Nursing is one of the fastest-growing and most essential professions in the United States. With approximately 4.7 million registered nurses (RNs) currently practicing, and an estimated 203,000 new positions expected to open annually through 2031, nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system. Despite their critical role, however, many nurses continue to face disrespect—not just from society at large but sometimes from the very people closest to them.
Take, for example, the story of a young woman who was mocked by her boyfriend’s family simply because she was “just a nurse.” Her boyfriend was a rising star in the medical world—a 28-year-old aspiring heart surgeon. His family, especially his mother, had pictured him marrying someone “on his level”—preferably another doctor. When he introduced his girlfriend, a hardworking and compassionate RN, the reception was cold and condescending. They made it clear that she wasn’t “good enough” for him.
The judgment wasn’t about her character or her dedication—it was about her job title. They saw her profession as inferior. This outdated view—that nurses are somehow second-class to doctors—sadly persists in many circles. Some still cling to the belief that nurses are mere assistants, not realizing the depth of training, knowledge, and skill required in modern nursing.
At a tense family dinner, things finally reached a boiling point. The nurse had had enough of the backhanded remarks and dismissive attitude from her would-be in-laws. In a moment of raw honesty, she stood up for herself and confronted her boyfriend’s mother, pointing out the irony of being judged by a woman who had never held a job outside the home and had relied on others her entire life. The confrontation exposed not only class prejudice but also the double standards that women often face—being labeled “gold diggers” or “just housewives” while simultaneously being shamed for pursuing independent careers.
While this particular story went viral due to its dramatic nature, it highlights a broader issue. Many nurses report feeling undervalued despite their deep commitment and the essential work they perform every day. In fact, according to Medscape’s annual survey on nurse job satisfaction, a stunning 92% of nurses say they are happy with their career choice and would choose it again. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average salary for a registered nurse is $77,600 per year—proof that the profession is both viable and fulfilling.
Still, satisfaction with one’s work doesn’t cancel out the disrespect many nurses endure. Nearly 75% of nurses surveyed said they had been verbally assaulted by patients, and 87% reported some form of physical aggression. Even more disheartening is that much of this mistreatment comes from within the healthcare environment itself. Around 46% of nurses say they’ve been emotionally distressed due to the actions of a manager or administrator, and a similar percentage report being belittled by fellow nurses or doctors.
The tension between doctors and nurses is nothing new. Alexandra Robbins, in her book The Nurses: A Year of Secrets, Drama, and Miracles with the Heroes of the Hospital, exposes how common it is for nurses to be mistreated by physicians. She cites a 2013 survey by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices where 87% of nurses said doctors ignored or refused to return calls and answer questions. Seventy-four percent said they were spoken to with condescension or outright insults, and shockingly, 26% had even had objects thrown at them by physicians. The term “handmaiden” still echoes in some hospital halls, reflecting an archaic mindset where doctors are superior and nurses are expected to serve.
This hierarchy stems from outdated norms. For decades, especially before the 1960s, nursing was seen as a women’s-only profession centered around obedience and subservience. Nurses were often taught to cater to doctors without question. But today, this perception is not only wrong—it’s dangerous.
The reality is that nurses are incredibly well-trained. Becoming a nurse is far from easy. Alexandria Richter, a registered nurse and PhD candidate, explains that the first two years of nursing education involve intensive studies in subjects like zoology, microbiology, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, and nutrition. Nursing students also dissect human cadavers, study pathology and disease progression, and learn how drugs interact with the human body under various conditions. Like medical students, they are held to rigorous academic and clinical standards. They must be prepared to recognize signs of critical conditions, administer life-saving interventions, and provide emotional support—all while juggling high patient loads and navigating complex hospital systems.
And yet, even with this immense responsibility, many still see them as less than. As Robbins points out in her writing for Slate, “Nurses, skilled and educated, deserve respect, appreciation, and a voice in healthcare decisions.” Their knowledge isn’t just practical—it’s deeply intellectual, emotionally demanding, and grounded in science. They are decision-makers, educators, and advocates for patients.
The public image of nurses is slowly changing, thanks in part to popular media like HBO’s hit series The Pitt, which portrays nurses as heroes in their own right. These shows help bring to light the reality: that hospitals cannot function without nurses. They are on the frontlines of every emergency, every difficult diagnosis, and every moment of hope or heartbreak.
It’s time we recognize the value of nurses not as assistants to doctors, but as professionals with distinct and essential roles. Nurses are more than capable, more than “good enough”—they are indispensable. The next time someone dismisses the profession with the phrase “just a nurse,” remember that behind every doctor’s decision, every emergency room success, and every patient’s recovery, there’s often a nurse who made it possible.
