News: Nursing ranked as America’s top most-trusted profession according to Gallup poll

In Gallup’s recent annual poll outlining the most-trusted professions in America, nurses ranked first for the 21st year. Nearly 80% of United States adults say nurses have “very high” or “high” honesty and ethical standards—far more than any of the other 17 professions rated, according to Gallup. Two other health-related professions—medical doctors and pharmacists—rank second and third behind nurses, with 62% and 58% of Americans, respectively, rating them highly.

In an interview with HealthLeaders, Maryann Alexander, chief officer of Nursing Regulation for the National Council of State Boards and Nursing discussed some of why nurses have continually been considered the most trusted profession for the last two decades.

“Even though their care is based on science, [nurses] incorporate empathy and compassion into the plan of care for every patient,” Alexander said. “However, what really sets nurses apart is the time they spend with patients. They are the ones that are with the patient when they arrive at the hospital, throughout the stay, and on the day they are discharged. A nurse is often the first to recognize a change in the patient’s condition. They learn more about the patient than just their medical problems and intervene to address the social determinants of health. They get to know the family and caregivers and answer questions.”

When it comes to earning trust, Alexander said a nurse’s training is a large factor. Nursing education is composed of two important competencies, namely the development of a caring attitude as well as the knowledge and ability to deliver high-quality care and expert assessment, management/treatment, patient education, prevention, and wellness. Despite the intense challenges the nursing profession faces, Alexander is confident nurses will remain the most trusted profession for decades to come.

“Underlying the profession, at its very heart, is the belief of how important the work of nursing is, the determination to problem-solve, and the need to ensure that every patient has nurses they can trust,” she said.

Editor’s note: To read HealthLeaders’ coverage of this topic, click here. To read the recent Gallup poll, click here.