Many people today still regard nurses as “the assistant to the doctor,” but we all know that’s not the case. Nurses are not the hospital’s little helpers. Some think nurses only exist to support doctors in saving lives, without actually knowing what nurses do on a daily basis and without the constant supervision of doctors or other “more qualified” personnel.

What’s to blame for this common misconception? The hospital’s hierarchy, usually headed by male doctors at top and their female “nurse assistants” at the bottom of the ladder. The belief of this hierarchy only gets in the way of proper patient care.

According to sociologist Anne V. Bell, who addressed attendees at Rosalind Franklin University’s second annual symposium on the gender divide in health care profession, emerging studies observed the “flattening the hierarchy” in hopes of improving patient care as women make their way into traditionally male roles. Despite the progress already made, women still need a significant place in the profession. This issue was shown in full when, recently, a Florida anesthesiologist with connections to an important medical school posted demeaning comments about nurse practitioners.

Dr. David Glener, said on social media that “nurse practitioners are not, I repeat, not physicians. They lack the education, IQ and clinical experience. There is no depth of understanding. They are useful but only as minions.” This derogatory comment towards nurses around the world was posted by the doctor on Doximity, a popular social network for medical personnel. The comment was reposted to Twitter, where people reacted swiftly. However, this incident called for both doctors and nurses to unite and create a better work environment to improve their overall care.

Keep in mind, this issue doesn’t just exist between nurses and doctors. Male nurses who are trying make a career for themselves in a female dominated industry go through similar issues. Even if they’re experienced and well-prepared, male nurses are consistently questioned by other nurses who have been in the field for a longer time.

Still, Dr. Glener’s comments, which were followed shortly by other derogatory comments from Dr. Wendell Perry, an emergency physician, speak of a much larger issue present in the workplace of many medical and healthcare professionals, which is connected to both the gender and hierarchy of employees.

However, the timing of the Glener rant couldn’t have been better. As policymakers are hard at work trying to create better work conditions for every nurse. These comments only serve as a good reminder of the ethical obligations that everyone, from the highest specialized physicians to the lowest sanitation workers, have towards both the patients and amongst themselves. Those who work in a health center, regardless of public or private, are expected to build collegial relationships with each other, and with all other healthcare professionals.

The American Medical Association is very clear in its statement regarding inter-professional relationships. These views are even stated in the association’s code of ethics, where they are described as part of a “common commitment to patient well-being” which “should be based on mutual respect and trust.”

Personal relationships and fraternity in the workplace aside, nurses are much more than just doctor assistants.

Just like doctors, nurses work long shifts, sometimes more than their higher-ups to make sure that each and every patient receives the care that they require. According to the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Nursing, 65% of nurses work 12 to 13 hour shifts several times a week. Many of these nurses say that these shifts frequently end up extending to 14 hours each if the situation demands (which it always does).

Besides the long shifts, nurses tend to more patients than doctors, and they are charged with administering treatment and performing follow-ups on those who are hospitalized. According to a 2013 study, they found that doctors see around 13 patients per day, on average. Meanwhile, a 2012 study found that nurses can see around 15 patients on a standard shift, which is not that much higher. However, considering that these shifts tend to extend regularly, the difference can really add up with time. The results from this study contrast with another, which states that a nurse can examine up to 3 patients per hour, which adds up to around 36 patients on a standard 12-hour shift.

With all the responsibilities they have on their hands, nurses are much more than assistants; they are fundamental personnel in any hospital. They are a cornerstone in every medical facility.

That’s how important they are.