Why Nurses Are the Most Trusted Profession

For over two decades, nurses have been ranked the most trusted profession in America. According to Gallup’s annual Honesty and Ethics poll, the public consistently rates nurses higher than physicians, teachers, or even clergy in terms of ethical standards and trustworthiness.

During Nurses Week 2025, CE Ready is proud to celebrate the foundation of that trust: compassion, clinical excellence, and unwavering advocacy. But what does it really mean to be “the most trusted profession,” and how can nurses continue to uphold and build on that honor?

The Numbers Say It All

Since 1999, nurses have topped Gallup’s trust rankings, with over 80% of Americans rating nurses as having “very high” or “high” ethical standards. Even through the COVID-19 pandemic and healthcare system strain, that number remained strong.

This trust isn’t just symbolic. It affects how patients respond to care, follow treatment plans, and engage with the healthcare system.

What Builds That Trust?

1. Unmatched Patient Advocacy

Nurses are often the last line of defense for patients. They catch medication errors, explain procedures, and speak up when something doesn’t look right. Advocacy is central to the nursing role, and patients know nurses will fight for them.

2. Consistent, Hands-On Presence

Nurses are there through every step of the care journey: admissions, assessments, pain management, discharge, and follow-up. That visibility creates strong bonds and confidence.

3. Emotional Connection

Whether it’s holding a hand during a frightening moment or celebrating a discharge, nurses offer emotional presence as well as clinical care. That empathy builds deep, enduring relationships.

4. Education and Communication

Nurses translate complex medical language into terms patients can understand. The ability to educate with patience and clarity fosters a sense of respect and reliability.

Why Trust Matters in Healthcare

Trust in healthcare improves:

Patient satisfaction
Treatment adherence
Clinical outcomes
Communication between providers and patients

When patients trust their nurses, they are more likely to speak up, follow instructions, and share important information, all of which contribute to better, safer care.

Cultural Competence and Trust

Today’s patients come from diverse backgrounds. Nurses who practice cultural humility and competence are better able to connect meaningfully with patients of all races, ethnicities, religions, and identities.

Continuing education in cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed care helps nurses deepen trust across all populations.

How Nurses Can Sustain and Expand Trust

Stay current with evidence-based practice
Keep your skills sharp through continuing education in ethics, communication, and clinical updates.
Practice transparency and honesty
Even when delivering difficult news, patients respect truth delivered with empathy.
Respect confidentiality
Trust is earned when patients feel safe sharing sensitive information.
Commit to equity
Advocate for fair care, no matter the patient’s insurance, background, or status.

A Moment to Reflect

Being the most trusted profession isn’t just a nice title, it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder of how deeply patients rely on your voice, your skills, and your care. This Nurses Week, take pride in that honor and continue to live it out, one patient at a time.

References

Gallup. (2024). Honesty and Ethics Poll

American Nurses Association. (2025). The Nursing Code of Ethics