First few Article Sentences
A recent commentary published by Brookings provides a sobering crystal ball into the future regarding healthcare demands.1 Over the first two years of the pandemic, the U.S. economy lost 400,000 workers in residential care facilities and nursing, and at present, the shortage is approximately 130,000 based on pre-pandemic levels.2 Since the last group of baby boomers turn 65 in 2030, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 73 million senior citizens will comprise approximately one-fifth of the U.S. population and will outnumber children.3 In 2017, immigrants comprised 18.2% of healthcare workers and 23.5 percent of formal and nonformal long-term care workers. In addition, 27.5% of direct care workers and 30.3 percent of nursing home housekeeping and maintenance workers were immigrants.4 It would seem logical that a streamlined process would be available for employers seeking foreign nationals for staffing shortages in the industry. Unfortunately, the reality of healthcare-based options is minimal at best. This article will not focus on the physician-based alternatives due to word limits.