Nurses are there for people during some of their most difficult moments. Whether they’re providing care, offering reassurance or simply being someone patients can trust and confide in; nurses play an invaluable role in healing. Their compassion and dedication make them the cornerstone of patient care.

“Nurses earn trust by combining clinical expertise with compassion, honesty, advocacy, and a commitment to doing what is right for each patient,” said Audria Denker, DNP, RN, FAADN, ANEF, Chief Clinical, Integration, and Experience Officer at Galen College of Nursing. “That trust is essential to positive outcomes.”

That trust is beginning to show where it counts most — public perception.

For the 24^th consecutive year, nurses have been ranked the most trusted professionals in Gallup’s annual Most Honest and Ethical Professions Poll. 

With 75% of Americans rating nurses’ honesty and ethical standards as “very high” or “high”, this ranking isn’t just a coincidence.

Whether the need for care is big or small, it can lead to feelings of unease. During these times of vulnerability, having an expert in the room to explain next steps and monitor progress can help alleviate those anxieties. When patients trust their nurses, they’re more likely to share important health information, ask questions and feel confident managing their health after they leave.

“I think nurses are one of the only professions in the medical field that really focus on building a relationship and trust with a patient,” said Alyssa Lush, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student at Galen College’s Louisville campus. “I think nurses try to get to know their patients on a deeper level. So, they’re just more likely to listen to and go with our medical opinions.”

That emphasis on building relationships is also reflected in the unique role nurses play throughout a patient’s care journey.  Nurses are the ones who spend most of their time at a patient’s bedside, providing not only clinical care but also patient advocacy. Consistent care, active listening, empathizing with the patient’s situation and respecting individual needs all go a long way in showing the patient that they have someone in their corner helping them through their treatment.

As one of the nation’s largest nursing colleges, Galen College of Nursing is committed to preparing the next generation of nurses to earn and uphold that trust. By providing the academic and clinical experiences students need, Galen equips you with the knowledge and confidence needed to be prepared for practice on day one.

“Trust is the core of the nurse-patient relationship, and preparing students to earn trust from their patients begins long before they are working at the bedside,” said Tracy Ortelli, President and Chief Academic Officer at Galen College. “We emphasize compassionate care alongside clinical excellence, which includes helping students develop the communication, critical thinking, empathy, and professionalism needed to care for the whole person. We want our graduates to not only be skilled clinicians but also trusted, professional caregivers who reflect the values of the nursing profession in every interaction.”

Earning a patient’s trust requires more than clinical knowledge. It calls for a commitment to the personal and professional qualities that define exceptional nursing care.

“We prepare students to honor that trust by teaching that nursing is about more than clinical competence. It also requires integrity, accountability, effective communication, cultural humility, and genuine respect for every patient,” Denker said. “We want our graduates to understand that trust is not automatically granted because of the title ‘nurse’. It must be earned through every interaction.”

When you become a nurse, not only are you providing clinical care, but you’re also helping people navigate some of life’s most uncertain moments. Through every conversation, check-in and act of compassion, nurses help individuals feel seen and heard, transforming moments of fear into opportunities for healing and hope.

For those who feel called to care for others, nursing offers the chance to leave an impact that extends far beyond the bedside.

Galen College of Nursing offers programs designed to prepare the next generation of confident, competent, and compassionate nurses. From Practical Nursing (PN) and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Galen provides flexible learning opportunities to fit your life.