Poll Ranks Nurses High on List of Most Trusted

I know a lot of nurses. They’re friends, family, neighbors, and, of course, those I see when visiting doctors' offices and hospitals. They really are the nicest and most caring people you would ever want to know.

As it turns out, nurses are also the most trusted people in the country, and on the top of the heap for “Majority Positive.”  This claim is according to an annual Gallup poll citing nurses as the best of the best, again, and it’s not even close. Three out of four of those asked agreed that they're highly honest and ethical, according to the Gallup yearly survey.

You may find an occasional nurse who seems a bit blunt or abrupt, but it’s usually because, with lives at stake, things need to be done a certain way. I’d take a rude nurse over a gruff waiter or customer service representative.

The poll rated twenty-three different professions including the aforementioned nurses, police officers, car salespeople, TV reporters, members of Congress, daycare providers, nursing home operators, auto mechanics, funeral directors, and more.

The profession that landed in the second spot is grade-school teachers. They scored fifteen percent lower than nurses with sixty-one percent viewing them in high regard. Military officers, pharmacists, and medical doctors also finished in the upper echelon of the list.

There are a few professions that I feel may not have a stellar reputation due to the actions of a few. These are Police officers, clergy, and judges. They land somewhere in the middle of the pack but are still viewed significantly more positively than negatively.  

Bankers, lawyers, and business executives are ranked not far behind. However, their negatives outweigh their positives.

Not surprisingly, lobbyists, members of Congress, and TV reporters rank as the least-trusted professions, with more than half of those surveyed saying low ethics are, sadly, the reputation of those professions.

Check out the full study here.

I don't know about you, but I hate January. It's cold, it's dark, and, unless you have a birthday this month, there's usually not a whole lot going on. To me, January has always felt like just a month-long hangover. We just had all the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving then the winter holidays and then the New Year. And then boom, here we are. A whole bunch of nothing.

Generally, this is the time of year when we should be slowing down and resting. I'd guess that's the reason for the complete slowdown this month. The trees don't create new buds right now, so why should we be starting new things? But it gets boring and we still need to do things to pass the time.

So if you've started this January off feeling completely uninspired, don't worry, you're not alone. I put together a list of things you could try that might make the cold of this month move by just a little bit faster. I know I'll certainly be doing a few of these. And if none of these pique your fancy, that's ok. Maybe just take a nap, it's a great time of year for it.

So far, in 2025, I've read 4 books. You don't have to do it like that. But, nothing makes me feel cozier than putting on my fuzzy socks, making a cup of Earl Grey tea, and reading a really good book. So I'll always recommend it, especially this time of year.

I'll be honest, planning my next vacation is usually a February thing for me. But I'll do it in January if the winter blues really get to me early. Researching warm places and then booking tickets to those warm places really helps get me through the winter. Maybe it'll help you too. Plus, there's the added bonus of having something to look forward to.

Everybody I know who spends their winters either skiing or snowboarding absolutely love the winter. And you know what they say, time flies when you're having fun.

The one thing I genuinely like about January is that we are in the heart of soup and stew season. Your comfort meal of choice doesn't have to be soup, but the cold is a great excuse to eat your favorite comfort meal more than you normally might.

When it's so cold out and I feel like I'm stuck inside, I like to spend some time writing down all the things I'm grateful for. That especially include the sun and summertime :) but honestly, feeling stuck is the best time to practice gratitude for the people and things you do currently have. It makes the winter feel a little less blue when I can see on paper just how full my life is, even in the freezing cold.

This one feels kind of obvious, but connecting with loved ones always makes the time go faster and warms the soul. Have a movie night, try a new restaurant, or just hang out.

If you don't mind splurging on yourself a bit, book some time at the spa. Get a massage and use the sauna. It's a great time for rest and relaxation, after the bustle of the holidays. So go recharge, you deserve it.