For 12 of the 13 years since including nursing, Gallup’s annual poll of the country’s most trusted professions has ranked nurses as the most trusted professionals in the United States. In the 2011 poll, nursing — which represents the largest group of health care professionals — achieved an 84 percent positive rating in honesty and ethical standards.
Every May, to coincide with Florence Nightingale’s birthday, the nation recognizes nurses for the work they do and their dedication to providing the best health care possible. All nurses pledge to make a commitment to practice the profession faithfully, to maintain and elevate the standard of the nursing profession, to loyally aid physicians in their work, and to be devoted to the welfare of those committed to their care.
Nurses play an pivotal role in improving patient outcomes, increasing access to care, coordinating care and reducing health care costs. Most often, nurses are the first health care professionals encountered by patients.
Even though the profession continues to grow and evolve, the public’s trust in nursing has remained constant. The public’s high regard for the profession makes nurses well-positioned to help lead the future of health care and to emphasize prevention and wellness in patients.
This week is Nurses Week, and we want to take a moment to thank our wonderful staff of nurses, and nurses everywhere, for their commitment to health care and everything they do to make the world a better place.