The final 2021 U.S. Labor Department Employment Situation Report once again provided evidence that COVID, in particular the spread of the Omicron variant, has restrained job growth.  A smaller-than-expected 199,000 jobs were added in December 2021 and the unemployment rate hit edged down to 3.9% from 4.2% . Furthermore, according to the Bureau's Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), workers left their jobs at record-breaking pace of 4.5 million resignations.

The healthcare sector recorded a loss of 3,100 jobs and 52,000 resignations took place within the larger healthcare and social-assistance industry. The healthcare sector gained 143,800 jobs in 2021, remains down 449,500 jobs since pre-pandemic levels.

On behalf of the entire HealthTrust Workforce Solutions family, we would like to wish you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

With your help, we have touched the lives of more patients in more ways in facilities across the country this year, providing these individuals with the highest quality of care during their times of need. None of which would have been possible without you and all of our valued team members and healthcare partners. Together we have raised the bar, unlocked possibilities and cared like family.

Throughout the holiday season our wish to you is for you to enjoy this special time of year with your loved ones - your family, your friends and anyone else you hold dear.

From the HealthTrust family to yours, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! 

Congratulations to Allison Wharton, RN ICU, on earning a DAISY Award!

Allison was nominated by several patients at the Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina for her ability to help and comfort patients as well as thoroughly answer questions. Please see below to read some of her DAISY nominations.

The Labor Department revealed slow job growth in November, with just 210,000 new jobs added to payrolls. November's increase in hiring was the smallest in a year and was well below the half a million jobs expected by economists. The unemployment rate hit a new pandemic low, coming in at 4.2% from 4.6%.  The data indicates that the worst labor shortage in decades continues to heavily impact economic growth.  

Healthcare employment was virtually unchanged in November (+2,100). Within the industry, employment in ambulatory health care services continued to trend up (+17,000), while hospital lost 3,900 jobs and nursing and residential care facilities lost 11,000 jobs. Employment in health care is down by 450,000 since February
2020, with nursing and residential care facilities accounting for nearly all of the loss.

While 2021 has continued to test each of us and our communities in many unprecedented ways, we have used this opportunity to build resilience and demonstrate that we will not let hardships and challenges define us. With Thanksgiving just a few days away, we are looking forward to being able to come together to celebrate with our friends and families. At HWS, we are grateful for our team members, clinicians and healthcare partners  across the country who raise the bar and  work hard each day to create both career opportunities for healthcare professionals and ensure the delivery of patient care across the country.  We are all part of something so much bigger than ourselves and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others every day is something we all should be truly grateful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Featured in photo left to right: Katherine Gurley, Marvyn Louis, and Jenna Lex.

Each month, the HealthTrust Workforce Solutions Recruitment Team recognizes an Employee of the Month for surpassing their goals and exemplifying Operational Excellence. Congratulations to Q3 2021 Employees of the Month Jenna Lex, Marvyn Louis and Katherine Gurley.

HealthTrust Workforce Solutions would like to express our gratitude to those who served in the United States military, especially the many among us now working within the HealthTrust Workforce Solutions family. Since 2012, our parent company HCA Healthcare has hired more than 39,000 veterans, active-duty personnel and military spouses.

The Labor Department reported that 531,000 jobs were created in October, a sign that economic activity is picking up in the early fourth quarter. The unemployment rate dipped to 4.6% from 4.8%. Despite record-breaking numbers of job openings, millions of Americans remain unemployed and outside of the labor force.

This Halloween HealthTrust's Employee Advisory Group hosted a contest for the best Halloween costumes. While everyone looked very festive, our team voted on their top picks!  Take a look at our contest winners and all of our team members in costume!

First Place - Day of the Dead - Blanca Torres, LMS Administrator (Credentialing)

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that job growth dropped to the slowest pace seen this year, adding just 194,000 new jobs in September and marking the second consecutive month of decline. The unemployment rate dropped to an 18-month low of 4.8%, partially offset by those leaving the labor force. August payrolls were revised to show a revised job gain of 366,000, up from the originally reported 235,000. Overall employment remains 5.0 million jobs below the pre-pandemic peak in February 2020.