Healthcare among few bright spots in U.S. employment picture

The overall employment picture in the U.S. continues to be dismal, but the healthcare sector is one of the few relative bright spots as the industry saw a net gain of 419,000 jobs in 2008 and its growth outlook continues to be strong through 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Overwhelmingly, employers are taking a wait-and-see attitude on hiring in 2009," said Jason Ferrara, vice president for corporate marketing for Careerbuilder.com. "However, healthcare seems to be one of those industries where hiring is still needed and still expected."