The head of the American Nurses Association believes nurses deserve a little more respect than they recently received from one of the hosts' of the TV talk show "The View."

In a statement released Wednesday, ANA Pamela Cipriano responded to comments by "The View" co-host Joy Behar mocking a Miss America contestant for wearing a nurse's uniform during the talent competition. Behar questioned why the contestant was wearing a "doctor's stethoscope" if she was a nurse.

Behar's comments led to a social media firestorm with nurses posting pictures of themselves with the stethoscopes they used for work. Cipriano noted than one in every 100 Americans is a registered nurse.

"We are the frontline caregivers, 24 hours, seven days a week, who are with individuals from birth, throughout their lifespan and at the end of life," she said. "We care for patients, their families and communities. Nurses have a professional, ethical obligation to their patients, and are committed to transforming the health care system to achieve better health outcomes at reduced cost."

"Nurses don't wear costumes; they save lives," Cipriano added.

Behar later apologized for her remarks. Cipriano said ANA was pleased with the apology.

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