The slumping economy has many metro Atlanta companies pinching pennies and laying off workers. But DeKalb Medical, in the midst of a $21 million expansion, is hiring.

The hospital, which has three locations across Dekalb County, is holding a job fair on Thursday, April 24 with the goal of hiring 120 workers —90 registered nurses and 30 allied health professionals like physical therapists and ultrasound technicians.

"Even when there is a recession and even when the economy is going poorly, there is still a need for health care. People get sick," said Mike Tu, a DeKalb Medical spokesman.

The nursing job fair will take place from 9 a.m. to noon, followed by allied health workers from noon to 3 p.m.

DeKalb Medical's overhaul includes a new cancer center at the hospital's Hillandale campus in Lithonia, and six new labor and delivery beds and a new nursery at the hospital's women's center.

Weather permitting, the job fair will be held on the front lawn of DeKalb Medical's main campus at 2701 North Decatur Road. Job seekers are asked to dress professionally and bring a resume and any other supporting material needed to apply for positions.

The applicants will first be screened by hospital staff and those deemed eligible will have the chance to meet with a hiring manager fact-to-face, said Tu.

Those not able to attend may apply online at www.dekalbmedical.com. Registered nurses may also contact a nurse recruiter directly at 404-501-5010 or DMRN@dekalbmedical.org.