Nurses Continue to Top Most Honest and Ethical Professions Poll

Nurses were the highest among a list of professions rated by Americans by Gallup’s annual Most Honest and Ethical Professions Poll, for the 18th consecutive year.¹

Based on the 2019 poll, 85% of Americans feel that nurses’ honesty and ethical standards are “very high” or “high.” This percentage is practically unchanged from the 84% who said the same in 2018.¹

In general, medical professions rate highly in Americans’ assessments of honesty and ethics; at least 6 of 10 US adults say medical doctors, pharmacists, and dentists have high levels of these virtues. The only other profession that Americans hold in a similar level of esteem is engineers, with 66% saying individuals in this field have high levels of honesty and ethics.¹

American Nurses Association President Ernest Grant, PHD, RN, FAAN said he is “extremely proud” that nurses have received the recognitions from the people they serve on a daily basis.²

“The fact that nurses have been consistently voted the most honest and ethical professionals is a testament to the public’s trust. We’ll work hard to keep their good faith throughout 2020 and beyond. I couldn’t think of a better way to enter into the “Year of the Nurse,” said Grant, in a prepared statement.²

REFERENCES

1. Nurses continue to rate highest in honesty, ethics [news release]. Washington, D.C.; Gallup: January 6, 2020. https://news.gallup.com/poll/274673/nurses-continue-rate-highest-honesty-ethics.aspx. Accessed January 7, 2020.
2. ANA president proud of nurses for maintaining #1 spot in Gallup’s 2019 most honest and ethical professions poll [news release]. Silver Spring, MD; ANA: January 6, 2020. https://www.nursingworld.org/news/news-releases/2020/american-nurses-association-president-proud-of-nurses-for-maintaining-1-spot--in-gallups-2019-most-honest-and-ethical-professions-poll/. Accessed January 7, 2020.