Nursing in 2025: Trusted, Needed, Unstoppable

Nurses have held the top spot as America’s most ethical and honest profession for 23 consecutive years, demonstrating enduring public trust even as overall confidence in institutions wanes. In the December 2–18, 2024 Gallup poll, 76% of U.S. adults rated nurses “high” or “very high” in honesty and ethics, outpacing grade-school teachers (61%) and medical doctors (53%) by substantial margins. This year’s poll also revealed an across-the-board decline in trust for most professions, underscoring the exceptional regard nurses hold.  

Poll History and Context 

Gallup’s Honesty and Ethics poll began in 1976 and has been conducted annually since 1990, asking Americans to rate the ethical standards of various professions. Nurses have ranked first every year they’ve appeared—except 2001, when firefighters briefly took the lead following September 11, highlighting the profession’s remarkable consistency in public esteem. In 2024, nurses led the ranking by a 15-point margin over second-place teachers, reflecting both nurses’ vital role and the public’s cautious approach to placing trust in institutions.  

Public Trust in Professions 

Overall trust in professions has fallen to its lowest point since Gallup began measuring in-depth trends, with average honesty ratings dropping from 40% in 2005 to 30% today. Despite this decline, three medical fields—nursing, pharmacy (57%), and medicine (53%)—remain among the most trusted, alongside grade-school teachers and military officers. At

the opposite end, professions like TV reporters (13%), members of Congress (8%), and lobbyists (4%) continue to rank lowest, emphasizing the public’s discernment in extending trust. 

The Growing Demand for Nurses 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% increase in registered nurse employment from 2023 to 2033, faster than the 4% growth average for all occupations, resulting in nearly 194,500 annual openings on average. This demand is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare needs, making nursing a stable and impactful career choice in 2025 and beyond. Among advanced practice roles, nurse practitioners are expected to see even higher growth, around 46%, reflecting their critical role in primary and specialty care. 

Addressing Misconceptions 

Despite its high standing, nursing faces challenges such as workforce shortages and burnout, which can affect public perception. The recent slight dip in nurses’ trust rating—from 83% in 2021 to 76% in 2024—underscores the importance of supporting nurses with safe staffing levels, competitive pay, and professional development. Additionally, misconceptions about nursing as “just basic care” overlook the profession’s complexity, which includes advanced clinical decision-making and patient advocacy. 

Choosing Nursing as a Career in 2025 

For those considering a healthcare career, nursing offers versatility and growth. To align your passion with in-demand skills, verify program accreditation and explore specializations, such as geriatrics, critical care, or community health. With increasing emphasis on outpatient and home-based care, today’s nurses have opportunities to innovate care delivery and champion patient-centered practices.  

As National Nurses Week celebrates these frontline heroes, their 23-year reign atop Gallup’s ethics poll serves as a testament to their dedication and integrity. In 2025, the call to support and advance the nursing profession has never been more vital—for both public trust and the future of healthcare 

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