1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing to express my profound disappointment and anger over recent comments suggesting that nursing is somehow not a real profession or is undeserving of the same respect afforded to other careers. Nursing is not just a profession—it is a calling. Nurses are there on the worst days of people’s lives. We hold hands during devastating diagnoses, comfort frightened families, advocate for vulnerable patients, and quite literally save lives every single day. We work long hours, sacrifice holidays and time with our families, and carry the emotional weight of caring for people during their most difficult moments. We are highly educated, highly skilled professionals who make life-and-death decisions every day. To diminish our profession is not only disrespectful to nurses, but also to every patient and family who has ever relied on our care. What is equally disappointing is the silence. I have seen far too little support and far too little outrage from elected leaders in response to these insulting comments. Nurses deserve better. Healthcare workers deserve better. I expect my representatives to stand up for the nursing profession and publicly reject rhetoric that demeans the people who care for our communities. Respect for nurses should not be controversial. There are millions of nurses, healthcare workers, patients, and families paying attention. We vote. We advocate. And we remember who stood with us and who remained silent. Support nurses, respect our profession, and recognize the invaluable work we do—or be prepared to answer for that silence at the ballot box in November.