DiversityNursing Blog

In Gallup's 2023 Honesty and Ethics poll, Americans' evaluations of almost all 23 professions have experienced a decline compared to previous years. Interestingly, only one profession, labor union leaders, has managed to maintain its standing since 2019. Surprisingly, a mere 25% of respondents consider their honesty and ethics to be "very high" or "high."

Nurses remain the most trusted profession, with 78% of U.S. adults currently believing nurses have high honesty and ethical standards. However, that is down seven percentage points from 2019 and 11 points from its peak in 2020.

“This is an incredible accolade for our nation’s Nurses,” said ANA President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. “Given the considerable hardship and obstacles the Nurses we advocate for are facing, including unsafe work environments, severe burnout, and barriers to practice to name a few, this recognition is a true testament to the positive influence of Nurses on their patients and their undeniable impact on the health care system. It’s a tremendous honor to receive this special validation from the very public these Nurses serve. And it’s equally important for Nurses to hear this acclaim as it raises the morale of our Nurses – it couldn’t be more timely or appreciated. This is important.”

Gallup began measuring the honesty and ethics of various professions in 1976 with annual updates since 1990. Several professions have been included every year, while others have been asked on a rotating basis over time. The latest ethics ratings are from a Dec. 1-20, 2023, poll in which about 800 U.S. adults rated each of 23 professions.

Americans rate the honesty and ethics of Nurses highest among a list of professions for the 18th year in a row according to the National Gallup poll.

Nurses are consistently rated higher in honesty and ethics than all other professions by a wide margin.

Currently, 85% of Americans say Nurses' honesty and ethical standards are "very high" or "high," essentially unchanged from the 84% who said the same in 2018.

"The public trusts Nurses because we put the safety of our patients above all else," Massachusetts Nurses Association President and RN Donna Kelly-Williams said. "Every day across the United States, Nurses strive to provide the highest quality care despite the massive challenges posed by corporate healthcare. We are inspired by our patients to advocate for safe, accessible care and we appreciate their trust and respect."

National Nurses United Executive Director, Bonnie Castillo, RN said, “We are honored by this poll and what it reflects - that our patients, their families and the public know that they can trust and count on Nurses to stand up for them. This year’s results have special meaning for us as we move into 2020, which the World Health Organization has declared the ‘Year of the Nurse and Midwife."

Gallup notes that since Nurses were added to the survey in 1999, they have topped the list of most trusted professions every year except in 2001, when firefighters were recognized shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks for their heroism and bravery.

We at DiversityNursing.com know how special, compassionate and giving you are. We are delighted that you consistently receive this recognition from the National Gallup poll. You earn it – every day!