Nurses continue to outrank other professions in Gallup's annual Honesty and Ethics survey. This year, 85% of responses ranked nurses Very High/High on Ethics. This is the 13th year in a row, that nurses were number one on Honesty/Ethics in Professions. Honesty/Ethics in Professions
Congratulations nurses, you did it again! Nurses Rock! 13 years in a row nurses are at the top of the charts!
Nurses continue to outrank other professions in Gallup's annual Honesty and Ethics survey. This year, 85% of responses ranked nurses Very High/High on Ethics.
I think the results of the poll are indicative of the following:
The role of nurses as patient advocate. Period. I see that as my number one professional responsibility. We ARE the 24 hr link to the doctor! Pts and family members KNOW this, and I think these results reflect that....it's because of all the wonderful nurses who say "I see your pain is not being managed, let me notify the doc and see what we can do." Or, "You are having a big surgery tomorrow, and will be on narcotics and mostly in bed for a few days. When was your last BM? 4 days ago? Okay, let's get you a laxative today. No need for minor constipation to turn into major discomfort!" Or taking the time and effort to simply make someone more comfortable, by performing thorough oral care on a pt. who is mouth breathing, dehydrated, and dying. By cheerleading! "Great job of ambulating and deep breathing, I know you are in pain, but this is going to speed your recovery!" By educating and comforting family members, telling them what to expect, seeking an early hospice referral, the list goes on and on.
And this poll is very heartening! Despite the fact that we are often over-worked, the public clearly recognizes our role and it's importance in health care delivery.
You raise excellent points. Our job is to be educators and advocates at the point of care. Also, educating the patients on preventive medicine is all a part of medical ethics.
flkeys
17 Posts
Not surprised nurses ranked so high.