Aussies remember nurses and midwives for one thing more than anything else: how they made us feel

12 May 2026: Nearly nine in ten Australians¹ say they have a vivid, lasting memory of a nurse or midwife — and it’s not only the expert medical treatment they remember most.

Research² released today from Nurses & Midwives Health (NMH) to mark International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day this month, reveals Australians remember nurses and midwives for how they made people feel during life’s most vulnerable moments.

From hospital beds to birthing suites and recovery wards, Australians say it is the small, deeply human moments that stay with them:

• Quiet reassurance that turns fear into calm and vulnerability into dignity
• Feeling genuinely seen, listened to and cared for
• A perfectly timed joke that breaks the tension
• Feeling seen as a person, not just a patient
• Wisdom or advice that goes above and beyondwhat is expected from them.

The research shows in many cases, these moments changed how people coped, how safe they felt, and how strong they believed themselves to be.

Nurses & midwives: Not just important — essential
According to the findings, Australians’ appreciation for nurses and midwives runs deep – and we are united on one thing: healthcare wouldn’t survive without nurses and midwives:

• Almost all Australians (95%) say nurses and midwives are very important or essential
• 81% say the healthcare system couldn’t function without nurses
• Nearly 70% say the same about midwives

“We undertook this research because we wanted to reflect back what Australians themselves say matters most about the work of nurses and midwives,” said Brad Joyce, CEO, Nurses & Midwives Health (NMH). “Again and again, people told us it wasn’t just the clinical care they remember, but the human moments — being reassured, being listened to, being made to feel safe”.

“As a health insurer created for nurses and midwives, these findings resonate deeply with us. They capture exactly why these professions matter, and why we exist to support the people who create these moments for others every day. These insights affirm our purpose: to support professions built not only on skill and expertise, but on care, compassion and humanity”.

The moments Australians never forget — and the people behind them
Alongside the research, NMH has today launched a dedicated podcast series hosted by Kurt Fearnley AO, featuring nurses and midwives speaking candidly about:

• Why they do what they do
• The moments that stay with them long after a shift ends
• The emotional toll — and meaning — of caring for others

“Our research captures what Australians remember about nurses and midwives - and our podcast series reveals what it takes to create those moments, often quietly and without recognition”, continued Brad Joyce.

“These conversations show the emotional reality behind the data. They give nurses and midwives a voice — and recognise the care, compassion and humanity they bring to our lives every day.”

“Sharing these insights and conversations for International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day, we want to shift the conversation beyond generic gratitude and toward what care actually feels like — and why emotional connection is just as vital as clinical expertise”.

To listen to the NMH podcasts click here.

¹“Australians” are referring to Australians who have had an interaction with a nurse or midwife, either as a patient or support person.

²All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 1070 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 21st - 29th April 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+).

--ENDS--

For further data breakdowns, interviews, or for a local case study that can share their story/experience, please contact:
Angela McCann
Nurses & Midwives Health – Corporate Comms & Consumer Media Manager
m: 0414 330 879
e: angela.mccann@teachershealth.com.au

About Nurses and Midwives Health
Since 2016, Nurses & Midwives Health (NMH) has focused on what matters most – supporting the health and wellbeing of nurses, midwives, carers and their families. NMH gives back to and invests in the nursing and midwifery communities through scholarships, sponsorships and health and wellbeing programs.

NMH is part of Teachers Health Group (THG) – Australia’s largest industry health fund with over 70 years’ experience – providing health insurance for teachers, the education community, the nursing and midwifery community and their families. The organisation encompasses Teachers Health, Nurses & Midwives Health, UniHealth, Teachers Union Health (TUH) and Union Health.