Each year, Gallup releases its Honesty and Ethics poll, and for the 24th year in a row – in January 2026 – nurses were recognized as the most trusted profession in America. With 75% of U.S. adults rating nurses’ honesty and ethical standards as “high” or “very high,” this recognition reflects what so many of us already know – nurses are the heart of healthcare.

In fact, since the nursing profession was added to the Gallup poll in 1999, only once have nurses not been recognized as the most trusted professionals – in 2001, just after 911, when firefighters made their lone appearance at the top.

This trust in nurses is well‑earned. Nurses bring skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication to every patient encounter. Their presence shapes the patient’s experience, their expertise drives clinical excellence, and their advocacy ensures that every individual receives the care and dignity they deserve.

Honoring Our Nurses During National Nurses Week

May is National Nurses Month, and May 6–12 marks National Nurses Week – a time to celebrate the more than five million nurses across the country who devote their lives to caring for others. At SageWest, we are proud to recognize the extraordinary nurses who serve our patients, families, and community every day.

Nurses are often the first point of contact and the steady, reassuring presence throughout a patient’s journey. In our hospital, their responsibilities include:

• Advocating for patients’ needs, safety, and well‑being
• Administering medications, treatments, and assisting with procedures
• Assessing patients’ medical histories and current health needs
• Coordinating with physicians, specialists, and care teams
• Developing and implementing individualized care plans
• Educating patients and families about diagnoses, treatments, and home care
• Monitoring vital signs and lab results to ensure proper response to care
• Operating and monitoring medical equipment
• Performing essential nursing tasks such as wound care and blood draws

No matter the type of nurse – from Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) to Registered Nurses (RNs) – their work is complex, demanding, and profoundly meaningful.

We Appreciate Our Nursing Team

At SageWest, the largest segment of our team and arguably the most essential are our nurses. We trust them with our most precious responsibility – our patients – and we see firsthand the compassion, expertise, and resilience they bring to every shift.

“Nurses are the heartbeat of our hospitals,” said Amanda Vick, CEO of SageWest Health Care. “They bring the human touch to foster positive patient experiences in the midst of a hospital stay or visit, which can be a stressful time.”

We are committed to supporting our nurses by fostering a culture where they feel valued, empowered, and equipped to deliver the exceptional care our community deserves. 

Thank You, Nurses

To all of our nurses and nurses everywhere, thank you. Healthcare is, at its core, about people helping people. No one embodies that purpose more fully than the nurses who show up every day with compassion, skill, and heart.

Your work changes lives. Your dedication strengthens our community. And your commitment inspires us all.

Happy National Nurses Week!