Job Growth in U.S. Hospitals Regained Steam Last Month

Hospitals added 2,100 jobs in February after payrolls grew by only 700 positions in January, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released last week. Overall, the health care sector added 34,300 jobs in February, more than double the number of new positions created the month prior. Ambulatory care services continued to be the main driver of job growth last month, accounting for 16,900 new jobs, while nursing and residential care facilities added 15,000 new positions in February. The nation's overall unemployment rate decreased slightly to 8.9% last month, down from 9% in January.

• "Hospital Job Growth Up Slightly in February" (Commins, HealthLeaders Media, 3/7).