Historically, the nursing field is one that has consistently positive job prospects, as there is typically an ongoing shortage. Health care is the backbone of most communities, not only for its services, but also for the jobs it provides and the stimulation of the economy. Jill Bernstein, author of “Changes in Health Care Financing and Organization,” states: “The healthcare sector is a critical component of national and most regional and local economies in the United States” (4). The nursing industry has experienced challenges due to the economic, social, and political recession in the United States. However, there is still considerable growth taking place and opportunities available. This shows encouraging signs for new nursing graduates. The economy has produced some challenges for the nursing industry. With such an inflated unemployment rate, many Americans have been left uninsured or underinsured. This directly affects those who work in the healthcare sector. Bernstein, reported that “The American Hospital Association's 2009 survey of community hospitals found that 9 in 10 had made some cuts in response to economic concerns, including reducing staff, administrative expenses, or reducing services.” (4). Bernstein added that doctors are experiencing an increase in the number of patients with unpaid bills and a decrease in patient load (4). Both reduce the amount of money allocated to nurses' pay, resulting in reduced hours, pay or benefits. Individuals without insurance coverage tend to postpone elective procedures or put non-emergency procedures on hold until their financial status improves. Specialists are experiencing a decline in patient load because insurance copays and deductibles are often more expensive for the...... middle of paper...... 10. (2010): PAGE. Premier of academic research. Network. 28 November 2011.&sid=7bf3df61-db98-43ef-8c91-38a5d7d9be11%40sessionmgr11&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGI2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=53436634>.“Recreation and fitness”. SAS. npndWeb. November 26, 2011.Sasfamily/recreation/index.html>.Rudman, Bill. “HIM and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.” OUCH. 2009. Network. November 10, 2011.Spring/ARRA.html>.United States Center for Disease Control (CDC). Department of Health and Human Services. Vital Signs: State-Specific Obesity Prevalence Among Adults - United States 2009.August 6, 2010. Web. November 21, 2011.Mm5930a4.htm?s_cid=mm5930a4_w>.