Running across the lower right edge of the stamp are the words “Healthcare” in gray and “Community” in surgical green.
Employing nearly 16 million people, healthcare is one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the United States economy. The biggest healthcare occupation by far is nursing; almost 23 percent of all healthcare workers are registered nurses. As large as the healthcare community is, staffing shortages remain a problem in this country, and we look to immigrants to fill many roles.
Healthcare workers are our family, friends, and neighbors. Overall, about 80 percent are women, and the percentages are even higher for nursing and many other occupations within the sector.
Facing sick, injured, and dying patients — and distraught family members — on a daily basis can be tremendously challenging, but healthcare workers also experience considerable rewards. Research shows that scientists, doctors, and nurses are some of the most highly respected professionals due to their dedication to helping other people.