More than two thirds of people do not believe nurses have enough time and resources to do their job properly, according to a survey.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) study of more than 1,500 people across the UK found that 69% did not think nurses had enough time.
And less than a fifth (18%) agreed that nurses were paid well compared to other public sector workers such as police, teachers and firefighters.
Half of those surveyed said nurses were not treated fairly by their employers but 87% thought they were valued by the public.
And 81% said nurses were trusted by members of the public.
Dr Beverly Malone, General Secretary of the RCN, said: "It's clear from this survey that the public really do value and trust nurses which goes to show what a great job nurses are doing in such difficult circumstances.
"Day in day out, we are hearing about nursing posts being lost or frozen, operations cancelled and wards under the threat of closure.
"Meanwhile, reforms in the health service are being pushed through at breakneck speed.
"We need to pause for breath and really concentrate on practical ways to give nurses the time and resources to do what they do best: delivering high quality care to their patients.
"I hope the Government will take heed and show nurses how much it values their round-the-clock commitment, professionalism and dedication."
