It’s all about jobs.” That’s the message many Americans are relaying to government officials, and that rally cry appeared to be getting stronger for health care workers until recent growth stats showed improvement. Yes, it’s true—the economy and jobs outlook at large are disheartening, but there are slivers of encouraging news for health care professionals.
In May 2010, health care job growth was not looking good; in fact, May was the slowest month in a decade for growth in the sector. Only 8,000 jobs were added for the entire month, compared to an average of about 20,000 added jobs over the prior 12 months, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. May was followed by a bad month in June, with only 9,000 jobs added. In July, the numbers resumed to a degree of normalcy—27,000 jobs were added. After a short streak of disappointing growth, recent numbers are reassuring.
Taking an optimist’s view, Sleep Review’s salary survey showed that three out of six salaries increased from 2009 to 2010 in the categories that we surveyed, RPSGTs included in the bunch. Find out how your job category and region fared in the article Salaries Waver for Sleep Professionals.
In another kernel of positive news, 49% of respondents to the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (BRPT) survey of RPSGTs felt that, while the job market varies by region across the country, the market for credentialed technologists was good in their area, though the survey was taken in September 2009. Janice East, RPSGT, R. EEG. T., president of the BRPT, details other survey findings in the article Taking Stock of the RPSGT Profession.
Yes, a “glass half full” perspective is evident in the above areas, but with a looming 9.5% US unemployment rate, any statistics that show a healthy job industry are a reason to stand by your profession and believe in a positive outlook for your career. On the bumpy road to job creation, these beliefs can help smooth out the shaky economic news that bombards us every day.
Besides supporting you with survey findings, Sleep Review has tools to help you find jobs in today’s market. Click the RSS/Blog tab on Sleep Review’s Facebook page for daily job postings.
—Franklin A. Holman
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