Nurses most trusted profession in new Gallup survey, UB nursing dean says, because they spend most time with patients

Annette Wysocki offers insight into the critical role nurses play, as Gallup survey on most ethical professions is released

By the University at Buffalo

Nurses once again ranked at the top of 23 professions in Gallup’s 2023 Honesty and Ethics poll.

Released on Monday, the survey found 78% of Americans rated nurses’ honesty and ethical standards as “very high” or “high.” It marks the 22nd consecutive year nurses topped the annual survey, which includes physicians, engineers, veterinarians and other professions.

Annette Wysocki, dean of the University at Buffalo School of Nursing, said the survey results reflect the critical role that nurses play in health care settings.

“Nurses are the persons who spend the most time with the patient, and we’re the ones they share the most vulnerable information with,” said Wysocki, who is an expert on delayed healing on chronic wounds, among other topics. “When they’re in these vulnerable situations, patients tell nurses information they’ve never shared with any other health care professional.”

She added, “During the most vulnerable times of their lives, they know nurses will advocate for them. Nurses have the most contact with all other health care professions giving care to a patient, so we’re able to be a patient’s voice and navigate the layers in order to do what’s best for them.”

The new survey echoes a similar Gallup survey released last month regarding Americans’ assessment of care provided in U.S. health care system. Nurses received the best rating, with 82% of respondents saying they provide excellent or good medical care. Physicians ranked second at 69%.

Founded in 1936, the University at Buffalo School of Nursing provides a high-quality nursing education in a dynamic university setting. Students gain vital nursing skills and knowledge through academic programming and research that emphasizes community partnerships, interprofessional education, and global health, including hands-on experiences that enhance professional skills and empower nurses to advocate for health equity across diverse populations.

The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are based on the opinions and/or research of the faculty member(s) or researcher(s) quoted, and do not represent the official positions of the University at Buffalo or Niagara Frontier Publications.