According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are almost 3 million nurses working in the United States, making it the country's largest health care workforce. The vast majority -- 85% -- are women. It's been especially difficult for them, juggling the demands at work, along with potentially caring for their children or elderly parents during the pandemic. “This last 13 months has been the most death that I’ve seen, and I’m used to seeing people not survive their illnesses,” Celia Nieto, 44, said recalling the months during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic.