Integration important – “Nurses from third countries are well trained”

A change in the preconditions is necessary to make the nursing profession in Austria more attractive again, according to Göschelbauer. There is a shortage of skilled workers in the nursing sector and the future prospects appear bleak. Yet it is a “meaningful job”: “Nursing homes are places of life.”

“The shortage of trained personnel is not only noticeable in nursing, but in all professional groups that work in nursing institutions.” Staffing is often very meager. Missing or sick nursing staff must then be compensated by other nursing staff who must take over the shifts.

Transferring nursing staff from third countries “is one of many ways. But we have a great responsibility when we bring people from third countries to the healthcare sector in Austria,” says Göschlbauer. Good concepts are needed to properly integrate these colleagues in Austria. “That they are taken care of, that they gain weight and can do qualified work. Because they are highly educated.”

Career changers welcome
Care and support centers are open to young workers, as well as to career changers in the second training opportunity. Since autumn this year, two new apprenticeships in the nursing sector have opened in Lower Austria. With the current school year 2023/24, training for the four-year apprenticeship with a training qualification as a nursing assistant (PFA) and a three-year apprenticeship with a training qualification as a nursing assistant (PA) have started.

The chairman of the NÖ ARGE for nursing and care says: “Older people can of course also start an internship,” and as spokesperson for the industry, she is open to newcomers to the nursing profession.