .4 percent to 258,400 workers.

The construction industry took the biggest hit when compared to last year, losing 11.2 percent of is workforce between May 2009 and May 2010, for a current total of 116,200 employees.

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

• Information by 5.6 percent
• Manufacturing by 3.9 percent
• Financial activities by 3.2 percent
• Professional and business services by .9 percent
• Other services by .3 percent
• Trade, transportation and utilities by .1 percent

Labels: Arizona nursing jobs