Americans have routinely considered nurses' honesty, ethics, and professionalism to be high above all other professions. In fact, according to Gallup’s annual poll, nursing has been ranked as the most trusted profession in the U.S. for 22 years. The only time nurses were not the most-trusted profession since they were added to the list in 1999 was in 2001, following the 9/11 tragedy, when that year, firefighters ranked as the most-trusted professionals.
These rankings are based on a survey conducted every year in which Americans are asked to rate the honesty and ethical standards of professionals working in several fields. Considering that nursing continues to be one of of the largest and most respected professions in the country, it's no surprise that nurses nabbed the top spot once again.
The Importance of Nurses in Our Healthcare System
When it comes to trust and ethics, nurses have consistently ranked at the top since 2001, with medical doctors coming in second place last year, followed by Grade-School teachers. The trust is well deserved based on the evidence, as nurses play an integral role in patient care. Furthermore, nurses prove their dedication to patients by their ability to provide exceptional care that is rooted in strong communication skills, knowledge, compassion, and empathy. Trusted by their patients and colleagues alike, nurses' hard work and dedication deserve recognition.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), Nursing is the nation's largest healthcare profession, with more than 3.8 million registered nurses (RNs) nationwide. Of all licensed RNs, 84.5% are employed in nursing. But when you look at why nurses are so trusted among the population, it's interesting to note that it has nothing to do with their job description or their training. Instead, it's because they display altruism and compassion, two characteristics that seem to be in short supply these days.
Additionally, nurses tend to spend more time interacting with their patients at their bedside, making them feel comfortable, and sometimes interpreting a Doctor’s diagnosis. Consequently, this may help explain why doctors, compared to nurses, are not as widely trusted by the general population, as doctors may not spend as much time advocating for their patients.
Nursing Demands and High Expectations
In a recent press release, American Nurses Association's president, Ernest Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN, had some positive words to say about the nursing industry stating, "I want to congratulate every nurse across the nation for achieving this recognition year after year, nurses are a beacon of light for millions around the globe and are the heart and soul of our healthcare system. Our nation's nurses' dedication, compassion, and skill are more vital than ever during this global pandemic."
Some may argue that nursing is undoubted, one of the hardest, yet most rewarding professions out there. Nursing requires a lot of physical stamina, not to mention the mental toughness needed to balance multiple tasks, all while remaining empathetic and supportive to everyone around them. That's why it is critical for hospitals to recognize nurses and keep morale high, which can help prevent burnout.
COVID-19 And Nursing Burnout
Even in the face of criticism about safety, professionalism, and accountability, nursing polls show that Americans show high levels of trust for nurses. While it's humbling and promising to see that the American people have confidence in the work nurses do, it's also important to consider the overall mental stability of healthcare professionals dropped within the last year.
In 2021, amidst several COVID- 19 surges, nurses exhausted all efforts to keep their patients alive. Simultaneously, the pandemic continued to exacerbate, according to ANA President Ernest Grant, a “long-standing nursing shortage” in hospitals with substantially high numbers of COVID-19 cases. Unfortunately, nursing shortages combined with burnout may be directly correlated to the decline of mental health among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, one study showed that nurses who cared for COVID-19 patients suffered from, “poor mental health outcomes namely, anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD and insomnia”. This is a sobering reminder of just how much physical and mental damage a pandemic can cause, and how far we still have to go to support our healthcare workers.
Nurses Are in High Demand
As the Baby Boomer population ages, there is an increasing prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity. Moreover, the Affordable Care Act currently provides insurance for millions of previously uninsured Americans.
As a result, the demand for qualified nurses is at an all-time high. Consequently, the healthcare industry will continue to expand exponentially over the next decade, and this growth will create more job opportunities, and competition for available jobs will also increase. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of job openings for registered nurses is approximately 200,000 each year. That's more than double the average growth rate across all occupations. It's therefore essential that nursing professionals remain mindful of the future job market and adjust their career plans accordingly.
Nursing is The Most Trusted Profession in The United States
Since 1999, Gallup has conducted a poll to determine the public's perception of honesty and ethical standards in various professions. For the 20th consecutive year, nurses have topped this list. And while many people regard nursing as one of the most trusted professions in the U.S., nurses are regularly underrated and paid less than other healthcare professionals. However, their status as one of the most trusted professionals, and may be due to patient care. With astounding growth in the healthcare industry and a growing scarcity of nurses, there is no better time to pursue nursing as a career.
Staffing apps like the Nursa™ app aim to provide a convenient and effective way for registered nurses to find healthcare jobs locally, by state, or by city. Nursa™ offers national and local job listings and makes staffing by the shift fast, simple, and secure.
