Nursing: The Most Trusted Profession Samantha Schroeder James Madison University

Gallup Survey Results Nursing consistently ranks as the most trusted profession in Gallup polls. It has been ranked number one in the Gallup Honesty and Ethics poll for 14 years in a row. I used Facebook as a platform to share this information and to explore the reasons why. This sparked some interesting conversation, and while I had my own ideas about these poll results, it was enlightening to hear others’ perspectives as well.

Why are nurses the most trusted? A summary of the most common themes: Nurses care and display empathy for patients. Nurses spend the most time with patients. Nurses connect with patients on a personal level and are more accessible than physicians. Nurses advocate for patients. The work is hard and the pay not necessarily commensurate with the physical and emotional demands. Therefore, nurses are motivated by something other than financial gain.

Why are nurses the most trusted? “Nurses are the true patient advocate. When the family leaves, when the patient is sedated, when the patient is intubated, they are the voice for the patient and the first line of care.” --D.B. “I have to trust someone who chooses to help people who are at their worst...sick, in pain and afraid.” --A.J. Following are some thoughts shared by friends on my Facebook page: “It's the little things; the smiles, the attention, and even the extra jello. Our hearts hurt when yours does. Nurses go the extra mile; it's in our nature. We absolutely do what we do because it's our calling and we love our jobs. We are trusted because our intent is genuine and our actions back it up.” --A.D.

Why are nurses the most trusted? “When my son was 3 months old he required a major surgery. His soft spot fused prematurely and he needed a portion of his skull removed so his brain could develop normally. As you can imagine, this was an incredibly stressful time for brand new parents. We had a great doctor who assured us everything would be ok, but we'd see him for 5 minutes or less. But the nurses were there every minute, explaining things to us, helping us, talking to us, even when they were telling me things I didn't want hear. They gained our trust through their time and attention, making sure our son was as pain free as possible and that we were informed about everything.” --K.M.

Why are nurses the most trusted? “Nurses embody the ART of medicine. The human side of medicine. And that is wisdom.” --L.M. “Nurses, like teachers, don't make a lot of money, so we believe they must love it to do it.” --B.D. “Like parents, nurses have seen it all, done it all and nothing fazes them. The relationships that nurses build enable patients to release their control of the situation, both physically and emotionally. With this trust intact, patients can focus on healing.” --M.M.

Why are nurses the most trusted? “The very first reason that any person decides to become a nurse is to HELP people. They have to like people and genuinely care about people. Although there are many other benefits to being a nurse, it is not an easy or glorious job by any means. So therefore, people can trust that they will always look out for their best interest. Simply put..... Nurse=care.” --B.G. “Time and approach-ability. Folks too often put MDs on a pedestal, and don't want to bother them or take up too much of their time.” --P.M. “The time that nurses spend with patients builds a relationship, and that is what builds trust; especially if the nurse is empathetic and caring, which most are or they wouldn't be in the profession.” S.H.

Conclusion It was refreshing to hear from so many non-nurses (and a few nurses as well) about their perspectives on why and how nurses have gained the trust of the general public. Another important point, to which all BSN students can attest, is that as nurses we are always advancing our education and keeping current in our practice. This ultimately enhances our credibility and makes us better advocates for our patients. I am proud to be a part of the most trusted profession. “People will forget the things you do, and people will forget the things you say. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” –Maya Angelou